Lesson 1: Cultivating a Safe Learning Environment

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs in Primary

INTRODUCTION

Children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and valued. This lesson offers simple, powerful ways to create an environment where all children — including those with diverse learning needs — feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually secure in Primary.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, participants will:

Understand the role of emotional and physical safety in Primary
Recognise strategies for building trust and connection with children
Identify practical actions that promote inclusion and security.

HOW TO USE THIS LESSON

Personal Learning (5-10 min)

Best for individual reflection. Skim the Core Principles and review the Try This in Primary suggestions. Reflect briefly using the Ask Yourself prompt.

Training Spot (10-20 min)

Best for presidency or council meeting discussions. Read the Core Principles aloud. Then, as a group, discuss one or two questions from the Reflect and Act section.

Group Workshop (30-40 min)

Best for a full training session or deeper group learning. Read the content together, invite open discussion, and use the Reflect and Act prompts as a group to identify key needs and create an action plan for your Primary.

DOCTRINAL INSIGHT

As teachers bless children by serving and ministering to their individual needs, abundant blessings will also enter their lives and they will grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Through this labor of love, both teachers and Primary children will enjoy the promised blessing from our Heavenly Father that ‘great shall be the peace of thy children (Primary General Presidency, Church News, 8 March 2018).

CORE PRINCIPLES

Speak with Warmth and Love

The way we speak to children has a powerful impact on how safe and valued they feel. A warm tone, kind words, and gentle encouragement can invite the Holy Ghost into Primary and can calm anxiety and build a child’s confidence. Speaking with love reflects the Saviour’s example and invites peace into the Primary setting.

Learn Each Child’s Name

Remembering and using a child’s name helps them feel seen and valued. Learn their names quickly and try to remember small personal details — like their birthday, a favourite activity, or something they’re proud of. This builds connection and shows genuine interest.

Establish Trust

Children feel more secure when they know they can trust the adults around them. Watch for body language, mood changes, or signs of stress, and respond with compassion. Trust is built through consistency, gentle correction, and the assurance that their needs will be noticed and respected.

Pray for Guidance

Prayer invites divine insight. Not every child will express their needs openly, but the Holy Ghost can guide your heart and help you notice what a child may not say. Take time to pray for the children in your class and ask for insight and inspiration. If a child seems to need extra help, follow those promptings – and consider reaching out to parents for additional insights.

TRY THIS IN PRIMARY

1. Invite the Holy Ghost into each Primary setting

2. Greet each child by name this Sunday.

3. Watch for subtle cues such as fidgeting, silence, or agitation, and gently check in as needed.

4. Choose one child to intentionally build a deeper connection with this month.

REFLECT AND ACT

Reflection Questions

Consider the following questions:

How can we help children and teachers feel the Holy Ghost in each setting?
What does a safe learning environment look and feel like to you?
What additional principles could help build trust with children?
What could we do better to recognise the individual needs of Primary children?

Action Steps

Consider the following action steps:

Identify any changes you feel inspired to make based on the insights you’ve gained during this lesson.
Prioritise one or two changes that could realistically be implemented in the near future.
Plan how you intend to carry out those changes this coming week.

ASK YOURSELF

What’s one small action I could take this week to help every child feel safe, calm, and included in Primary?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All leaders and teachers of children or youth are required to complete the Protecting Children and Youth training within one month of being called. Click here to learn more.

DOWNLOADS

Download a printable version of this lesson here: View Lesson 1