Supporting Diverse Learning Needs in Primary

Practical training, guidance, and templates to support the diverse learning needs of Primary children.

EMPOWER EVERY CHILD TO THRIVE

Children learn in different ways. The content found in this resource kit is designed to support Primary leaders and teachers as they work to meet the diverse learning needs of the children they serve.

Children may require personalised support for many reasons — including shyness, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, attentional differences, traumatic backgrounds, or medical conditions.

These lessons are designed to strengthen your ability to create a Primary experience where every child feels loved, safe, included, and able to participate in gospel learning.

Each lesson is:

  • Short, practical, and easy to adapt
  • Rooted in gospel principles and compassionate teaching
  • Flexible for use in presidencies, training settings, or individual study

HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using this resource. These lessons are designed to be adapted based on the needs of your stake, district, ward, branch or individual Primary leaders and teachers.

You may choose to:

  • Complete lessons individually
  • Discuss as teacher companionships or in presidency meetings
  • Introduce in short training spots (e.g., 5th Sunday, ward council)
  • Facilitate group sessions using the built-in reflection tools
  • Work through all seven lessons over time — or focus on just one or two areas most relevant to your unit's needs.

Learn more here: About This Resource


EXPLORE THE LESSONS

This guidebook includes seven flexible lessons designed to help Primary leaders and teachers support children with diverse learning needs. Each lesson stands alone and can be used individually, in group settings, or as part of a broader training plan. Start with the topics most relevant to your Primary.

Lesson 1: Creating a Safe Learning Environment

Focus: Creating emotional safety by inviting the Spirit, speaking with warmth, building trust, learning names, and praying for guidance — A foundational starting point for all Primary teachers and leaders.

View Lesson 1

Lesson 2: Adopting a Flexible Learning Approach

Focus: Supporting agency and engagement through movement, choice, seating options, and breakout spaces — Ideal for children who benefit from physical flexibility or ongoing movement throughout the lesson.

View Lesson 2

Lesson 3: Establishing Predictability

Focus: Using consistent people, routines, and visual schedules to help children feel secure — Supports participation by creating structure and trust.

View Lesson 3

Lesson 4: Supporting Emotional Regulation

Focus: Helping children manage emotions using gentle responses, calming tools, and supportive language — Especially helpful for children who experience emotional outbursts or difficulty expressing feelings.

View Lesson 4

Lesson 5: Partnering with Parents and Caregivers

Focus: Building respectful, open communication with families to support each child’s learning and participation — Encourages shared understanding between home and Primary.

View Lesson 5

Lesson 6: Holding Private Conversations

Focus: Knowing when and how to privately discuss a child’s needs with parents or caregivers — Ideal for leaders wanting to build understanding without the need for a formal support plan.

View Lesson 6

Lesson 7: Creating a Learning Support Plan

Focus: Collaborating with parents to create a short, respectful plan that captures key support strategies for a child — Promotes consistency across teachers and helps each child feel safe, included, and successful.

View Lesson 7


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of this resource?
This training is designed to help Primary teachers and leaders create a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment for all children, including those with unique learning needs.

How do I start using this resource?
Begin with the About This Resource page, which provides guidance on how to prepare for the training, use the modules, and implement learning support strategies.

Who is this training designed for?
It is designed for Primary teachers, presidencies, and leaders who want to better understand and support children with diverse learning needs.

How long does it take to complete the training?
The training is self-paced, with each lesson designed to take anywhere from 5 minutes to 40 minutes depending on the need and setting.

Is this training required for all Primary leaders and teachers?
No, this training is optional. It is provided as a supplementary resource to help create a more inclusive Primary experience.

How do I provide feedback on the resource?
Use the online surveys found at the bottom of this page to submit feedback.


READY TO GET STARTED?

View the full guide here: Full Training Guide