If you’re looking for a fun way to review Have I Done Any Good in singing time this month, you will love this Have I Done Any Good Paper Plates pattern!
This fun living music primary idea incorporates simple rhythms using paper plates! Just grab some paper plates from your pantry and have some fun with this pattern!
See all Have I Done Any Good Singing Time Ideas here!
Have I Done Any Good Paper Plates
Have you ever created homemade instruments for singing time before? We have lots of homemade instrument ideas, from jingle bells and egg shakers to rhythmic maori sticks!
Some of the simplest household items you can use to make music are paper plates! They make a great sound and can be used in so many different ways! For this activity, we’ll be using a rhythmic pattern using just paper plates! That’s it! Any brand and size will do.
I’ve created a fun paper plates printable rhythm pattern with simple actions to teach your primary kiddos. Before introducing this activity, start by reviewing the first verse and chorus of Have I Done Any Good.
Then, pass out 2 paper plates to each child. We’re creating our very own instruments in singing time! Demonstrate a simple tap by holding the plates with the backs facing each other.
Post the first page of the paper plates pattern on the board. Let’s try a few actions! Demonstrate the first action by tapping your paper plates in a large circular pattern.
Have the kids try the action with you, then add in the next action. I’ve included a full outline with all the rhythm patterns below.
Then, slowly try the first page of rhythms while singing the first four lines of the song. Sing through the rhythm first, then have the kids try it with you!
Continue this pattern with the remaining two pages of the rhythm pattern. Are you ready to try the entire pattern? Let’s try it together slowly! Use this pattern as you review this week and see how quickly your primary kids catch on!
Paper Plates Actions:
Tap in a Circle: Hold the paper plates with backs facing each other. Tap your paper plates while moving your arms in a large circle shape.
*Use this action while singing, “Have I done any good in the world today?” and “Then wake up and do something more”
Tap Alternating Corners: Tap your paper plates in each corner, from top right to bottom right, then top left to bottom left.
*Use this rhythm while singing, “Have I helped anyone in need?” and “Than / dream of your / mansion a – / bove. /”
Double Tap: Simply tap your paper plates in front of your body twice.
*Use this action while singing, “Have I / cheered up the / sad and made / someone feel / glad?” and “…I / there? /”
Swish: Rub the bottom of your paper plates against each other quickly to make a “Swish” sound.
*Use this rhythm while singing, “If not I have failed indeed,” “When they needed my help was…” and “A blessing of duty and love.”
Tap Across W/ Partner: Reach across to tap your partner’s paper plates.
*Use this action while singing, “Has / anyone’s / burden been / lighter to – /day”
Switch Plates W/ Partner: Quickly swap plates with your partner!
*Use this rhythm while singing, “Because I was willing to share?”
Pat Alternating Legs: Holding your plates facing downward, pat your legs, alternating each knee.
*Use this action while singing, “Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?”
Extension Activities:
- Split the class into 3 groups! Assign each group to one page of the paper plates rhythms. Have each group sing their assigned section of the song and perform the paper plates actions. Then, switch sections!
- For a fun way to choose partners, color paper plates in sets of 4, with each set the same color. When you pass out paper plates during singing time, have children look for someone whose plates are the same color!
- Choose a new rhythm to add to the pattern! There are so many simple ways to use these paper plates! See if the kids can come up with a new action or rhythm to switch with one of the other actions.
Have I Done Any Good Paper Plates Demo Video
If you are a visual learner, this demo video may help you feel more confident about teaching this pattern in singing time! In this video, I’ll explain each of the rhythms used in the pattern and demonstrate the entire pattern for the first verse and chorus!
I’ve also included a few extra tips for the partner section of this pattern to help answer any questions you might have about using this pattern with partners!
–> Have I Done Any Good Paper Plates Demo Video <–
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this The Iron Rod Paper Plates singing time activity!
Have I Done Any Good Paper Plates Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 3-page printable pattern with visuals for each rhythm pattern!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including 1/4 and full page plate action cards and a colorful pattern guide! You’ll find these bonus files included when Have I Done Any Good is the featured song of the month.
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You’ll love this Have I Done Any Good Serve & Sing object lesson!
What other fun ways will you use this paper plates singing time activity in your Primary room?
