If you are looking for a fun way to review This Little Light of Mine (archives) in singing time this month, you will love this fun This Little Light of Mine Partner Claps idea!
This partner claps pattern is a perfect way to get everyone out of their seats as you teach this awesome new hymn in primary!
This Little Light of Mine Partner Claps
Your social butterflies will especially love this interactive learning style partner claps idea! This activity provides a great opportunity for your primary children to engage with each other while learning this song that’s included in the new hymn book!
I’ve created an easy clapping pattern to pair with this joyful song. There are only a few actions and lots of repetition, making it a great activity for both Junior and Senior primary!
Before introducing the clapping pattern, sing through one verse of This Little Light of Mine (flip chart here). I always like to quickly review the lyrics first to keep the song fresh and invite the spirit.
Then, ask for a volunteer to come help you demonstrate the pattern! Start by facing your partner. This pattern works sitting or standing, but I recommend standing to get those extra wiggles out! Pat your lap twice as you sing the words, “this little.”
Next, clap your hands twice on the words, “light of.” Now, clap straight across to your partner as you sing the word, “mine.”
Repeat these three actions for the phrase, “I’m gonna let it shine.” Are you ready to try it with me?
Have the children turn to face a partner and try out this pattern for the first two lines. Since there is so much repetition in this song, we’ll be using this simple pattern for almost the entire verse!
When you get to the part of the song that says, “let it shine,” switch up the pattern! Each time you sing “let it,” clap twice with your partner. Then, finish with a spin on the word, “shine.”
Let’s try the entire pattern! Post the partner claps pattern on the board and follow along as you sing together!
There are many different ways to adapt this activity to make it more challenging or switch things up a bit. You can find bunch of additional ideas for using this activity later in this post!
Partner Claps Pattern:
I’ve included the full partner claps pattern below to help you prepare for this activity. As you teach this pattern in primary, I definitely recommend grabbing the printable version later in this post with helpful visuals for your primary children.
PAT – PAT —> Pat both knees twice (“This lit – le” and “I’m gon – na”).
CLAP – CLAP —> Clap your hands twice (“light of” and “let it”).
PARTNER CLAP —> Stand facing your partner, then reach both palms across for a partner clap (“Mine” and “shine”).
*Repeat the above actions 3 times as you repeat the lyrics*
Then, as you repeat the phrase, “Let it shine” three times, alternate between partner claps and a spin!
PARTNER CLAPS —> “Let it”
SPIN —> “Shine.”
Extension Activities:
- Challenge your older primary children with different actions to add some variety on the repeats. Here are some options to try: alternating knee pats, low/high partner claps, snaps, single-hand partner claps across or diagonal.
- Split the class into 2 sides. Have one side do all the knee pats and have the other side do the claps. Then, switch! Have everyone do the partner claps each time.
- Since the same line is repeated 3 times, have each class come up with their own actions for the line. Then, have each group “perform” their actions one at a time as you sing through the song.
- Partner Swap! As you sing, randomly call out “swap!” Everyone must quickly find a new partner and continue on with the pattern until the next swap.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Love is Spoken Here Hand Claps singing time activity!
This Little Light of Mine Partner Claps Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page partner claps pattern guide.
This activity has extended printables including a printable lesson plan, pattern key, and larger formats including a 2-page and 3-page pattern guide. You’ll find these bonus files included in the This Little Light of Mine teaching packet in my shop.
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Head over to this This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights idea next for a neat object lesson about sharing our light!
What other fun ways will you use this partner claps singing time activity in your Primary room?
