Let’s jump right in with this The Covenant Dance Scarves idea! This purposeful movement (more learning style ideas) activity is an awesome way to get some wiggles out during singing time!
In this post, I’ll share a simple movement pattern with actions for the verse and chorus of the Old Testament song, The Covenant (archives)! Are you ready?
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The Covenant Dance Scarves
I often find that many kids need something to do with their bodies in order to focus. That’s why I love finding simple ways to incorporate movement in primary. Dance scarves are a great tool to encourage participation and movement as you teach any song in primary!
I’ve created a simple dance scarves pattern with actions for each line of the verse and chorus of this new Shawna Edwards’ song. For this activity, you’ll want enough dance scarves for each child to have their own.
I use dance scarves all the time they’re SO much fun to bring into your Primary! Pick up a set of Dance Scarves from Amazon here. Plus, to help you easily come up with your own Dance Scarves movement patterns, head over to grab my Dance Scarves Movement Cards.
Before passing out dance scarves, sing through The Covenant once to refresh the lyrics. Since this song is likely to be unfamiliar to your primary children, you’ll want to keep a copy of our The Covenant flip chart with lyrics handy.
Today we’re going to use scarves! Save on some time by passing several scarves to each teacher to give to the children in their class.
Demonstrate the first action in the pattern by making a big circle with your scarf while singing the first line. Then, wave your scarf side to side while singing “to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Can you try those lines with me?
Repeat these two actions for the next two lines of the song. Then, make a big letter “Z” with your scarf as you sing, “As I strive to do God’s will every day.” Hold your scarf over your face, then “peek – a – boo” as you sing the last line of the verse.
I recommend using the printable visuals to make it even easier for your primary children to follow along with this pattern.
Demonstrate the first action of the chorus by drawing a house with your scarves as you sing, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”
Then, let your scarves fall to the floor as you sing, “Surely He’ll bless me with His grace.”
Bring your scarves in for a big hug for the line, “And keep me forever safe in His care.” Finish by making a big rainbow shape in the air for the last line. Let’s try it all together!
Dance Scarves Verse Pattern:
- Big Circle – “A covenant was given…” / “God promised to bless…”
- Left/Right – “To Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” / “We know, if they would…”
- “Z” Shape – “As I strive to do God’s will every day”
- Hide/Reveal Face – “Like Jacob of old, I can say”
Dance Scarves Chorus Pattern:
- “House” Shape– “Surely the Lord is in this place”
- Fall to Floor – “Surely He’ll bless me with His grace”
- Hug – “And keep me forever safe in His care”
- “Rainbow” Shape – “Wherever I am, He will be there.”
Extension Activities:
- Divide the room in half – one side for the verse and the other side for the chorus. Take turns so that each side gets to try both patterns at least once.
- Bring out ribbon wands for a fun team challenge! Randomly pass out ribbon wands and dance scarves. Make sure that you have one of each. As you sing, hold up either a ribbon wand or dance scarf to indicate whose turn it is. Switch throughout the song for a fun challenge!
- Grab our set of 24 dance movement cards and simply choose one for each phrase! Get the kids involved by having them arrange the cards to create their own movement pattern.
The Covenant Dance Scarves Demonstration Video
Practice along with me as you prep your singing time plans for this week! In this video, I’ll walk you through the full dance scarves pattern and sing through the first verse and chorus to provide an example of how the pattern fits with the song. Enjoy!
–>The Covenant Dance Scarves Demo Video <–
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Mother Dear Dance Scarves singing time activity!
The Covenant Dance Scarves Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes 1-page pattern for the verse, as well as a 1-page pattern for the chorus.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including…. You’ll find these bonus files included in The Covenants teaching packet in my shop.
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.
Take a glance at this Dance Scarves Movement Cards landing page for even more ways to use dance scarves in singing time!
What other fun ways will you use this dance scarves singing time activity in your Primary room?
