I Lived in Heaven Cup Pattern

Engage both Junior and Senior primary children with this fun I Lived in Heaven Cup Pattern singing time idea! Tap along with this rhythm pattern that uses just a few repeating actions as you teach I Lived in Heaven (archives) in primary this month!

**See all I Lived in Heaven Singing Time Ideas**

I Lived in Heaven Cup Pattern

I love how simple this cup pattern activity is to put together! This living music singing time idea is a great way to get everyone involved as you review this song in primary!

For this activity, you’ll just need one plastic cup for each child in primary. If you are short on cups, you can adapt the pattern and take turns. However, I recommend giving each child their own so that everyone can try it together!

Your primary kids will catch on to this repeatable pattern in no time! Follow along with me and I’ll share some fun ways to use this cup pattern activity in your primary room.

Before introducing this cup pattern, sing through one verse of I Lived in Heaven with this flip chart. This pattern goes great with any verse you are teaching, but I’ll explain the pattern using the first verse as an example.

Then, pull out a cup and tap your palm with the open end facing your palm. You’ll do 3 quick taps for the words, “I lived in.” Then, turn the cup so that the bottom of the cup faces your palm and tap 3 times for “heav-en a.” Repeat these steps for the next two phrases.

Next, flip your cup and try to catch it while singing the word, “true.” *Tip: A lower toss will make for an easier catch 😉

Can you try it with me? Pass out the cups and try this sequence for the first line.

Are you ready to move on? Watch closely! Demonstrate the next part of the pattern by patting your left knee 6 times for the phrase, “lived there and loved there with.” Switch to your right knee for the next 6 pats – “Peo – ple I know so did.”

Then, as you sing the word, “you” pass your cup to the right or swap cups with a partner! Let’s try just that part.

Are you ready to try the entire pattern? Repeat the entire sequence for the last two lines of the song, then try the full pattern together!

Cup Pattern:

Here’s the full cup pattern for this song! This pattern works really well as a sequence, so once you reach the end of the pattern, start right back at the beginning! You should be able to get through the pattern twice for one verse.

• Tap 3x fast with open end down onto palm = “I lived in – “ “long time a-“
• Tap 3x fast with open end up away from palm = “hea – ven a” “-go it is”
• *Repeat 1 time
• Flip and catch cup = “true” and “you”
• Alternate patting right and left knee, fast. x6 sets of R/L. = “Lived there and loved there with / peo – ple I know so did”
• Pass or Swap cup with your neighbor = “you”

Extension Activities:

• Add in a partner tap at the beginning by alternating between 3 palm taps and 3 partner cup taps.
• Have one side learn the actions for the first half of the pattern up to the flip while the other side learns the second half of the pattern. Then, have each team “perform” or teach their pattern to the other group.
• Have everyone start the pattern at the same time. Then, randomly point to one class and have everyone else pause while that class does the rhythm for the line. Then, point to another group to do the next line.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Family History I Am Doing It Cup Pattern singing time activity!

I Lived in Heaven Cup Pattern Demonstration!

Try this cup pattern along with me as you prepare to teach it during singing time! In this video, I’ll go through all the actions and demonstrate the entire cup pattern using the first verse as an example. Watch and practice it once or twice for a boost of confidence before singing time!

–> I Lived in Heaven Cup Pattern Demo Video <–

I Lived in Heaven Cup Pattern Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a 1-page cup pattern for this song.

Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including an icon pattern chart and lyrics pages with the pattern cues. You’ll find these bonus files included when I Lived in Heaven is the featured song of the month.

You won’t want to miss this fun I Lived in Heaven Line Drawings idea for another great way to teach this song!

What other fun ways will you use this cup pattern singing time activity in your Primary room?