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