Involving the children to improve reverence

The following is a story told by President Monson in the April 1994 Ensign

You can read the complete text of the article here .

"I was a boy during the Great Depression. I remember children wearing galoshes because they had no shoes and going hungry because they had no food. These were difficult times. A bright light of hope shining amidst the gloom was Primary. I was 10 years old. I had a marvelous teacher. 

I look back upon that year as my finest in Primary, and I must say it was because of my wonderful teacher. It wasn’t because the boys in the class were particularly enlightened or unusually well behaved; on the contrary.The laughter of the boys and the chatter of the girls at times must have been most disconcerting to our Primary leaders.  One day as we left the chapel for our classrooms, I noted that our Primary president remained behind. I paused and observed her. She sat all alone on the front row of the benches, took out her handkerchief, and began to weep. I walked up to her and said, “Sister Georgell, don’t cry.”  She said, “I’m sad.”  I responded, “What’s the matter?”  She said, “I can’t control the Trail Builders. ^* Will you help me?”  Of course I answered, “Yes.”  She said, “Oh, that would be wonderful, Tommy, if you would.”  What I didn’t know then is that I was one of those responsible for her tears. She had effectively enlisted me to aid in achieving reverence in our Primary. And we did."

There are many ways we can help the children to be reverent.  Here are a couple of ideas. 

1. If they have paper or books with them ask them to place those items quietly under their chairs.

2. Look at the layout of the chairs and see if their placement encourages reverence, for example, are they placed close to windows, curtains, accordion doors, that may be a distraction for the children?

3. Ask a different child each week to stand in front with arms folded reverently to set an example.

4. If it starts to get noisy ask; "If you are listening, touch your elbow, (touch your nose, blink your eyes etc.)"

I know that by helping to increase the reverence in our primaries that the children will feel the spirit more strongly. 

We love you leaders and appreciate your diligent efforts to teach these young children.

Michelle Nieman

1st Counselor in the Stake Primary Presidency

Teaching Children About Prayer

President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, “I know of nothing that will ease family tensions [better] than will praying together, confessing weaknesses together before the Lord, and invoking the blessings of the Lord upon the home and those who dwell there” (Improvement Era, June 1963, page 531).

As we teach children about prayer we can teach them that prayer can be used for (1) expressing gratitude, (2) pleading for unity and love, (3) asking for help in time of need, and (4) seeking strength to resist or overcome.

It is vital for children to know that they can always turn to their Father in Heaven and that they are never alone, that He will answer their prayers.

"Once children have been introduced to the basic elements of prayer and its importance in spiritual growth, we will want to continue learning about this marvelous gift together and perfecting our prayers as we perfect our lives in obedience, praying together that His “will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). (Liahona March 1990, Teaching Children about Prayer) 

I have a testimony about the power of prayer and how it can bless our lives. What better tool can we give our children to strengthen their relationship with Heavenly Father and help them make good choices. I challenge each one of us to take the time to make our prayers more meaningful and help the children we serve to do the same.

Have a great Week and know that we love you.

Michelle Nieman

Stake Primary 1st Counselor