Your primary children will have a blast tapping along with these The Hearts of the Children Rhythm Sticks patterns! Choose from two easy patterns or mix and match for even more fun!
In this post, I share two simple patterns using rhythm sticks that pair perfectly with the rhythm of this song. As you teach The Hearts of the Children (archives) in singing time this month, get everyone engaged with this fun living music singing time idea!
The Hearts of the Children Rhythm Sticks
I am so excited to share two simple rhythm sticks patterns to choose from as you teach this song in primary! These rhythm sticks patterns are very simple and work for any verse you are teaching!
Before passing out rhythm sticks, sing through The Hearts of the Children (flip chart here) once. I find that the kids lose focus really quickly if we start right away with manipulatives. Starting with the music can help invite the Spirit before introducing something new.
Then, pull out a set of rhythm sticks and demonstrate the first two actions by doing short, steady taps with your sticks and fast rubs. Now, sing or say the first line of the song, tapping on short notes and rubbing your sticks together on long notes as shown below:
“The hearts of the chil – dren turn to their fa – thers”
Do you hear the difference? Let’s try it together. Pass out rhythm sticks and alternate between these two actions as you sing through the song.
If you don’t have enough sticks for everyone to have their own pair, just take turns! Or, have a few children come up at a time to try the pattern.
For a more affordable instrument swap, try using pencils instead! Wooden pencils make great homemade rhythm sticks if you don’t have room in your primary budget.
After trying the pattern a few times, see if the children are ready to learn some new actions! Follow along with the short/long pattern just the same as the first, but this time alternate between knee pats with rhythm sticks and drum rolls.
To create a “drum roll” effect with your rhythm sticks, alternate patting one knee at a time as fast as you can!
Ready to try it with me? Try the second pattern a few times for a fun way to get in lots of repetition while adding some variety with the rhythm sticks.
2 Rhythm Sticks Patterns:
*Alternate between short/long notes throughout the song
- Steady Tap/Fast Rub – “The hearts of the chil-dren”
- Pat Knees/Drum Roll – “Ma-la-chi proph-e-sied the hearts shall turn.”
Extension Activities:
- For a fun variation, mix up the two patterns! Can you try tapping on short notes and doing a drum roll on long notes? Cut each page in half to create action cards to switch up the pattern.
- Assign one part of the pattern to each side of the room. Have one side tap and sing the short notes, while the other side does a fast rub and sings all the long notes. Then, swap!
- Tap with the rhythm by tapping on each syllable. Then, try patting your knees only once for each word in the song. Can you hear the difference?
- Create your own rhythm pattern using all 4 actions. For example, start with taps/rubs for the first two lines of the song, then switch to pats/drumroll for the last two lines.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this On a Golden Springtime Rhythm Sticks singing time activity!
The Hearts of the Children Rhythm Sticks Demonstration Video
Watch this short video and try these rhythm sticks patterns with me before teaching them in singing time! In this video, I’ll walk you through both patterns and share some additional tips for using this activity in singing time. Just grab the link below or find this video, along with more singing time ideas at our Primary Singing YouTube channel.
–> The Hearts of the Children Rhythm Sticks Demo Video <–
The Hearts of the Children Rhythm Sticks Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes 2 pattern posters with symbols and actions.
This activity has extended printables available including 1/4 page and full page rhythm stick cards to mix and match the pattern. Plus a lyrics pattern guide and a fun mixed pattern based on the keywords. You’ll find these bonus files included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when The Hearts of the Children 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 The Hearts of the Children Movement Words activity next for a fun way to engage your visual learners and add movement during singing time!
What other fun ways will you use this rhythm sticks singing time activity in your Primary room?
