You’re going to love this fun Family History I Am Doing It Maori Sticks singing time activity! It’s got movement, rhythm, fun, and adds a challenge! I love high energy activities like this followed by a slower moment to feel the Spirit – it works wonders!
This will be such a fun activity for you to use to help your Primary children learn Family History-I Am Doing It Primary song (archives)! This song is only featured as part of the Doctrine & Covenants Primary Songs for Come Follow Me this year, so it’s a great song to introduce this year, even if you don’t plan to spend a ton of time with this song.
**See ALL Family History I Am Doing It Teaching Ideas!**
Family History-I Am Doing It Maori Sticks
Start by reviewing Family History-I Am Doing It with a flip chart to transition to this fun rhythm activity.
Sing the first line of the song and drum along through the entire line alternating tapping on your right and then left leg as you sing. Ask – what pattern did you see? Do you think you can follow that pattern? Try it with your hands! Sing the first line of the song together as they follow the pattern without maori sticks in hand yet. This will help keep their focus and silliness down.
Pass out the maori sticks and sing through the song simply drumming along with the song with alternating taps on your lap through the song.
Praise how great they did following along! Let’s make the pattern a little trickier. Post the pattern guide up on the board. Do you see those green lines? That’s the first pattern we tried. Let me show you the next pattern.
Drum along during the first part of the phrase, then tap the maori sticks together in front of you in an x shape. Then, pass one maori stick with a neighbor. Make sure you’re act quick, so you can have two maori sticks back in your hands for the last note of each line! Clap the two maori sticks straight upright together.
Let’s try it together – sing the song with the pattern. When you get to the final line of the sign, say “Freeze!” Show the kids that this line is a little bit different. Do you see the change? That’s right! It’s just 4 drums and 4 cross taps. Continue to sing the last line of the song with the final actions of the pattern.
Sing through the pattern again. Then invite a class up front to lead the actions and rotate through each of the classes for tons of repetition!
Pattern Mapped to Lyrics:
- /\/\/ Fam-’ly – His-to-ry = Alternate Drumming
- XXXXX I – am – do-ing – it = Cross Tap
- –> My family histo = Pass to Neighbor
- || -ry = Clap Together
Family History I Am Doing It Maori Sticks Video Demo
To help you visualize how this activity comes together, you’ll love this quick video demo of the Family History I Am Doing It maori sticks pattern. Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss any new singing time activity demos!
> Family History-I Am Doing It Maori Sticks Video Demo <
Extension Activities:
- Switch up the 3rd action to swap with a partner. You could try a small flip of a maori stick and catch, or pass behind your back, or everyone passes to the right, for example. Let the kids pick a new action to try for this spot!
- Try the pattern on fast speed! What about extra slow speed, just for fun!
- Divide the room into 2 or 4 groups and assign each group one action!
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Will Be What I Believe Maori Sticks singing time activity!
Family History I Am Doing It Maori Sticks Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page pattern guide that follows along with the rhythm of the song!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a larger 2-page pattern poster, pattern key and 1/4 and full page maori stick cards. You’ll find these bonus files included when Family History-I Am Doing It 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!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
Head over to this Family History-I am Doing It Partner Arm Swings for a great movement activity that gets the kids interacting with this song together!
What other fun ways will you use this maori sticks singing time activity in your Primary room?
