Use this fun Jesus Has Risen Rise and Clap activity for a fun way to add movement as you review Jesus Has Risen this year in primary!
Whether you are learning this song during Easter time or during another month of the year, I hope you’ll find this activity as simple and fun as I do! Just choose a few key words in the song and a fun action to do when you sing each key word!
** See all Jesus Has Risen Singing Time Ideas here **
Jesus Has Risen Rise & Clap
This activity is one of many Easter singing time ideas we have here on the website! Even if you aren’t singing this sweet song on Easter Sunday, it is a great one that might only take a week or two to teach!
When it comes to singing time, I am all about sweet and simple! During my time as a primary music leader, I have been collecting small handheld signs that can be used for any primary activity! Stay tuned for a full post on all my fun printable signs!
For this activity, I’ve created 4 simple signs made with paper and popsicle sticks. You can find these printable signs later in the post!
Sing through Jesus Has Risen (flipchart) once before introducing the activity. I like to do this to help the kids remember what we learned the week before. It’s also helpful to go over the song in case there are some kids who were gone the week before.
Then, sing through the song again, but have the kids try to count the number of times the song says the words “Jesus” and “Risen.” You might write the words on the board to help them keep track.
Then, have the kids quickly stand up and sit down. Explain that while you sing the song, they will try to stand up and sit down as quickly as they can whenever you sing the word “Risen.”
Sing the song a few times with this challenge. If they are getting it right every time, then they’re ready to add another movement!
This time, have the children clap on each syllable of “Jesus.” You might have them sing through the song once with using only this action.
Then, try both actions! The words come up soon after one another, so they’ll have to be quick! Sing through the song a few times while trying both movements on the key words.
Rise & Clap Actions:
For this activity, I’ve chosen two key words that come up quite a bit in the song! Each time you sing the key word, do the action that goes with it!
RISEN: Stand Up and Sit Down Quickly
EX. Ri (Stand) – Sen (Sit Down)
JESUS: Clap Twice
EX. Je (Clap) – Sus (Clap)
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS:
These two actions are totally optional. If you are trying this activity with JR primary, they might only be able to keep track of two actions. Senior primary might enjoy the extra challenge!
SAVIOR: Swish Hands
EX. Sav (Swish) – ior (Swish)
EASTER TIME: STOMP FEET
EX. East (Stomp) – er (Stomp) – time (Stomp)
Extension Activities:
- Add a few more actions to the mix! On the word “Savior,” swish or slide your hands softly against each other to make a “woosh” sound. Stomp your feet on “Eas-ter-time.” Slide to the right/left after every two lines.
- Switch the actions! The rise and clap actions fit well for both words (or any words with two syllables in the song). Try singing it once through standing/sitting on the word “Jesus” and clapping twice on “Risen.”
- Have one side of the room do one of the actions while the other side does the another movement. You could even try having two different actions for the same word! See if each side can keep track of their own movement without switching to the other group’s action!
For another fun movement activity using simple cue cards, check out this When He Comes Again Sway & Sing activity!
Jesus Has Risen Rise & Clap Printable
In this printable, you’ll find a one-page sheet of the keywords and their associated actions. You’ll also find some cute printable signs to hold up during your primary activity!
Just grab some popsicle sticks and tape your signs to the popsicle stick. I also like to laminate my signs so that I can use them again!
You’ll also find bonus LARGE cards and color options included in the INSTANT Primary Singing Membership when Jesus Has Risen song is the featured song of the month!
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or login with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
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Try this fun Jesus Has Risen ASL Sign Language keywords lesson plan next!
What’s your favorite way to add movement into singing time? We’d love to hear what activities work best for you!
