Lesson 3: Establishing Predictability

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs in Primary

INTRODUCTION

Predictability fosters emotional safety and trust. When Primary children know what to expect, they feel more secure and confident. This is especially important for those with learning differences, anxiety, or short attention spans. Predictable environments support participation, reduce stress, and allow children to focus on gospel learning.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, participants will:

Understand how predictable routines help children feel secure.
Identify specific ways to build predictability into the Primary setting.
Learn how to use tools like support helpers and visual schedules effectively.

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

Children — especially younger children — often benefit from a regular, predictable routine. (Come Follow Me, New Testament 2023, Meeting the Needs of Younger Children)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using learning support helpers who are trusted adults who assist children with focus, regulation, and participation during Primary.

Learning support helpers can be formally called or informally assigned. Consistently assigned helpers will build trust with children.

Consult with parents or caregivers to understand each child’s support needs.

Always follow Church safeguarding policies, including ensuring that two adults are present when interacting with children.

Be aware of and comply with any local laws or government requirements for working with children.

CORE PRINCIPLES

Surround Children with Familiar People

Children feel safer when they are greeted by familiar, trusted adults. Try to keep the same leaders, teachers, and assistants with a class from week to week. When changes are unavoidable, let children know ahead of time and introduce new helpers in a friendly, reassuring way.

Utilise Learning Support Helpers

Learning support helpers are trusted adults who offer additional support to children who need help staying engaged, calm, or focused. They may quietly redirect a child, offer reassurance, or sit close by to provide comfort. Where possible, assign the same helper consistently to build trust.

Utilise Predictable Routines

Children thrive when they know what to expect. Establish consistent routines for greetings, seating, transitions, and class structure. Even small consistencies—like always starting with a song or using the same cue to transition—help children feel more confident and at ease.

Utilise Visual Schedules

A visual schedule shows the sequence of class activities in a simple, child-friendly format. This helps children mentally prepare and stay engaged. Display the schedule where everyone can see it, refer to it throughout the session, and let children know when changes are coming.

TRY THIS IN PRIMARY

1. Greet children with the same warm routine each week.

2. Display a simple visual schedule or class plan.

3. Introduce the substitute teacher before Sunday if a change is coming.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

VIDEO: Using a Visual Schedule in Primary

VIDEO: Using a Schedule to Help Reduce Anxiety

REFLECT AND ACT

Reflection Questions

Consider the following questions:

What does it mean to establish predictability in Primary?
Why is it important?
What additional routines or tools could help children feel more secure?
What steps could we take this week to improve predictability?

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 small routines or tools could I use to help make Primary more predictable for the children in my class?

DOWNLOADS

Download a printable version of this lesson here: View Lesson 3