There’s no better time to bring in your jingle bells than for this fun Stars Were Gleaming Jingle Bells Christmas singing time idea! You will love this living music activity that incorporates these festive instruments!
There are so many different ways to use this jingle bells pattern! Be sure to check out the demo video in this post for additional ways to use this pattern!
Affiliate links are included below.
Stars Were Gleaming Jingle Bells
Grab a set of wrist bells or make your own using pipe cleaner small jingle bells! Any size and color will do!
At the beginning of primary, start by reviewing the first verse of Stars Were Gleaming. Then, sing through the song again. This time, look closely for all the words that relate to sound! Have the kids come up and circle words that signal sound such as “hear” or “ringing.”
Then, pass out a jingle bell wrist band to each child. Sing through the song again and shake your bells loudly each time you sing a word that correlates with sound.
Once the kids start getting comfortable with this pattern, add in a short shake on each word in the song. Do a short shake for each word and shake loudly for “sound” words!
Post the jingle bells pattern for a simple visual that prompts each shake and differentiates between short and long shakes! In the printable pattern found in this post, each bell represents a short shake. Words with two bells colored in green correspond to a long, loud shake!
What other patterns can you come up with? Have some fun adding an extra element of rhythm and excitement while reviewing this song!
We’d love to hear how you use this activity in your primary room! Check out all 3 ways to play, as well as some additional extension ideas that are sure to be a hit this Christmas season!
Jingle Bells Pattern:
There are a few different ways to use this pattern. I’ll illustrate each pattern below, and you get to decide which adaptation you’ll be using!
- Shake on every word: Shake your jingle bells on every word in the song! In the printable pattern, each word has a bell above it to signal a short shake.
- Shake on every sound word: Shake your jingle bells on each word that evokes the sense of hearing. For example, shake on words like “hearing, story, singing, ringing.” In the printable pattern, these words are notated in green with a double green bell.
- Combination of both! Try shaking on every word with an extra emphasis on sound words. This version is a little trickier, but I’m sure your primary kids will be up for the challenge!
Extension Activities:
- Split the class into two groups! Have one group shake on each word, while the other group only shakes on the “sound” words. Then, switch!
- For an extra challenge, add in some additional patterns! Instead of shaking on each word, shake on each syllable! Or do a short-short-long pattern for each phrase – Ex. Stars were gleaming (long shake for gleaming)
- Switch bells on every page! After completing one page of the jingle bells pattern, have each child find a partner to switch bells with! You could also have them keep their same bell and switch spots!
- Use the page without the green words to up the challenge on spotting the sound words.
- The black and white version of the printable you can let the kids color in the different bells. Divide the room into 2-4 groups depending on your Primary size. Assign each group a color. Then, let a child from each group come up and pick any work to color in the bell with their color. They’ll ring only on their color for a fun popcorn affect and a unique pattern your Primary children make!
For more ways to use jingle bells in primary, head over to see this Redeemer of Israel Jingle Bells singing time activity!
Stars Were Gleaming Jingle Bells Demo Video
Check out this jingle bells demo video for 3 different ways to use this jingle bells pattern! In this video, I demonstrate a few different ways to incorporate jingle bells as you review this song! Be sure to watch this video as you prepare to review Stars Were Gleaming in singing time.
–> Stars Were Gleaming Jingle Bells Demo Video <–
Stars Were Gleaming Jingle Bells Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 3-page jingle bells pattern for the first verse of the song! In this printable, each sound word is highlighted in green with a green double bell above it. All other words have a single bell above them to signal a short shake.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a version without colored green words and black and white style plus the 2nd verse. You’ll find these bonus files included in the December New Testament packet.
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!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
Your primary children will love this Stars Were Gleaming Picture the Manger activity that focuses on sight and sound to review this song!
What other fun ways will you use this jingle bells singing time activity in your Primary room?
