Planning
When should planning the Primary Program begin?
Planning should begin early in the year!
(Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).
During which quarter of the year is a Primary Program typically held?
"...the children’s sacrament meeting presentation is normally held during the fourth quarter of the year"
(Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation)
"The annual children’s sacrament meeting presentation is held during the last few months of the year" (Handbook 12.2.1.2).
Which classes participate in the Primary Program?
Sunbeams through 11-year-old class. All those who attend singing time and primary classes.
What is the main focus of presenting the Primary Program?
"The children present what they have learned at home and at church during the year. They help the congregation focus on Heavenly Father, the Savior, and Their teachings" (Handbook 12.2.1.2)
Who is involved in the Primary Program planning process?
"The Primary presidency and music leader prayerfully plan the presentation. The bishopric gives direction."
(Handbook 12.2.1.2)
True or False
The Primary Program should last the length of Sacrament Meeting.
False
"The presentation may take all or part of the meeting time after the sacrament" (Handbook 12.2.1.2).
How many children are needed to hold the annual Primary Program?
One or more!
What type of content may children present during the Primary Program?
"Children may sing, give talks, and share stories, scriptures, or testimonies" (Handbook 12.2.1.2)
Who is responsible for the final approval of the program?
"As the Primary presidency and music leader, arrange to meet early in the year with the counselor in the bishopric who oversees Primary to begin discussing plans for the presentation. When you have completed the plans, obtain his approval for them" (Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).
What is one way to conclude the Primary Program?
"A member of the bishopric may conclude the meeting with brief remarks" (Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).
In units with fewer children, who may be invited to participate in the Primary Program?
"Units with few children may invite children’s family members to participate" (Handbook 12.2.1.2).
True or False
Visuals, costumes, or media presentations may be included in the Primary Program.
"Because of the sacredness of sacrament meeting, the presentation should not include visuals, costumes, or media presentations" (Handbook 12.2.1.2)
How should content for the Primary Program be decided?
"Prayerfully consider which gospel principles and songs support what they have or will have learned." (Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).
When should/shouldn't Primary Program practices be held?
"Practices should not take unnecessary time away from Primary classes or families" (Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).
True or False
The Primary Program is a great way to involve children in missionary work.
True!
This is a great way to encourage primary children to practice being missionaries in normal, natural ways by "Inviting friends and family members to attend the annual children’s sacrament meeting presentation" (Handbook 12.2.3). It also provides them an opportunity to practice "Sharing their testimonies with friends and family members" (Handbook 12.2.3)
The parts that children present in the Primary Program allow them to share...
"The presentation should allow the children to present what they and their families have learned from the Book of Mormon at home and in Primary, including the Primary songs they have sung during the year"
(Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation)
True or False
Both the children presenting and the congregation watching are important to consider when planning the Primary Program.
True!
"As you plan the presentation, think of ways it can help the congregation focus on Heavenly Father and the Savior and Their teachings" (Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).
What does the Handbook call the Primary Program?
The "Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation"
What instruments are approved to be used in the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation?
"The piano, organ, or another instrument approved by the bishopric may be used to accompany hymn singing in sacrament meeting" (Handbook 19.3.2).
"Bishoprics may approve the use of other instruments to accompany congregational singing, for prelude and postlude music, and in other musical selections" (Handbook 19.3.6).
"If a piano, organ, or accompanist is not available, recordings may be used" (Handbook 19.3.6).
How do I know what kind of part to give a child in the program?
Helpful Tip
"Throughout the year, keep notes of children’s talks and personal experiences for possible use in the presentation. Invite children to share scriptures, stories, and their testimonies in the presentation" (Come, Follow Me—For Primary Appendix A: Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation).