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In the good old days, someone at Church Headquarters would write the script, but
now each ward has to write their own!  Don't panic, it can be easy and fun with. . .

Sister Carlson's No Stress Formula for Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentations!!!

1.  Starting Three months before the program:

     - Assign one of the monthly themes to each primary class.
     
     - Come up with a story that can run through the program and tie everything together.
     
     - With the help of the chorister, decide on some kind of unique presentation for a few of
     the songs, like a solo, an instrumental accompaniment, a small group, or sign language 
     (Actually, if you want sign language, start working on it in January!).
     
     - Create an outline of the monthly themes and the songs in the order they will be
     presented.

     - Spend two Sundays visiting the primary classes, talking to the children about their
     class' theme and asking them what they would like to say.  Allow the children to come
     up with their own parts as much as possible.   Think up simple questions that they can
     answer about their theme.  Bring a tape recorder or take notes on what the children say.

2.  Starting Two months before the program:
          
     - Decide how to present the story.  We always had some children assigned to be in a skit
     that ran throughout the program, but you may have a better idea.
     
     - Begin writing the script using the story idea, the outline, and the parts the children
     helped come up with.  This usually took me about two weeks, doing a little a day.
     
     - Pass out parts two Sundays before rehearsals begin.  Give the parts to the parents along
     with a note detailing rehearsal times and the program date.  I also included a list of the
     songs so that the children could practice singing them at home.

     -Give each primary teacher a copy of the script.  Ask them to be ready to help their class
     go up at the correct time.

3.  Starting One month before the program:

     - Prepare a seating chart so that the children will be sitting in their speaking order up in
     the choir seats on the rostrum.  Strategically place primary teachers so that they can help
     the children be reverent.
     
     -Practice one Sunday in the primary room.  Set up chairs like the rostrum and help each
     child sit in the correct order.  Plan on running through once.  Give stickers to children
     who have their part memorized.

     -Practice the next Sunday in the chapel.  Try to run through twice.  Don't forget the
     stickers!

4.  On the Day of the Presentation: You're there!  You're prepared!  No stress!
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<h3>Sample Scripts:</h3>
I have sample scripts available for 2002 and 2003.  If you would like to see them, 
please <a href="mailto:rjc@gnomonkeep.org">e-mail me</a> with your name, your ward, your calling, your Bishop's name and phone number,
and your favorite faith promoting rumor about your cousin's mission companion's neighbor and
the time the Three Nephites changed the flat tire she got on the way to the temple.  Okay, I'm
just kidding about the Three Nephites.  How about just your name, your calling, and whether you'd
prefer MSWord, WordPerfect, or PDF.

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<p> This Page Copyright 2004 Rebecca J. Carlson.  All Rights Reserved. 
<p><a href="../"><i>Fall back to the Keep!</i></a>