If you are looking for a low-prep idea for singing time this week, try this Build an Ark Stomp & Clap activity! As you review Build an Ark (archives) with your primary children, listen for keywords and alternate between two simple actions!
**See ALL Build an Ark Singing Time Ideas Here!**
Build an Ark Stomp & Clap
For a fun way to focus on keywords and incorporate some movement into your singing time plans, try this stomp and clap living music activity (more ideas like this)! This activity sounds so simple, and it is!
The basic concept is to pick out some keywords throughout the song. These will be your “stomping” words. Then, clap on the rest of the lyrics!
This activity is perfect for both younger and older primary children because it only uses 2 simple actions! I’ve created an easy-to-follow printable pattern with stomps for keywords and claps on the rest of the lyrics.
Before introducing this activity, start with a brief review of Build an Ark using this flip chart. I’ll be focusing on the first verse here, but you can definitely adapt this activity to fit other verses as well.
Then, have the children watch carefully as you sing or say the first phrase, stomping on the bolded words as shown below:
Noah/ was a / prophet / a man who did not / fear
Did you catch the actions I did? That’s right – stomp and clap! We’re going to stomp on big, important words like “Noah,” “prophet” and “fear.” Let’s sing the next line. Can anyone guess what our keywords will be? “Repentance” and “Hear.”
Then, post the stomp/clap pattern on the board and follow along, listening for keywords. Can anyone guess what the arrows represent? Exactly! Our arrows will represent stomps.
Point to one symbol at a time and try out the pattern! You’ll definitely want to move slowly the first few times. You might even decide to enlist the help of an older primary child! I love finding ways to encourage participation and give lots of turns.
What can we learn from Noah’s example of faith? When Heavenly Father commands us to do something, we can show our faith by preparing and following His commandments.
Stomp & Clap Examples:
Here are just a few examples to get you started for this activity. Grab the printable version later in this post and watch the demonstration video to answer any questions you may have! In the examples below, stomp on all the bolded words.
- Noah / was a / prophet / a man who did not / fear
- When he taught / repentance / the people would not / hear
- So the / Lord / told him to / build / a / boat /
- that could hold a ton and / stay / afloat /
- Noah / started / building / and said within his / heart /
Extension Activities:
- Take turns doing the stomps and claps. Have one side stomp on all the keywords while the other side sings and claps the rest of the lyrics. Then, swap!
- To challenge your older primary children, make it a “code” to solve. Have them try to figure out how the symbols are related to the song. Each symbol corresponds with one word of the song.
- Echo sing – Stomp and clap one line at a time, then have the kids echo sing after you. Repeat throughout the entire song. Or, have the teachers sing and kids echo, then switch.
Build an Ark Stomp & Clap Demo Video
Follow along with this demonstration video to get some helpful tips for this stomp & clap activity! In this video, I’ll explain how to use this stomp & clap pattern and provide some examples from the song. I’ll also share some possible variations to this activity! Just grab the link below, or find this video, along with more singing time helps at our Primary Singing YouTube channel.
–> Build an Ark Stomp & Clap Demo Video <–
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Stand All Amazed Clap Instead singing time activity!
Build an Ark Stomp & Clap Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 3-page stomp and clap pattern for the first verse and chorus of Build an Ark. In this printable, all the down arrows will represent stomps. All the asterisks will represent claps.
This activity has extended printables available including a larger poster and a keyword poster plus an additional pattern guide for the 2nd verse. You’ll find these bonus printables included in the INSTANT Primary Singing when Build an Ark 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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You won’t want to miss this fun Build an Ark Paper Plates activity with an easy rhythm pattern using homemade paper plate instruments!
What other fun ways will you use this stomp and clap singing time activity in your Primary room?
