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Lavender
Natasha (Lavender) is an adult literacy instructor at Project Read Utah and a library clerk. Her undergrad is in literary studies and she continues to analyze, memorize, and devour literature. She has a few short stories and essays published in various small press anthologies. And she particularly enjoys practicing her writing and editing skills at Exponent II where women's voices are celebrated and disparate perspectives embraced.

“Welcome to Primary” Teacher Packet

When I was called to be the ward Primary President, no one gave me anything – no resources, direction, supplies, or clues. Our ward had just split (for the third time in as many years) and while I felt overwhelmed, confused, and tentative, it also gave me the beautiful freedom to create my own space in Primary without anyone telling me what I should do. I realized that I wanted Primary to be a space for children and teachers to gather, connect, and focus on the divine within themselves.

I lack much of what a traditional church leader appears to possess, but the bishop told me that all I needed to do was love the children – I can do that, and I do that with all of my heart. Hopefully, this packet reflects that.

This is the “Welcome to Primary” teacher packet I give to each teacher called into my ward’s Primary. Feel free to edit it and make it your own or just use it as a launching board for the culture you want to create in your primary. I received permission from the artists, J. Kirk Richards and Caitlin Connolly, to use their work in this packet.

  • Welcome Letter
  • Teacher Responsibilities
  • Teaching Tips
  • Including Heavenly Mother

(Photo by Ben White on Unsplash)

Read more posts in this blog series:

Natasha (Lavender) is an adult literacy instructor at Project Read Utah and a library clerk. Her undergrad is in literary studies and she continues to analyze, memorize, and devour literature. She has a few short stories and essays published in various small press anthologies. And she particularly enjoys practicing her writing and editing skills at Exponent II where women's voices are celebrated and disparate perspectives embraced.

13 Responses

  1. This is really lovely. I shared with a daughter who serves in a presidency. Would have loved to be given something like this when called to teach primary.

  2. Wow, this is amazing! I would have loved to be given this any of the times I was asked to be a primary or nursery teacher. Thank you for sharing.

  3. I would also encourage families to subscribe to The Friend or give gift subscriptions for baptism, birthdays, and Christmas. It truly is the most progressive Church magazine. We also organize watch parties at the chapel for the Friend to Friend broadcasts. They always refer to the Primary presidency as “President.” Progress! Thanks for a great resource!

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