When I listen to the new primary song, More Jesus (archives) I can’t help that I want to get up and dance! This song is filled with so much joy and light, and it is a wonderful song pick that can fit into nearly any of the Come Follow Me years!
For a fun way to incorporate some movement and get everyone participating, try this More Jesus Hand Claps idea! Follow along with this catchy rhythm pattern as you teach this darling song in primary!
More Jesus Hand Claps
How to Play:
You will love clapping along with this engaging, rhythmic hand claps pattern! For this activity, we’ll be using simple actions to create a clapping pattern using body percussion.
Before introducing any actions, sing through More Jesus (flip chart) once. This is a great way to invite the Spirit and encourage reverence as you introduce an movement activity.
Demonstrate the first part of the pattern by patting your lap twice, followed by a clap. Can you try it with me? Try adding in the lyrics by speaking or saying the first line. You’ll quickly see that this pattern will follow the natural beat of the first line – “ / I wake / up every morning.”
Repeat this pattern for the first four lines of the song. Ready for something new? Now, pat one knee at a time, alternating between left and right on each word of the line, “No / matter / what / my / day / brings –“
Clap three times for the phrase, “I know just,” followed by two stomps “Who I,” and a clap – “Need.” Awesome! You’re really getting the hang of this! Let’s try just the verse again.
For the chorus, we’ll start with 3 pats as you sing the phrase, “I need more – “ and give yourself a big hug or make a heart with your hands each time you sing “Jesus.”
Next, alternate between stomping and clapping for the phrase, “Little more / light / little more / love / Stomp again for the words, “little more,” this time replacing the last clap with a spin. Repeat this entire sequence for the last 4 lines of the chorus.
Do you think we can remember the entire pattern? Let’s do it!
Hand Claps Pattern:
Here’s a quick breakdown of all the actions in this hand claps pattern. Don’t forget to grab a copy of the printable version and take a quick peek at the video demonstration included later in this post!
Hand Claps Verse:
- Pat Lap 2X – “/ I wake / up”
- Clap – “Morning”
*Repeat 4X for first 4 lines
- Alternate LH/RH Pats 6X – “No / matter / what / my / day / brings”
- Clap3X – “I know just”
- L Stomp R Stomp – “Who I”
- Clap – “Need”
Hand Claps Chorus: *Repeat Sequence Twice*
- Pat Lap 3X – “I need more”
- Heart Hands or Hug “Jesus”
- Stomp / Clap (2X) – “Little more / light / little more / love”
- Stomp / Spin – “Little more / hope
Extension Activities:
- Assign one side of the room all the pats / stomps, and have the other side do all the claps , hugs, and spins.
- Start by patting or clapping out the beat. Then, clap the rhythm by clapping on every syllable or note. Once you feel more comfortable with the rhythm of the song, try some additional actions in the pattern!
- Add some instruments! You can easily throw in some jingle bells, egg shakers, or even rhythm sticks for this activity!
More Jesus Hand Claps Demonstration Video!
Clap along with me and try this pattern a few times before teaching it to your primary children! In this video, I’ll walk you through all the actions in this pattern and sing through the first verse and chorus as an example.
Hopefully this video will help clear up any questions you may have about the pattern and be the boost of confidence you need to try this activity in your primary room! You’ve got this!
–> More Jesus Hand Claps Demo Video <–
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this The Priesthood is Restored Clapping Pattern singing time activity!
More Jesus Hand Claps Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 2-page pattern with colorful symbols for each action in this pattern for the verse and chorus.
This activity has extended printables available including an additional pattern for the refrain, a black and white printable chart, and a larger pattern chart that removes most of the repeats and shows each pattern in sequence! You’ll find these bonus files in the More Jesus teaching packet in my shop.
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Head over to this More Jesus Jingle Bells activity next for another fun way to focus on the rhythm as you teach this song!
What other fun ways will you use this hand claps singing time activity in your Primary room?
