I’ll Stand Tall Hand Claps

Get everyone up and moving during singing time with this fun I’ll Stand Tall Hand Claps activity! For this activity, we’ll be focusing on the chorus with a catchy movement pattern for I’ll Stand Tall (archives) that your primary children are sure to love!

I’ll Stand Tall Hand Claps

Since we only have 20 minutes (at most!) for singing time, it is important to make sure we are really focusing on teaching the gospel through the yearly Come Follow Me song lists (landing page!). However, I also like to make singing time feel fun and engaging for the primary kiddos, especially on those Sundays when there are lots of wiggles!

This hand claps pattern is a perfect fit! You will love clapping along with this simple hand claps pattern that uses several repeating actions for the chorus of this song. Let’s jump right in and I’ll share it with you.

How to Play:

At the beginning of singing time, sing through I’ll Stand Tall. I recommend grabbing a copy of our printable I’ll Stand Tall flip chart for this song if you don’t already have it! We are going to try some actions! Can you repeat after me?

Demonstrate the pattern for the phrase, “I’ll stand tall” by patting your lap on the word “I’ll,” clapping your hands on the word “stand,” and raising your arms up high when you sing the word, “tall.”

You’ll be using this pattern a few times throughout the chorus, so make sure you really have it down!

Then, slide to the right as you sing, “The Savior is beside me.” Slide back to the left as you sing the phrase, “He’s always there to guide me.”

Then, clap three times for the phrase, “I do not walk alone.” Repeat your 3-action sequence for the next, “I’ll stand tall.”

Now, stomp your feet for the phrase, “His Spirit will direct me,” and give yourself a big hug as you sing, “His loving arms protect me.”

Heavenly Father wants you to be happy! He is on your team. Point to yourself and smile as you sing, “He’s on my side.” Awesome! Let’s try the entire pattern again!

Sing through the chorus a few times with the clapping pattern. Finish by sharing your testimony. Then, focus on the verse next week!

Hand Claps Chorus Pattern:

Here’s a quick outline of the actions for this hand claps pattern. If you’d like some visuals as you teach these actions, grab a copy of our printable hand claps pattern later in this post.

• Pat Lap – “I’ll”
• Clap – “Stand”
• Raise Arms Up High – “Tall”
• Slide Right – “The Savior is beside me”
• Slide Left – “He’s always there to guide me”
• Clap 3x = “I do not walk alone”
• Stomp – “Spirit will direct me”
• Hug Self – “Loving arms protect me”
• Point to self/Smile – “He’s on my side”

Extension Activities:

• Choose three helpers to come up to the front of the room.  Assign one of the three repeating actions (pat, clap, raise arms) to each volunteer. Each time you sing, “I’ll stand tall,” have your helpers do their action. Then, pick three new children to try the sequence.
• Add a pattern for the verse by clapping out the rhythm or beat. Keep it simple!
• Have one side of the room sing and clap on each repeat of the phrase, “I’ll stand tall.” Have the other side sing and do the actions for the rest of the lyrics. Then, switch!
• Get the teachers involved! Take turns doing the actions for the “I’ll Stand Tall” sequence. Who can do it faster?

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Build an Ark Stomp & Clap singing time activity!

I’ll Stand Tall Hand Claps Demo Video

Try this hand claps pattern along with me for a boost of confidence as you prepare for this activity! In this video, I run through the entire chorus pattern and provide some additional tips for using this activity in singing time. Just grab the link below or find this video, along with more singing time helps on our Primary Singing YouTube channel. You’ve got this!

–> I’ll Stand Tall Hand Claps Demo Video <–

I’ll Stand Tall Hand Claps Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a one-page pattern with actions for keywords in the chorus.

This activity has extended printables available including additional hand clap patterns for all 3 verses. You’ll find these bonus printables included in the I’ll Stand Tall teaching packet in my shop.

For another fun activity to help you teach this song, you don’t want to miss this I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks lesson plan.

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