Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands

I am so excited to share this fun Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands pattern with you! This purposeful movement activity is an excellent choice for getting those wiggles out and keeping everyone’s attention during singing time. Let’s jump right in!

**See all Our Time to Shine Singing Time Ideas**

Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands

Here at Primary Singing, we love using manipulatives in singing time! Younger children can especially thrive when they have something to do with their hands as they learn! Whether you buy ribbon wands or decide to make your own (DIY ribbon wands), they are sure to be a hit in singing time!

Your primary children will just love following along with this fun ribbon wands pattern as they sing Our Time to Shine (archives) in primary!

For this activity, I’ve created a simple pattern with actions for the first verse and chorus of this sweet song.

Start by singing Our Time to Shine at the beginning of primary. Since this song is likely to be unfamiliar to your primary children, I definitely recommend snagging a copy of our flip chart for Our Time to Shine.

Then, pass out the ribbon wands and demonstrate a circle up high and a circle down low. Can you try it with me?

Then, sing or say the first line, starting with your circle high in the air as you sing, “Like Esther of old.” Switch to a low circle as you sing, “I’ll stand.” This action will be the same for Nephi.

Then, draw a big letter “M” in the air.  This helps us remember the commandments, like we are drawing the tablets.

Next, draw a letter “X” as you sing the phrase, “defending with courage and serving with faith.” Finish by moving your ribbon wands side to side as you sing, “In Heavenly Father’s plan.”

Awesome! Try all the actions for Esther, then move on to Nephi. Tape up the visuals to help your primary children follow along easily as you teach the pattern.

Go through the entire pattern a few times together and enjoy singing this sweet song! Don’t forget to save a minute or two at the end to share your testimony. This is so important, as it helps solidify gospel truths and gives the children something to think about as they leave primary.

First Verse Ribbon Wands Pattern:

Esther:

– Circle high, Circle low (“Like Esther of old I’ll stand”)
– Draw an “M” (“True to the Lord’s commands”)
– X (“Defending with courage and serving with faith”) – Right & Left (“In Heavenly Father’s plan”)

Nephi:

– Circle high, Circle low (“Like Nephi of old I’ll stand”)
– Swirl in front (“Blessing my fellow man”) – Square (“Protecting with honor and showing respect”) – Right & Left (“For Heavenly Father’s plan”)

Chorus:

– Star (“It’s our time to shine”) – Water Fountain (“Our time to prepare”) – Heart (“We have learned God’s word” – Tower (“We’re ready to share”)

Extension Activities:

• Pass out one ribbon wands pattern to each class. Write any helpful explanations on the back, then have each group practice their pattern and “teach” it to the class.
• Bring in more manipulatives! Have one side of the room do ribbon wands for the first verse, and have the other side do dance scarves for the second verse.  Switch manipulatives to add some variety.
• Pick a helper to come up and lead the pattern. This is a really simple way to give the kids opportunities to participate and feel special! Sing through the song once, then choose a new leader!

Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands Demonstration Video!

Watch this short demonstration video for a great visual as you prepare to teach this ribbon wands pattern in singing time! In this video, I go through all the actions for the first verse and chorus. Try it along with me for a boost of confidence before primary this week!

–> Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands Demo Video <–

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Need Thee Every Hour Ribbon Wands singing time activity!

Our Time to Shine Ribbon Wands Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a 3-page pattern for the first verse and chorus of this song.

This activity has extended printables available including an extended pattern for the 2nd verse and ribbon wand action cards. You’ll find these printables included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when Our Time to Shine is the featured song of the month.

Head over to this fun Our Time to Shine First Letters Game for a neat way to focus on the lyrics in primary!

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