Liken the Scriptures Sand Blocks

Focus on the rhythm with this Liken the Scriptures Sand Blocks activity! As you teach the new primary song, Liken the Scriptures (archives) in singing time this month, try these fun rhythm challenges using homemade sand block instruments!

Liken the Scriptures Sand Blocks

Today I want to share 5 fun sand blocks challenges that you can use to focus on the rhythm of this song. Try all 5 rhythm patterns or just try a few this week. It’s up to you!

Now, you can absolutely just clap or pat out these rhythms. But if you’d like to add a little extra fun, consider making homemade sand blocks! They take less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and require only a few materials.

Both Junior and Senior primary children are absolutely capable of following along with all 5 of these rhythm challenges. Some are a little more challenging than others, but I wanted to keep them simple enough that even your youngest primary children will be able to catch on.

Start by singing through Liken the Scriptures (flip chart) once before introducing this activity. These challenges are not specific to just one part of the song. They can fit with ANY part of the song you want to focus on.

Bring out a set of sand blocks and begin tapping a steady beat as you sing a line or two. Pass out the sand blocks and have the children follow along. Can you catch the beat?

I / may / not / be /asked / to / build / a / great / big / ship /

Now, let’s try something a little different for the chorus. We’re going to tap on every note we sing. Each syllable will get one tap. This is the rhythm!

The / Lord / has / a / spe – / cial / mes – / sage / for / me

Ready for a third challenge? Tap on every word. Some words will span across more than one note, but make sure to only tap once.

I bet we can try a new challenge, don’t you? For this challenge, we’re going to tap on every OTHER word. Listen carefully, then try it with me. Alternate between taps and silence as you listen for each word in the song.

Lord / a / message / me / every / story / read

Which words do you think are most important? Let’s tap only on these words. This is challenge #5! Wow, you did so great! Be sure to collect all the sand blocks at the end.

5 Rhythm Challenges:

Here’s a basic breakdown of 5 simple rhythm challenges to try as you teach this song. Simply start by tapping the beat and rhythm, then try listening more carefully for specific words in the song. Which challenge will you try first?

1. Tap to the beat – (I may not be asked to build)
2. Tap on every syllable (The Lord has a spe-cial mess-age)
3. Tap on every word (I may not raise a tent)
4. Tap on every other word (…ENOS…WILL…PRAY…THE…WARRIORS)
5. Tap on keywords (Scriptures, Lord, Message, Read, Liken, Me)

Extension Activities:

• Try a new challenge for each part of the song. For example, V1 =  Tap the beat, Chorus = Tap every syllable  V2 =  Tap every word, Bridge = Tap every other word, Chorus = Tap on keywords
• Divide the room in half. Have one side tap the beat while the other side taps the rhythm. It’s trickier than you may think!
• Pick 4 challenges and tape one challenge to each corner of the room, along with a portion of the song. Have the children rotate through each corner and try each rhythm challenge.
• Add another challenge! Tap on all short notes and swish your sand blocks for longer notes. This song has lots of syncopation, so you’ll want to listen carefully for those longer notes at the ends of phrases.
• Take turns with a partner. Give each partnership a set of sand blocks and take turns tapping out the rhythm.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Holy Places Egg Shakers singing time activity!

Liken the Scriptures Sand Blocks Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a single-page rhythm challenge poster and posters for 2 of the lyrics challenges.

This activity has extended printables available including full song lyrics posters for all 5 challenges. You’ll find these bonus printables included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when Liken the Scriptures is the featured song of the month.

Head over to this Liken the Scriptures Fill in the Blank ideas next and fill in the missing song lyrics for a fun way to review this primary song!

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