Have you taught The Books of the Book of Mormon (archives) in singing time yet this year? Although this song isn’t included in the official Book of Mormon song list for this year, it’s a fun & easy song to teach as you work through the Book of Mormon in Come Follow Me!
For a simple way to teach or review this song in primary, have some fun with this The Books of the Book of Mormon Cup Pattern! This rhythmic pattern is super easy to catch on to for all ages!
Books of the Book of Mormon Cup Pattern
This simple cup pattern is an excellent way to teach the rhythm of this song and break down all the book names in an easy way! For this pattern, we’ll be using one pattern that is repeated throughout the entire song.
At the beginning of singing time, start by singing through the song once before introducing this activity. If your primary kids are still having trouble with the order of books, grab our handy Books of the Book of Mormon flip chart to help you as you sing!
Then, bring out a plastic cup and demonstrate the cup pattern. I like to do this before passing out the cups so that you are sure to have their attention. Have the kids watch closely as you sing through a line or two using the pattern. Did you catch what the pattern was?
Pass out cups to each teacher to distribute to their classes. For this rhythm pattern, each child will need just one cup.
Post the printable cup pattern on the board and show the kids what a “Pat” on the knee looks like, and what a “Tap” on the palm looks like. These are the only rhythms we’ll need!
Slowly speak or sing the first line while having the kids try the pattern with you. See how quickly the kids can switch hands in between each repeat of the pattern. Have some fun singing through the entire song using this pattern!
Cup Pattern:
For this pattern, we’ll really just be using two actions for the entire song, with a simple swap in between. Our first action will be a pat on the knee. I find that tapping your knee with the top of the cup makes the best sound.
Then, you’ll take the cup and tap the top of the cup onto your opposite hand. I find that this is the best time to switch hands. Simply grab the cup with your other hand right after you tap the palm. That’s it! Here’s what the entire pattern looks like:
Pat – Tap – Tap / Pat – Tap – Switch Hands
Song Example:
First – Sec – ond / Books – Nephi (SWITCH),
Jacob – E – nos / Jarom – Omni (SWITCH)
Words – Mor – mon / and Mosiah (SWITCH)
In – Book – of / Mor – mon.
Extension Activities:
- Follow the leader! Once you have explained the basics of the pattern, choose a child to come up and lead the class in the cup pattern! This is an easy way to encourage more participation and get everyone involved. Each time you repeat the song, choose a new leader!
- Have children pair up and make it a partner pattern! Instead of switching hands, switch cups with your partner! See how quickly you can swap cups before the next beat!
- For an extra challenge, swap out any of the actions for a new one! For example, instead of patting the cup on your knee, you could pat your cup on your elbow or head. You can make this as silly as you want!
- Another challenge to try with your older primary kiddos might be to switch after the first set of taps as well as the second. Can you keep up with all the swaps?
- Add in some instruments for a mixed rhythm activity! Bring in some egg shakers, rhythm sticks, or jingle bells and assign groups to a different rhythmic instrument.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Easter Hosanna Cup Actions singing time activity!
Books of the Book of Mormon Cup Pattern Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page pattern guide with color-coded words to indicate each action in the pattern, as well as an example from the song!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including full song pattern guide in 2 sizes! You’ll find these bonus files included when Books of the Book of Mormon is the featured song of the month.
Get more out of singing time with the INSTANT Primary Singing membership that includes printable lesson plans, tons of extended printables and an ad-free experience for each featured song of the month, or get immediate access to the entire song list for the year!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
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If you’re looking for more ways to teach this song in primary, you’ll love this fun The Books of the Book of Mormon Order of Books activity!
What other fun ways will you use this cup pattern singing time activity in your Primary room?
