Do your primary children love movement activities in singing time? I find that my lessons go much better when there is some movement involved! For a fun way to add some movement to this missionary song, try this I Hope They Call Me On a Mission Step Up March!
This fun spin-off of the phrase, “When I have grown a foot or two” will have your primary children moving and laughing as they sing along! Switch off marching and taking a giant imaginary “step up” while you sing I Hope They Call Me On a Mission.
*12 Ideas for Teaching I Hope They Call Me on a Mission Singing Time Ideas*
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I Hope They Call Me on a Mission Step Up March
How to Play:
I love the rhythm of this song! I Hope They Call Me On a Mission has such a strong, steady beat that just reminds me of stalwart missionaries serving the Lord. For this activity, you’ll be switching between matching to the rhythm and taking a big step up.
For the “step up,” just lift your knees higher like you are taking giant-sized steps. You might even demonstrate this for the kids and give them a good laugh by pretending to be a big monster.
I’ve created a cute sign to hold up to help signal when to take a big step. These signs can be found in the printable later in this post.
I love using simple handheld signs in primary! I love to use popsicle sticks and construction paper to make signs to add some movement and fun into primary! I’ve used them to help teach dynamics, tempo, and more!
To make the “Step Up” sign, you’ll just need some colored paper, popsicle sticks, and tape. Simply print and cut out the sign and tape or glue it to a popsicle stick. It’s that simple! I created the sign in black and white so it can be printed on any paper!
I also recommend laminating your signs so that you can use them for years to come! This is the laminator that I have and it definitely does the trick!
For another fun activity using handheld signs, check out this Kindness Begins With Me Stoplight Singing!
Step By Step:
- At the beginning of primary, start by reviewing both verses of I Hope They Call Me On a Mission (flipchart here!)
- Then, have the kids stand up and get their wiggles out. Have the pianist start to play the song and invite the children to start marching along to the rhythm.
- Bring out the “Step Up” sign and hold it up. Explain to the children that you hold up the sign, they should take a big giant step by bringing their knees up high and taking a big step.
- Have the kids practice taking big steps (and laughing when they try)!
- Then, add in singing! Have the kids sing while they march along to the beat of the song. Surprise the kids by holding the “Step Up” sign.
- Continue practicing I Hope They Call Me On a Mission and marching along!
This activity is specifically geared toward Junior primary children, but Senior primary kids can enjoy it too! Just add in a little challenge using one or more of the extension ideas below! My Senior primary children always enjoy competition, so feel free to make the activity more challenging!
Extension Ideas:
- Choose some additional actions to replace the march with. Instead of marching, you could jump, shuffle from side to side, or even do jumping jacks!
- Write a variety of different actions on strips of paper and put them in a jar or bowl. During primary, choose an action from the jar to do while you sing!
- Switch it up! Instead of marching, make big steps while you sing. Then, hold up the sign and start marching.
- Choose a few keywords. Whenever you sing those words, hold up the “Step Up” sign!
Getting children up and moving during primary is a great way to help them learn! For another silly movement activity, check out this Choose the Right Way Mirror Your Partner activity!
I Hope They Call Me On a Mission Step Up March Printable Lesson Plan & Step Up Sign
Use this simple, 2-page printable lesson plan as you prepare for this fun primary activity! The first page of this printable includes activity instructions and extension ideas. These are great tools to have as you prepare lesson plans for the year!
The second page of this printable includes the “Step Up” sign that you can use for this activity! Just print it out and tape it to a popsicle stick and you’re ready to go!
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You will love this I Hope They Call Me on a Mission Memory Match game next!
How did your primary children enjoy this step up march activity?
