Focus on the rhythm with this neat I Pray in Faith Beat vs Rhythm living music singing time idea! Use these beat and rhythm patterns below for a fun mini music theory lesson as you teach I Pray in Faith (archives) in primary this month!
**See ALL I Pray in Faith Singing Time Ideas**
I Pray in Faith Beat Vs. Rhythm
Don’t be intimidated by the title – you don’t need to be super music savvy to use this beat vs. rhythm activity! The simplest way to compare beat and rhythm is to hear it, so I’ll share a simple way to teach your primary children about beat and rhythm using this primary song.
It is important to remember that the beat never changes. This song is written in ¾ time, which means that each measure of music will get 3 counts – no matter what!
To demonstrate this, I created a color-coded beat pattern that indicates how many claps each word or syllable gets. You’ll notice that some words will get more than one clap! This is because some words span more than one beat. Look at the image below for a quick visual example:
How to Play:
Start by singing through I Pray in Faith using this flip chart before introducing this activity.
Then, simply begin singing the first line while clapping to the beat. You may find it easier to start your steady claps first. Do you notice how our claps never change? Can you try it with me? In the example below, each asterisk represents a clap:
“I kn-eel to p-r-ay e-v-ry d-ay” * ** * *** *** **
(Why does “I” only get one clap? It’s a pick-up note! Start with the word, “kneel” to simplify if you want).
Now, let’s switch and try the rhythm instead. Try singing the same line, but this time pat your knees on each syllable. Do you hear the difference? Some pats are short, while others are long!
“I – kneel – to – pray – ev – ry day” * * * * * * *
Pretty cool, right? Now, try alternating between beat and rhythm. It takes quite a bit of focus! Sing through one verse using the beat pattern, then switch to a rhythm pattern the next time you repeat it. I recommend just starting with one verse, but if you want to be brave and try the second verse too, go for it!
Have some fun trying out these beat and rhythm patterns as you sing together. Glance at our extension ideas below if you want an extra challenge for your older primary children!
Beat VS Rhythm:
BEAT – Steady claps on the beat (3 claps per measure)
If you are unsure how many beats a word gets, take a look at the music! Notes that are filled in (quarter or eighth) will only get one clap. Hollow notes (half or dotted quarter) will get 2 or 3 counts.
RHYTHM – Pat knees for each syllable – Following the rhythm
Clap only once per syllable. This means that some claps will be held out like the note.
Extension Activities:
- For a challenge, divide the room in half. Have one side of the room clap the beat while the other side pats the rhythm. Then, switch! It is tricky to follow your rhythm without getting pulled to the beat!
- Choose a “leader” to practice either the rhythm or the beat with the group. Sing through the song once, then pick a new leader.
- Try only clapping on each word! This is challenging because some words are divided between two notes. But only clap once!
- Switch up the actions on the beat pattern! Clap on the words (1 note words), pat on the * (2 note words), and roll your arms on the ~ (3 note words).
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Beat Vs. Rhythm singing time activity!
I Pray in Faith Beat Vs. Rhythm Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes posters for both the beat and rhythm patterns that correspond with the first verse of this song.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including 2 additional patterns and pattern guides for the 2nd verse. Plus 1/4, half page, and full page pattern descriptions. You’ll find these bonus files included when I Pray in Faith 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.
Here’s another wonderful way to help you teach this song, include these I Pray in Faith Ways to Pray Scriptures as part of your singing time lesson plan!
What other fun ways will you use this beat vs rhythm singing time activity in your Primary room?
