For a fun way to review Come Follow Me in primary this month, try this simple Come Follow Me Sand Blocks Pattern! This pattern uses just 3 different actions with sand blocks for a fun rhythm living music activity in singing time!
*See 25 great Come Follow Me Singing Time Ideas here*
Come Follow Me Sand Blocks
Activity Instructions:
Create your sand blocks by purchasing a few pool noodles. Cut the pool noodles into 3 inch pieces. Then, cut each piece in half length-wise to make your sand blocks! You should be able to make quite a few sets with just a few pool noodles. Refer to this post on How to Make Sand Blocks for more detailed instructions.
Start by reviewing the first verse of Come Follow Me (Flip Chart). If you are teaching more than one verse, just start with the first.
Then, pass out sand blocks to each child. Have them place each half in their lap while you demonstrate the pattern.
Show the kids how to create each rhythm with their sand blocks. Demonstrate the “swish” pattern by rubbing the sand blocks together quickly. Clap with the sand blocks and pat your lap. That’s the whole pattern!
If this is your first time using sand blocks in singing time, have the kids try the pattern with you a few times to get used to the sand blocks.
Then, sing through the first verse of Come Follow Me while using the sand blocks. Use each pattern for 6 beats (two measures), then switch to a new pattern. You should be able to get through the pattern 3 times once you reach the end of the song.
Continue practicing the song while playing your sand blocks!
How to Use Sand Blocks in Primary:
If you aren’t familiar how to use sand blocks in primary, don’t worry! Here at Primary Singing, we keep it simple and make sand blocks from pool noodles! With just a quick trip to the Dollar Store, you can make sand blocks for your entire primary!
Check out our step-by-step instructions for How to Make Sand Block Instruments! In this post, we explain how to made sand blocks, and how to use them to add rhythm in singing time!
Check out our 25 Come Follow Me Singing Time Ideas all in one place! We have lots of fun ways to review this song in primary, including picture puzzles, ribbon wands, and more!
3 Sand Blocks Actions for Come Follow Me:
Come Follow Me is written in 3/4 time, which means that the entire song is broken up into groups of 3 beats. This pattern is made of 3 different actions that are used for 6 counts, or 2 measures of the song. By the time you repeat the actions 3 times, you should make it through the entire song!
“SWISH” – 6 Counts
For this action, rub the sand blocks against each other to make a “Swish” sound. You can swish your sand blocks up high, down low, or right at your waist. Use this for the first 6 counts of the song.
“CLAP” – 6 Counts
For this action, just tap your sand blocks together to made a “clapping” sound. Since the noodles are pretty quiet, you’ll have to hit them together right in the middle.
“PAT” – 6 Counts
For this action, pat the sand blocks on your knees. Make sure the flat part of the noodle hits your knee, otherwise it won’t make a very loud sound!
*Repeat the entire pattern 3 Times!*
Extension Ideas:
- Mix up the order of the actions to change the pattern! Rearrange the pattern so that you are using different actions for different lines of the song than you did the first time. Sing through the song using that pattern, then switch it up again!
- See what other fun actions they can think of doing with their sand blocks! A few suggestions might include: “High-Five a partner,” “Sand Blocks on the Floor,” or “Tap your Toes”!
- Choose a key word + an action. Every time you sing that word in the song, do the specific action with your sand blocks. Sing through the song a bunch of times, choosing a new key word and action pair each time!
Check out this sand blocks review idea for Stand For the Right!
Come Follow Me Sand Blocks Demo Video
If you’re a visual learner, this demo video will be a great way to learn how to use this simple pattern while you sing! In this video, I outline each of the 3 actions in the sand blocks pattern and run through the entire first verse for you. Enjoy!
If you have any problems with this video loading, you can also see it over on the Primary Singing YouTube channel!
Just click on the video above or grab this link for the video!
Come Follow Me Sand Blocks Pattern Printable Lesson Plan & Pattern Sheet
I created this printable pattern sheet to make this activity easy-peasy for you!
There is a basic breakdown 1-page guide of the pattern for the songs. Once the kids are familiar with the actions, you might only need this page! Just follow each pattern for 6 counts then go back to the top and repeat it all again!
I’ve also included individual pattern sheets for each of the actions. You can post these on the board in order and point to the action to help the kids remember when to switch!
You’ll find a bonus printable lesson plan and a cute graphics chart for all of these actions included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when Come, Follow Me is the featured song of the month.
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For another fun way to review this song, try this Come Follow Me Bar Graph activity!
What other fun ideas do you have for extending this Come Follow Me Sand Blocks activity?
