The Shepherd’s Carol is such a fun song pick for Christmas time! I remember singing this fun round when I was young. If you’re looking for a simple song to teach this Christmas, this song is a great choice!
For a fun movement activity for singing time this month, use this The Shepherd’s Carol Ribbon Wands pattern! You will love this simple pattern that uses just 4 actions for the verse and 4 actions for the chorus!
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The Shepherd’s Carol Ribbon Wands
Ribbon wands are a favorite primary staple of mine! If you are looking into getting a set of ribbon wands for your primary, check out our post that compares ribbon wands brands for singing time!
I’ve created a simple ribbon wands pattern with 4 actions for the first verse of the song and 4 different actions for the chorus.
Review the first verse and chorus of The Shepherd’s Carol before introducing this activity.
Pass out ribbon wands and post the first page of the ribbon wands printable pattern. Begin by having the kids practice making circles with their ribbons on the left side, right side, and center of their body. Then Freeze!
Try this pattern a few times, then add in the music! Slowly sing the first verse while using these 4 actions.
Then, get ready to try the chorus! Post the second page of the pattern. What do you notice about these actions? They look very similar! Use the same squiggly shape and switch the direction in which your shake the ribbon wands.
Once you’ve tried the chorus pattern, try putting the entire pattern together! Sing through the entire song while using the ribbon wands pattern!
Ribbon Wands Pattern:
This ribbon wands pattern is so simple! I’ve divided this pattern into 2 parts: verse and chours. Each pattern is made of 4 easy to follow actions!
Verse Pattern:
Circle Left: For this action, make a large circle with your ribbon wand on the left side of your body. Use this action while singing “Mary, Mary.” I like to do this action with my left hand, but you can also use your right hand and reach across your body.
Circle Right: For this action, make a large circle with your ribbon wand on the right side of your body. Use this action while singing “Hush, see the child.”
Circle Center: For this action, make a large circle in the center of your body. Use this action while singing, “Joseph, Joseph.”
Freeze: Freeze! Hold your ribbon wand low to the ground while freezing in place. Use this action while singing “look, see how mild.”
Chorus Pattern:
Squiggle Up: For this action, start with your ribbon wand low. Then, slowly bring your ribbon wand up while wiggling your wrist. Use this action while singing “This is Jesus.”
Squiggle Down: For this action, start with your ribbon wand up high and squiggle down low. Use this action while singing “This is our King.”
Squiggle Left: Squiggle your ribbon wand with your left hand moving away from your body horizontally. Use this action while singing “This is our Savior.”
Squiggle Right: Squiggle your ribbon wand at waist level while moving to the right. Use this action while singing “His praises we sing.”
Extension Activities:
- What I love about this song is that it’s a round! For an extra challenge, do the actions as a round too! Divide the class into 3-4 groups and have them sing in a round while also doing the ribbon wands pattern in a round.
- Have one side of the class sing the verse and use the 4 actions in the verse pattern and have the other side sing the chorus and use the chorus pattern!
- Switch up the pattern and reverse the order of the actions! Switch the verse and chorus actions or switch the order of actions within the verse and chorus! Any 8 actions will work great with this song!
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus Ribbon Wands singing time activity!
The Shepherd’s Carol Ribbon Wands Demo Video
Check out this demo video to prep for this fun movement activity! In this video, I’ll explain how to use this pattern in singing time and demonstrate the entire ribbon wands pattern for the verse and chorus.
–> The Shepherd’s Carol Ribbon Wands Demo Video <–
The Shepherd’s Carol Ribbon Wands Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a one-page outline of the entire pattern which is perfect for you to use on your music stand to lead the actions or post on the board. There are 4 actions for the verse and 4 actions for the chorus!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a larger 2-page and 1/2 page pattern cards. You’ll find these bonus files included in the November Book of Mormon packet.
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Head over to this Christmas Tic Tac Toe activity for another Christmas singing time idea!
What other fun ways will you use this ribbon wands singing time activity in your Primary room?
