To help you teach this beautiful hymn in Primary, you’ll love this I Need Thee Every Hour Ribbon Wands singing time activity! In this lesson plan we’ll use 4 different unique ribbon wand actions to line up with the verse of the song.
I Need Thee Every Hour is one of the recommended songs to each as part of the 2026 Old Testament Primary Song list. Will you spend any time teaching this song this year?
*See all I Need Thee Every Hour Singing Time Ideas!*
I Need Thee Every Hour Ribbon Wands
Sing through I Need Thee Every Hour once, before introducing this activity. This will help you refresh the words in the Primary children’s minds and transition from another song or to start your Singing Time.
Hold a ribbon wand and sing through the song again as you demonstrate the ribbon wand actions for the verse. Have the children hold an imaginary ribbon wand as they follow along and practice the first four actions.
That was great, you guys did so good following along! Post the ribbon wand chart up on the board. Pass out the ribbon wands to your Primary children. Sing through the song again this time with all the ribbon wand actions together.
When you get to the chorus, say “Freeze!” Ask the children what do you think we will do next? We finished all the actions – now what? That’s right – let’s start at the beginning and it will repeat perfectly through the chorus.
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!
You’ll find these 4 actions in the Ribbon Wand Action Cards set as well as in the extended printables for this activity!
I Need Thee Every Hour Ribbon Wand Actions:
- Circle – Draw a big open circle out in front of you.
- Tower – Start at the bottom and bring your ribbon wand up high and then back down low with slow and purposeful movement.
- Hammock – Swish the ribbon wand to the right and left back and forth in a low arch.
- Twirl – Swoop your ribbon wand in small loops in front of you.
Extension Activities:
- Invite a child to come up front and pick any two actions to mix up the order. Try to sing through the song again this time with the ribbon wand actions in a new order! Switch another two and sing through the song again!
- Hold up your choice of ribbon wand action card (or point to it on the board) to switch your actions at a random interval. Can they follow along with the transitions? This is great for focus and attention as you repeat singing the song.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Am Like a Star Ribbon Wands singing time activity!
I Need Thee Every Hour Ribbon Wands Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page ribbon wands action chart for the verse!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including 4 additional unique actions for the chorus plus 1/4 page and full page ribbon wand action cards. You’ll find these bonus files included when I Need Thee Every Hour is the featured song of the month. Find the full I Need Thee Every Hour teaching packet in my shop here.
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.
For another wonderful teaching activity, head over to this I Need Thee Every Hour Object Lessons to engage the children with the song lyrics in a new way!
What other fun ways will you use this ribbon wands singing time activity in your Primary room?
