Are you teaching the hymn, As I Search the Holy Scriptures (archives) this year? I love the simple, yet powerful message of this short song. For a fun way to review this song in singing time, use this As I Search the Holy Scriptures Dance Scarves activity!
This purposeful movement idea is such a great way to keep even your youngest primary kiddos engaged in singing time! I’ve created this simple dance scarves pattern with 4 actions that you are sure to love!
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As I Search the Holy Scriptures Dance Scarves
Dance Scarves are such a great way to get your primary kids up out of their seats during singing time! If I had to pick just one singing time manipulative to keep with me, I’d choose dance scarves. They are fun, simple, and pretty cheap too!
I use dance scarves all the time they’re SO much fun to bring into your Primary! Pick up a set of Dance Scarves from Amazon here. Plus, to help you easily come up with your own Dance Scarves movement patterns, head over to grab my Dance Scarves Movement Cards.
Just grab your dance scarves and teach this simple pattern during singing time for a fun way to review this song in primary this month!
Before introducing this activity, do a quick review by singing through the first verse of As I Search the Holy Scriptures (flipchart here).
Pass out dance scarves to each teacher to give to their class. As the scarves are being passed out, listen to the pianist play the song quietly.
Demonstrate the first action by waving your scarf high in the air and bringing it down in a zig zag pattern. Say or sing the first phrase as you demonstrate this action.
Then, draw a heart in the air with your dance scarf as you sing or say the second phrase. Have the children continue watching as you demonstrate the action for the third phrase by spinning in place with your scarf.
As you sing the last phrase, toss your scarf high in the air and catch it. Are you ready to try it with me? Do you remember our actions? Post the printable dance scarves pattern on the board for a reminder.
Try the dance scarves pattern together as you sing. When you get to the last line, see if you can catch the scarf on your head!
Dance Scarves Pattern:
- Zig Zag Down: Starting with your dance scarf in the air, slowly bring it down in a zig zag pattern. Use this action for the first phrase, “As I search the holy scriptures,”
- Draw a Heart: Simply draw a large heart in the air with your dance scarf while singing, “loving Father of mankind,”
- Spin in a Circle: Hold your dance scarf in one hand and stretch out your arm. Then, spin in a circle! Use this action while singing the third phrase, “May my heart be blessed with wisdom,”
- Toss & Catch: Scrunch up your scarf and toss it in the air. For an extra challenge, try catching your scarf on your head while singing, “And may knowledge fill my mind.”
Extension Activities:
- Split the class into 4 groups. Assign each group one phrase of the song along with one dance scarves action. Have each group sing their phrase while performing the action. Each time you repeat the song, switch actions!
- For a fun challenge at the end, toss your scarf to a partner! Stand across from your partner and toss your scarves to each other while singing the last line.
- Cut the dance scarves pattern into smaller squares with one action per square. Randomly place the squares in order and follow that order for one run-through of the song! Then, rearrange the actions and try a new pattern!
- What other actions can you come up with? Have the children work together in groups to create their own dance scarves pattern to perform for the class!
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Could I Hold the Baby Dance Scarves singing time activity!
Dance Scarves Demonstration Video
If you are a visual learner, you’ll definitely want to watch this brief demonstration video as you prepare to teach this pattern! In this video, I’ll demonstrate all 4 dance scarves actions used in this pattern and sing through the entire first verse using the pattern. Practice along with me!
–> As I Search the Holy Scriptures Demo Video <–
As I Search the Holy Scriptures Dance Scarves Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a one-page dance scarves pattern with 4 simple actions!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including 1/4 page and full page action cards in color and black and white. You’ll find these bonus files included when As I Search the Holy Scriptures is the featured song of the month.
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or login with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
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Be sure to grab our colorful As I Search the Holy Scriptures flip chart for this song as you review!
What other fun ways will you use this dance scarves singing time activity in your Primary room?
