I’m so excited to share this On a Golden Springtime Hand Claps activity with you! This living music singing time idea (archives) is a great way to engage both Junior & Senior primary children as you review this song together!
In this post, you’ll find detailed instructions, as well as a printable pattern guide AND a demonstration video to help you prepare. Let’s jump in!
*See all On a Golden Springtime Singing Time Ideas*
On a Golden Springtime Hand Claps
This clapping pattern is a simple way to focus on the rhythm as you teach On a Golden Springtime (archives) in primary. This activity requires no additional materials! I’ve included a hand clap pattern, as well as a video demonstration later in this post. Simply practice through the hand clap pattern and you’re ready to go!
Before introducing this rhythm pattern, start by singing through On a Golden Springtime (lyrics) once. I recommend just focusing on one verse at a time to help the kids stay engaged! As you sing, ask the children to focus on the rhythm. Can they tap along with their toes or hands?
We are going to learn a fun clapping pattern to help us practice this song. Watch me and then we’ll try it together!
I always like to teach by introducing little bits at a time, so starting with the first line, hold up your left hand bring your right hand over for a clap. Then, switch to the other side. Repeat this as you sing or say, “On a gold-en spring-time.”
Then, pat your knees on each syllable of the phrase “un-der-neath the ground.” Let’s try just those lines together! Have the kids clap and pat along with you until you get to the next line. Now, we’re going to alternate pats on our knees.
Starting with your left hand, alternate on each beat of the measure for 4 total pats. “A ti-ny seed-ling lay a-sleep.” Then, clap 3 times, starting with a clap up high. With each clap, gradually move downward for the phrase, “Un-til the sun shone down.”
The rest of the song is basically a repeat of the above actions! Instead of moving downward with your claps at the end, move “upward to the light!” Let’s try it together! Have some fun clapping together for a fun way to get everyone involved in singing time!
Hand Clap Pattern:
I’ve included the full pattern below to help you prepare to teach this pattern! Be sure to grab the printable pattern guide and check out the video demonstration as well! In the pattern below, all claps and pats occur on italicized words or syllables.
- Clap Across 4X – Hold left hand out and clap across with right hand. Alternate between right & left hands (“On a gold-en spring–time,” and “A-wake, a-wake, o lit-tle seed“)
- Pat Lap 5X – “Un-der-neath the ground” and “Push upward to the light.”
- Alternate Pats 4X – Starting with left hand and left knee, alternate patting your knees “a ti-ny seed-ling lay a-sleep” and “The day is bright. With all your might“
- Downward Claps 3X – Beginning with a clap up high, clap 3 times. Then, clap to your right at waist-height and clap down low. (Un-til the sun shone down).
*REPEAT ALL ACTIONS FOR SECOND HALF OF SONG* – Finish with upward clap for “Upward to the light”
Extension Activities:
- Split the room into 2 sides – have one side sing and clap for the first half of the song, and have the other side sing and clap for the second half of the song (starting with “awake, awake”). Then, switch!
- Turn it into a partner pattern! Pick a partner work together on the rhythms! Rather than patting your knees, clap across to your partner.
- Add a special action for the last word of the pattern (down” for the first time through and “light” for the repeat). Instead of the last clap, choose a fun action, like a drumroll or spin to finish the pattern.
- For a simpler version, clapping on key words instead! Clap on any word associated with light – “golden,” “sun” “shone,” “light,” “day,” “bright.”
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Love to See the Temple Hand Claps singing time activity!
On a Golden Springtime Hand Claps Demonstration Video!
Clap along with me as you prepare for singing time! In this video, I’ll demonstrate all the rhythms used in this pattern and sing through the first verse using the hand claps pattern. Hopefully this video will clear up any questions you may have about the pattern. Just grab the video link below or see our Primary Singing YouTube Channel for more singing time helps!
–> On a Golden Springtime Hand Claps Demo Video <–
On a Golden Springtime Hand Claps Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page rhythm guide with easy-to-follow symbols for each action in the pattern.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including larger hand claps pattern charts. You’ll find these bonus files included in the On a Golden Springtime packet in my shop and in the INSTANT D&C Access membership as a bonus song.
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!
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Don’t miss this this On a Golden Springtime What’s in the Bag object lesson for another great way to review!
What other fun ways will you use this hand claps singing time activity in your Primary room?
