I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks

Today I want to share this I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks idea with you! For a fun way to encourage participation during singing time, bring in some rhythm sticks and tap along with this fun pattern!

Your primary children will quickly catch on to this pattern that uses just 5 actions as you teach the Old Testament song, I’ll Stand Tall (archives) in singing time this month!

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I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks

If new instruments will not fit your primary budget this year, you can easily swap them for pencils for a more affordable option! Or, have everyone pick a buddy for singing time and take turns! You may also want to take a glance at all our Singing Time Supplies Budget Alternatives for more ways to save on primary supplies!

Whether you bring in some brand new rhythm sticks or get creative with supplies from home, I’ve created a simple rhythm pattern that pairs well with any of the verses you are teaching for this song. Let’s jump right in!

At the beginning of singing time, sing through I’ll Stand Tall. Since this song is likely to be unfamiliar to your primary children, you’ll want to keep a copy of our I’ll Stand Tall flip chart for this song handy.

Then, pull out a pair of rhythm sticks and swish your sticks together as you sing “David faced the giant.” Tap on each word of the phrase, “With only five small stones.”

Can you try it with me? Ask for a volunteer to come up and try the pattern for the first line. If you have lots of eager volunteers, have a few come up to try it.

For the next action, hold your rhythm sticks parallel and tap them together three times as you sing, “He knew the Lord was near.”

Raise your sticks up high for the last phrase, “David stood tall.” Pick another volunteer to come up and try the last two actions in the pattern.

Can we all try it together? Pass out rhythm sticks or pencils and try the pattern as you review the verse!

Rhythm Sticks Verse Pattern:

Here’s a quick outline of the rhythm sticks pattern for the verse! This pattern will go right along with any of the verses you are focusing on. Be sure to grab a printable copy for some helpful visuals.

• Swish – “David faced the giant”
• Tap 5X – “With / only / five / small / stones /
• Cross “X” Tap 2X – “He did not fear”
• Tap Lengthwise 3X – “He knew the Lord was near”
• Raise Both Sticks Up – “David stood tall”

*Repeat for all verses*

Extension Activities:

• Try rhythm sticks for the chorus by tapping along with the beat or tapping out the rhythm.  Or, try tapping on short notes and swishing on longer words at ends of phrases like “alone,” “tall.”
• Don’t have rhythm sticks? Just tap on your lap! Drumroll on your lap for the swishes and raise your arms up high at the end.
• Alternate each action/line by pointing to one side of the room at a time. Can you remember what action comes next in the pattern?

I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks Demo Video!

Try this rhythm sticks pattern along with me! In this short video, I demonstrate all 5 actions in this rhythm pattern and sing through the first verse as an example. I also share some additional ways to adapt this activity. Just grab the link below or watch this video, along with more singing time ideas, at our Primary Singing YouTube Channel.

–> I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks Demo Video <–

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet Rhythm Sticks singing time activity!

I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks Printable Song Helps

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

This activity has extended printables available including a rhythm sticks pattern for the chorus, 2nd and 3rd verse. It also includes rhythm stick cards in 1/4 and full page sizes. You’ll find these bonus printables included in the I’ll Stand Tall teaching packet in my shop.

See this I’ll Stand Tall What Comes Next idea for a fun way to focus on the lyrics as you review this primary song!

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