Shine On Hand Actions

Do you like to use hand actions to help your primary children remember song lyrics? This is one of my favorite ways to teach a new primary song! You will love these simple Shine On Hand Actions with actions to represent each line of this sweet song!

*See ALL Shine On Singing Time Ideas here!*

Shine On Hand Actions

Looking for a simple way to introduce or review Shine On (archives) in primary this month? Use these simple hand actions to keep your primary children engaged as you teach this cute song in primary! I’ve created simple hand actions to help with the first verse of this song.

I find that primary children are especially receptive to learning hands actions or signs because it helps give them something to do with their hands and provides a tactile representation of the lyrics (see more ideas). For this song, we’ll be using easy actions to represent each line of the song.

At the beginning of singing time, review the first verse of Shine On. If this is the first time you’re introducing this song, be sure to have our Shine On flip chart close by.

Today we’re going to learn some simple actions to help us remember the words to this song! Watch me and see if you can remember the actions!

Then, sing the first phrase while raising your arms in a big sweeping motion, then bringing them close together as you sing, “little one.” These are the actions for the first line.

Then, create a heart shape with your hands or wrap yourself in a big hug as you sing “light of faith.” You’ll have to quickly switch to folding your arms for the word “prayer.”

Can you try those actions with me? Have the children try just those two lines with you, then post the hand action visuals on the board teach the rest of the actions.

Let’s try the entire verse! Sing through the verse a few times with your new hand actions.

For the chorus, there are lots of easy actions you can try! Here are some ideas: Twinkle fingers like light, wave arms up high, sweep arms into “sun” shape, etc. I’d love to hear what you decide!

First Verse Hand Actions:

• “My light” – Sweep arms
• “But a little one” – Bring hands close together
• “My light of faith” – Heart hands or big hug
• “And prayer” – Fold arms
• “But lo, it shines like God’s great sun” – Sweep arms into big circle
• “For it was lighted there” – Point with finger

Extension Activities:

• Split the class into 3 groups and have each group do 2 actions in the verse. Each time you sing through the song, have each group only sing the lines or phrases for their two actions. Then, switch!
• Add some actions for the second verse too! Hide your face with your hands, (“Hide my little light”), microphone (“Lord has told me so”), Binoculars (“Keep in sight”), Big sun (“That all may see it glow”).
• Have each class come up with their own actions for the chorus! Do a mini talent show and have each class “perform” with their actions!
• Once the kids are familiar with the actions, cut out each action symbol and mix them up. Have the kids put them in the correct order as they appear in the song! To save on time, print two copies of the visuals and cut out one copy and leave the other.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Born to Bring Us Joy Action Words singing time activity!

Shine On Hand Actions Demo Video!

Practice along with me as you prepare to teach these hand actions in singing time this month! In this demonstration video, I go through the hand actions for the entire first verse and provide some optional ideas for chorus actions! Just grab the link below or head over to our Primary Singing YouTube Channel for more fun singing time ideas!

—> Shine On Hand Actions Demo Video <—

Shine On Hand Actions Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a hand action chart for the 1st verse.

Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including additional actions for the chorus and 2nd verse. You’ll find these bonus files included when Shine On is the featured song of the month.

Head over to this Shine On Bar Chart next for a creative way to focus on the melody of this song!

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