Helping Your Child's Primary Teacher
The purpose of the Primary program is to teach children the gospel and help them learn how to live it. However, it isn't intended to take the place of gospel teaching in the home. Instead, Primary instruction should supplement what a child learns at home if the parents are active members of the church.
If you're not sure what your child is studying in Primary, ask the teacher which manual she's using. All the manuals are online at LDS.org in the Gospel Library. Find out which lesson the teacher is on and follow along throughout the year. Many children, particularly those who are younger, may not remember what they learned, or may not have understood the theme of the lesson, focusing instead on some interesting aspect of the class.
Each week, ask your child to tell you what he learned. Because you've read the lesson, you will be able to ask questions that help him to remember. Teachers don't always teach every part of the lesson. They select those activities appropriate for their specific class and the age of the children. Each manual is written for a fairly wide age range, and not all materials will work for each age. (This is why the children can repeat a manual in junior Primary. A four-year-old will receive a very different version of the lesson than an eight-year-old will.)
Your child's teacher is most effective when she can focus on teaching, rather than discipline. The teacher can show a child the rules for her class, but the parents must teach the child self-discipline and courteous behavior. Expect him to sit quietly during Family Home lessons, Sacrament meeting, prayers and stories. Teach him not to bother others near him. Help him learn to be kind to others, to wait his turn to speak, and to say a prayer. Show him how to use basic craft materials such as glue sticks, scissors and crayons safely and carefully, and how to clean up after himself.
Regularly tell your child how much you appreciate his teacher. Help him to love his teacher and to know that you support the teacher's efforts to teach and to discipline. Children who are taught to love their Primary teachers are generally better behaved and feel safer in class.
If your child has special needs, disabilities or family situations the teacher should be aware of, talk to her about them. Most Primary lessons are very focused on the family, and teachers need to know if a child lives with grandparents, has a non-member father, or is a foster child, for example. If a child has died or if a parent is not in the home, let the teacher know and tell her how you explain this to the child. If your child has a disability, provide the teacher with material on the disability and show her how to help your child.
Before bringing your child to Primary each week, take him to the restroom and help him get a drink. Take toys from him, because they are a distraction. The child shouldn't bring anything to class but scriptures. If he must have a security blanket or other security item, place it in a bag and encourage him to leave it there until he really needs it.
When you work in partnership with your child's teacher, the child learns the gospel far better than if you each worked alone, and starts him church life in a positive manner.
Primaries are welcome to distribute this article to the families of their students, and to make changes to fit their own needs. A credit listing this website is appreciated.