This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights

Will you be teaching the song, This Little Light of Mine (archives) in primary this year? I absolutely love that this song was included in the new hymn book.

For an engaging way to introduce or review this song in singing time, try our This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights idea! Follow along with this simple pattern and light up your primary room as you sing!

This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights

This fun finger lights object lesson is such a neat way to capture everyone’s attention as you teach this song about sharing our light with others! 

The basic idea behind this activity is to start with one finger light and slowly add one light at a time until the entire room is lit up! 

I’ve created a really simple finger lights pattern for this song with just 2 different actions! You’ll definitely want to keep the pattern simple because you’ll be passing lights as you go. 

Before singing time begins, discreetly give each teacher enough lights for every child in their class, but have them keep the lights tucked away for now.

At the beginning of singing time, start by singing through This Little Light of Mine (lyrics here) once. 

Then, turn off all the lights and turn on your finger light. Slowly draw a sun shape as you begin singing “This little light of mine.” Signal a few teachers to Draw an “S” shape as you sing, “I’m gonna let it shine.” 

At this point, signal to the teachers to give lights to 1-2 children in their class. See if they can follow along with your pattern. If not, that’s okay! It will still create a really cool effect. 

On the next repeat, pass out a few more lights and sing together. By the time you get to the phrase, “let it shine,” make sure everyone a their light! Wave your lights up high as you sing these phrases. 

After the song is finished, turn back on the lights for a short discussion about the activity. Was it hard to wait for your light? How did it feel once everyone was shining their light? 

Try the finger lights pattern a few more times and finish by sharing your testimony about the light of Christ. 

Finger Lights Pattern:

This finger lights pattern could not be any easier! Simply repeat the first two actions for the first 3 lines, and repeat the last action for all three “let it d

• Sun – “This little light of mine” 
• Letter “S” – “I’m gonna let it shine” 
• Wave High – “Let it shine” 

Extension Activities:

• To simplify the object lesson, skip the actions altogether for the first time through. Just have the teachers pass out 1 light at a time until everyone has one! Then, try the pattern when each child has a light. 
• Give the first child in each row enough lights for their class. Then, have them take one light and pass the rest down as you sing together. Eventually, the lights will make it down the row and all the lights will be shining! 
• Split the room into 3 groups – one for each repeated phrase of the song. Have one group sing “This little light of mine” and draw a sun, then have the next group sing “I’m gonna let it shine” while they draw the letter “S.” Have the third group sing the last three repeated phrases and wave their lights. 

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Shine On Finger Lights singing time activity!

This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights Demo Video

I’ve created this short video demonstration for any visual learners who would like to see this pattern in real time! In this video, I demonstrate the finger lights pattern and explain how to use this activity as an object lesson! Just click the video link below or head over to our Primary Singing YouTube Channel for even more singing time ideas!

—> This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights Demo Video <—

This Little Light of Mine Finger Lights Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a 1-page pattern guide for the 1st verse.

This activity has extended printables including a printable lesson plan and larger 3-page pattern guide as well as additional patterns for the 2nd and 3rd verse. You’ll find these bonus files included in the This Little Light of Mine teaching packet in my shop.

Head over to our This Little Light of Mine Partner Claps idea next for a fun way to get your primary children interacting with each other as you review!

What other fun ways will you use this finger lights singing time activity in your Primary room?