Are you teaching the hymn, Testimony this year? This short hymn is an excellent one to add to your list to go along with this year’s study of the Book of Mormon. Whether you are teaching all 4 verses of this song or just picking a few, it’s a great song choice!
For a fun way to review, try this Testimony Hymn Partner Arm Swings activity! This people interactions singing time idea is sure to win over your primary kids and keep them engaged throughout primary!
With just a few simple actions to learn, your primary kids will catch on to this pattern in a flash! Just pick a partner and have some fun reviewing together!
** See all Testimony Singing Time Ideas! **
Testimony Hymn Partner Arm Swings
If you’ve never tried a partner movement activity, you will love this one! These types of activities are meant to add in a social component while moving around and practicing your song.
I’ve created a simple partner arm swings pattern for this song with only a few actions that are super easy to learn. I’ve outlined the entire pattern later in this post and included a free printable pattern guide.
Begin by reviewing the first verse of Testimony. Grab our Testimony Hymn flipchart here to help you keep track of each verse!
Then, introduce the activity by choosing a volunteer to come help you. This could be a teacher who you have already taught the pattern to or an older child who can follow your lead.
Demonstrate the first part of the pattern to the class by standing across from your partner and patting your legs twice, followed by 2 hand claps. Repeat this twice.
Next, have each child choose a partner and try it with you! Have them repeat your actions. Sing or say the first phrase of the song with the pats/claps. Let’s try it together.
Then, demonstrate the next part of the pattern by spinning in a circle as you sing or say the next phrase. Have them repeat after you!
Clasp hands with your partner and bring your hands up above your head, then slowly bring them down low as you kneel down. Invite the children to try it with you.
As you sing or say the last line, start with your hands pressed together in a prayer position. While kneeling next to your partner, clap your hands 5 times.
Ready to try the entire pattern with your partner? Let’s do it! Have the pianist begin playing the song and practice the verse a few times with your new partner arm swings pattern!
Partner Arm Swings Actions:
PAT-PAT / CLAP-CLAP 2X = Alternate between patting your knees and clapping across to your partner.
*Use this pattern while singing the phrase, “The witness of the Holy Ghost”
SPIN = This action is super simple! Just spin around once, and try not to get too dizzy!
*Use this action while singing, “As borne by those who know,”
RAISE ARMS UP / LOWER DOWN / KNEEL: Clasping hands with your partner, raise your arms up high, then bring them down low until you are kneel.
*These actions correspond with the phrase, “Has lifted me again to thee”
PRAYER HANDS CLAP: While kneeling next to your partner, press your palms together in a prayer position and clap your hands 5 times.
*Use this action while singing, “O Father of my soul.”
Extension Activities:
- Each time you repeat the song and start over with the pattern, switch partners! Move around the room and find a new partner.
- Split the class into 4 equal partnerships. Have each partnership sing only one line of the song and the action that goes with it.
- For a fun way to change up the pattern, use only the first two actions. Alternate between pats/claps and spins for the entire song. You should be able to repeat those patterns twice by the end of the song.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Feel My Savior’s Love Partner Arm Swings singing time activity!
Testimony Hymn Partner Arm Swings Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a single-page outline for the partner arm swings pattern for this song. Just print out the full page and post it on our board, or cut out each line and introduce the actions one at a time.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including 1/4 page and Full page action cards in color and black and white. You’ll find these bonus files included when the Testimony Hymn is the featured song of the month.
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or login with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
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For another way to review this song, head over to this Testimony Hymn Song Riddles activity!
What other fun ways will you use this partner arm swings singing time activity in your Primary room?
