Your primary children are sure to love this Holding Hands Around the World Ribbon Wands activity! Wave colorful ribbon wands and follow along with this fun movement pattern for an engaging way to teach Holding Hands Around the World (archives) in your primary room!
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Holding Hands Around the World Ribbon Wands
Although some adults may be familiar with this song, it will likely be new to at least some of your primary children. Use these simple ribbon wand actions to help you remember the lyrics and keep everyone engaged during singing time!
This ribbon wands pattern is great for both Junior and Senior primary children! It has just enough variety to challenge your older kids while being simple enough for even your youngest Sunbeams!
Ribbon wands are a fantastic tool for getting out some wiggles and getting everyone involved as you sing! If you don’t already have a set, you can grab this colorful ribbon wands on Amazon or try making your own (DIY instructions).
Don’t shy away from ribbon wands, even the boys secretly enjoy them!! You can get Ribbon Wands on Amazon here. They’re super flexible and easy to use in Primary! If you want to easily make your own patterns, you’ll fall in love with my Ribbon Wand Action Cards!
How to Play:
Before passing out ribbon wands, sing through the first verse of Holding Hands Around the World (lyrics here).
Then, take out one ribbon wand and make a big circle, like you are drawing the earth. Sing or say the first line. Then, shake your ribbon wand high in the air as you sing the second line: “Happy voices ringing…”
By now, you are sure to have everyone’s attention. Pass out the ribbon wands and have the kids repeat the first two lines with you.
Tape the ribbon wands pattern on the board. Can anyone guess which movement is next? Yes! Let’s draw a big smiley face with our ribbons. Shake up and down quickly 3 times for the last line – “Standing tall / walking strong / choosing right.”
Repeat these 4 actions for the remaining lines of the verse. Then introduce the 5 actions for the chorus, starting with side-to-side waves for the first line, followed by a flag for the line – “Like an army…”
Next, hold your ribbon wands up high like you are holding a light as you sing, “We are led by His light,” and immediately follow with a heart shape as you sing “We love truth and right.” Make a big castle or temple shape in the air for the final phrase, “We are building the kingdom of God.”
Are you ready to try the entire pattern? Sing through the song slowly as you try the full sequence a few times.
Ribbon Wands Verse Pattern: *Repeat Sequence Twice
- Big Circle – Line 1 / Line 5
- Shake High – Line 2 / Line 6
- Smiley Face – Line 3 / Line 7
- Up/Down 3X Fast – Line 4 / Line 8
Ribbon Wands Chorus Pattern:
- Side to Side – Line 1
- Flag – Line 2
- Hold Up High – Line 3
- Heart – Line 4
- Castle – Line 5
Extension Activities:
- Have one side of the room sing and do all the verse actions, and have the other side do the chorus actions. Then, switch.
- Bring in some more manipulatives and take turns trying the pattern with something different. Create “teams” and try this movement pattern with dance scarves, finger lights, or even rhythmic instruments for a fun swap!
- Try the pattern silently while listening to the song. It will be so tricky not to sing along, but it’s a fun way to mix things up!
For another fun way to use ribbon wands, head over to see this Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands singing time activity!
Holding Hands Around the World Ribbon Wands Demonstration Video!
If you have a few extra minutes in your singing time prep, I definitely recommend watching this short demonstration video and trying the pattern a few times.
In this video, I go through the entire ribbon wands pattern, demonstrating each action and singing through the first verse and chorus. Practice along with me, and you’ll for sure be ready for Sunday!
–> Holding Hands Around the World Ribbon Wands <–
Holding Hands Around the World Ribbon Wands Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 2-page pattern for the verse and chorus with actions for each line of this song!
This activity has extended printables available including additional pattern for the 2nd verse, larger format, and action ribbon wand action cards. You’ll find these bonus printables included in the INSTANT Primary Singing when Holding Hands Around the World 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 next to this fun Holding Hands Around the World Picture the Children singing time idea!
What other fun ways will you use this ribbon wands singing time activity in your Primary room?
