Jesus Once Was a Little Child Rhythm Sticks

Get everyone in the Primary room up and moving and following along with the rhythm with this fun Jesus Once Was a Little Child Rhythm Sticks pattern that follows along with the song lyrics. There’s a fun and unique pattern for the verse as well as an extended verse for the chorus available to help you teach Jesus Once Was a Little Child (archives) to your Primary children in Singing Time!

**More Jesus Once Was a Little Child Singing Time Ideas**

Jesus Once Was a Little Child Rhythm Sticks

Sing Jesus Once Was a Little Child (flip chart here) once, before introducing this rhythm sticks pattern.

Pass out rhythm sticks to the children, explaining rules that the Primary children need to keep their rhythm sticks to themselves and do not touch anyone else with your rhythm stick. Remind them if they are found not using the rhythm sticks appropriately, their teacher will hold onto the rhythm sticks for them.

Demonstrate the first pattern by tapping along the rhythm stick with a fast tap that includes 6 taps per measure following the beat. Sing through the first line of the song (first two measures) while you demonstrate the pattern. “Jesus once was a little child.” Then repeat the line as you have everyone follow along with your fast tap pattern.

Next, sing through the second line of the song, “A little child like me” while demonstrating the next pattern to tap over and under. This looks like tapping the right stick on top of the left, then switching and tapping the left on top of the right. Repeat through the line of the song. Now, have everyone try that new pattern with you as you sing the second line together. Start from the beginning and sing both lines together following the rhythm pattern.

Continue by demonstrating the next two patterns as you sing each line and then sing them together. Then start from the beginning and make your way through the full pattern for the verse. This is a great way to get in lots of repetition as you teach the pattern.

Jesus Once Was a Little Child – Rhythm Sticks Verse Pattern:

• Fast Tap – Tap following the beat
• Over and Under – Make an X with right over left, then switch to left over right
• Steady Rub – Hold one rhythm stick steady and rub the other one back and forth
• Click Up & Down – Hold the end of one stick and tap down the length, then back

Extension Activities:

• Use the rhythm stick pattern cards. Invite the kids to come and mix up your pattern! Can you follow along with the new mixed up version of the pattern?
• Switch up the pattern for the 2nd verse, instead of repeating the verse pattern. You can use the rhythm stick pattern cards or let the children come up with their own action ideas!
• Try alternating singing sides of the room that take turns singing and tapping along with the rhythm, alternating each line of the song. This is a great way to have the kids stay focused and paying attention, while active listening while you have fun with a rhythm pattern.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I’ll Stand Tall Rhythm Sticks singing time activity!

Jesus Once Was a Little Child Rhythm Sticks Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a 1-page pattern guide for the verse rhythm sticks pattern.

This activity has extended printables available including a printable lesson plan, separate rhythm sticks pattern for the chorus, rhythm sticks pattern with lyrics, and 1/4 page and full page rhythm sticks cards. You’ll find these bonus files included when Jesus Once Was a Little Child is the featured song of the month. They can also be found in my shop in the Jesus Once Was a Little Child Singing Time packet here.

For another fun and easy way to help you teach this fun song, heave over to this Jesus Once Was a Little Child Draw the Song singing time lesson plan!

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