Perhaps the most important lesson we can teach our primary children is that they are loved by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That’s why I love the song, Jesus Loves Me (archives)! This tender song is a sweet reminder that our Savior loves each one of us.
As you teach this song in primary, try this Jesus Loves Me Jingle Bells living music activity with 3 different jingle bell patterns to choose from!
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Jesus Loves Me Jingle Bells
Your Junior and Senior primary children will love trying out these jingle bells patterns as sing the song, Jesus Loves Me in singing time!
For this activity, you’ll just need a set of jingle bells for each child. If you have a larger primary, you can also opt to share bells. However, I definitely recommend getting enough for your entire primary if possible!
This set of 24 Jingle Bells from Amazon is very cost-effective and comes with lots of bright colors! If you are feeling crafty, you can also make your own jingle bells for primary (DIY instructions).
I’ve created 3 different jingle bell patterns ranging from easy to challenging. Start with the easiest pattern and work your way through all 3 or just choose one!
At the beginning of singing time, sing the first verse and chorus of Jesus Loves Me (flip chart here) together. This is a great way to invite the Spirit and encourage reverence before passing out the bells.
Then, pass out bells to each teacher to distribute to the children in their class. Remind the children to practice reverence while they play the bells. One trick I like to use is to have the kids hold the bells on one knee until it’s their turn to play.
Put the first jingle bell pattern on the board. We’re going to start by shaking on every note. Every time we sing a new note or even if we repeat the same note, we’re going to shake!
Try shaking on every note a few times. Your primary children will likely get the hang of this pattern quickly.
Are you ready for a new pattern? Now, let’s try shaking on every word. Listen carefully, because some words are split into two notes! Words like “Je – sus” and “Bi – ble” will still only get one shake.
For an extra challenge, try shaking on every OTHER word! This requires a little bit more focus. Have some fun trying each pattern or stick with just one as you review!
3 Jingle Bells Patterns:
For this jingle bells idea, I wanted to include a few different options for patterns to try as you sing along. I’ve included 3 different patterns, ranging from easy to challenging.
All three of these patterns are definitely doable for all ages, but you may want to start with the easiest pattern and see how the kids do!
Don’t forget to grab a copy of the printable pattern later in this post as a reminder of each pattern as you practice!
1.Easy: Shake on Every Note
Ex. “Je – sus loves me, this I know”
2. Medium: Shake on Every Word
Ex. “For the Bible tells me so” – The word, “Bible” only gets one shake, even, though it is two different notes).
3. Challenge: Shake on Every OTHER Word
Ex. “Little – to – Belong; – Are – But – Is – “
Extension Activities:
- Shake ONLY on the word, “Jesus!” How many times do you sing the word, “Jesus” in this song? (V1 & Chorus: 4). Or, add in any references to Christ, like “He” or “Him”
- Divide the room in half and have each side alternate shaking every other word. For example, have one side shake on “Jesus” and “me,” and have the other side shake on “loves” and “this.”
- Choose key words throughout the song and write these words on word strips. Pull 1-2 words and shake only on those words each time you sing! Ex. “Jesus,” “Loves, “Bible,” “Little,” “Belong,” “Weak,” “Strong.”
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Little Lord Jesus Jingle Bells singing time activity!
Jesus Loves Me Jingle Bells Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page chart with 3 different jingle bell challenges.
This activity has extended printables including jingle bell cars in 1/4 and full page size. You’ll find these bonus files included in the Jesus Loves Me teaching packet in my shop.
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For another fun singing time idea, head over to see This Little Light of Mine Melody Map to teach this other fun new song!
What other fun ways will you use this jingle bells singing time activity in your Primary room?
