For a fun way to review For Such a Time as This (archives) in singing time this month, try this For Such a Time as This Egg Shakers activity! Egg shakers instruments are sure to be a hit with both Junior and Senior primary children!
Today I am sharing a pattern that follows the rhythm and uses shapes to reflect the lyrics for an engaging way to practice this Old Testament song in singing time!
For Such a Time as This Egg Shakers
This hands-on activity is a great way to get everyone involved during singing time! Make sure you have enough egg shakers for each child to have their own. You can definitely take turns, but these really are some of the cheapest instruments you can find!
Now, don’t let this egg shaker pattern intimidate you! There is a lot of repetition, and it can easily be modified for Junior and Senior primary. Here’s a quick glance at the pattern:
At the beginning of singing time, review For Such a Time as This. Grab a copy of our flip chart to keep the words handy as you begin introducing this pattern.
Pass out the egg shakers and make a big circle as you sing, “Long ago, there lived,” followed by two shakes on the words, “Faithful soul.”
Shake upward as you sing, “a woman,” then repeat two shakes for the words, “Brave / bold.” What was this woman’s name? That’s right – Esther! Let’s draw a big letter “E” in the air. Let’s try that again.
Introduce the pattern a few lines at a time. After teaching the pattern for one stanza, go back and repeat the entire pattern for that section.
You will quickly see that this activity provides for SO much repetition while keeping everyone’s attention. The pattern provides just enough of the challenge that you’ll want to try it slowly a few times, making for lots of singing!
The third section, or bridge of this song will be a little different! For this section, we’ll simply tap on our knees on every syllable. Switch from left to right about halfway through each line, noted with a slash (/) in the example below:
Oh, Es – ther stood be – fore the king / with bold un-sha-ken faith
Egg Shakers Pattern Stanza 1:
- Circle Shake – “Long ago”
- Shake 2X – “Faithful soul”
- Shake Upward – “A woman”
- Shake 2X – “Brave/Bold”
- Letter “E” – “Esther was her name.”
- Shake Near Ear – “She heard a plan”
- Shake 2X – “Wicked man”
- Letter “X” – “To kill the people of her land”
- Shake Downward – “Upon a coming day”
Egg Shaker Pattern Stanzas 2/4:
- Shake Upward – “She rose to say” / “Now we’ll rise and say”
- Shake 2X – “Fast / pray” / “promised / day”
- Point Outward – “Keep us safe” / “Share our faith”
- Shake 3X – “Let / nation / live” / “Tell / world / lives”
- Tap LH 2X – “Spoke / truth” “Speak / truth”
- Tap RH 2X – “Danger / Too” “All / Do”
- Point to Mind – “She knew” / “We believe”
- Fast Shake – “For such a time as this”
Egg Shaker Pattern Stanza 3:
- Left Knee Taps – “Oh, Es-ther stood be-fore the king” / “And with the help of God”
- Right Knee Taps – “With bold un-shaken faith” / “She saved her na-tion that day”
Extension Activities:
- Split the children into 3 groups – one for each section of the pattern. This will break down the pattern and make it more doable for younger primary children.
- Start by just tapping out the rhythm by shaking on every syllable. Then, follow the music and try alternating between short and long shakes.
For Such a Time as This Egg Shakers Demo Video!
Grab an egg shaker and practice along with me! In this short video, I’ll clear up any questions you have about this pattern by walking you through all the actions. Try it a few times before singing time for an extra boost of confidence!
–> For Such a Time as This Egg Shakers Demo Video <–
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this My Mother Dear Egg Shakers singing time activity!
For Such a Time as This Egg Shakers Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 3-page egg shaker pattern for this song.
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Don’t miss this For Such a Time as This Story Book activity for a fun way to visualize the lyrics as you teach this song!
What other fun ways will you use this egg shakers singing time activity in your Primary room?
