This Little Light of Mine Jingle Bells

You will love this simple This Little Light of Mine Jingle Bells living music activity (learning style)! Capture the attention of even your youngest primary kiddos and try these jingle bells challenges as you teach This Little Light of Mine (archives) in singing time!

This Little Light of Mine Jingle Bells

I love the joyful message of this song! Although it was recently added to the new hymn book, it’s likely that you or your primary children have heard it before!

Since this song has lots of repetition, I thought it would be fun to incorporate something new by bringing some instruments to get everyone involved. Whether you choose to purchase or make your own jingle bells (DIY instructions), your primary children are in for such a treat!

Rather than a using a rhythm pattern for the entire song, today I’ll be sharing two simple jingle bells challenges. Try them both or stick to one – it’s up to you!

The first challenge will be a keyword challenge with different actions for a few keywords in each verse. The second challenge is a speed challenge that involves switching how often you shake during each measure.

Let’s jump right in!

Before passing out jingle bells, sing through This Little Light of Mine once. Don’t be afraid to keep your This Little Light of Mine flip chart handy for this song. It will be helpful when listening for the keywords!

You can start with either challenge, but let’s say we want to start by listening for keywords first. Sing through the song again, this time tossing your jingle your jingle bell in the air when we sing the word, “light.” Did you catch the pattern?  Let’s try it together!

Then, shake your bell overhead each time you sing the word, “shine.” Can we try both actions? Way to go!

Now let’s try something a little different. Demonstrate a fast shake by singing a line or two and shaking 4 times each measure. Let’s try it together!

“This lit – tle light of mine / “I’m gon-na let it shine”

Then, slow it down by only shaking twice. For example, in the first measure, you’ll shake on the words, “This” and “Light.” Here’s a quick example:

“This lit – tle light of mine / I’m gon – na let it shine“

Awesome! Now, let’s see if we can shake ONLY on the first beat of each measure. Here’s what that will look like:

“This lit – tle light of mine / I’m gon – na let it shine”

Here’s a quick breakdown of both jingle bell challenges for this song! Make sure to grab a printable version later in this post for a helpful visual as you try one or both of these patterns during singing time! Don’t miss our helpful demo video, either!

Jingle Bells Keyword Challenge:

• Toss in the air = “Light”
• Shake overhead = “Shine”
• Bell Swap = “Gave”

Jingle Bells Speed Challenge:

• Fast Shake (4 shakes per measure)
• Steady Shake (2 shakes per measure)
• Slow Shake (1 shake per measure)

Extension Activities:

• Have one side of the room keep the tempo by doing a fast shake while the other side shakes on the keywords. It will be tricky to focus only on your part!
• Divide into 3 groups – one for each keyword. Sing through the song with each group doing their assigned actions, then rotate to try a new action.
• Add in egg shakers for another fun element! Take turns with each instrument or switch with a partner each time you sing the word, “gave.”

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this More Jesus Jingle Bells singing time activity!

This Little Light of Mine Jingle Bells Video Demo

Watch this short demonstration video and simplify your singing time prep! In this video, I’ll explain both jingle bell challenges for this song with helpful demonstrations. Try it along with me!

https://youtu.be/Y9KGr3KgI_Y

–> This Little Light of Mine Jingle Bells Video Demo <–

This Little Light of Mine Jingle Bells Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes pattern posters for a keyword & speed challenges that pair beautifully with any verse of this song you are teaching!

This activity has bonus printables available including 2 shaking pattern adaptation, 1/2 page and full page action cards, and a lyrics pattern chart. You’ll find these bonus printables available included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when This Little Light of Mine is the featured song of the month.

Try this This Little Light of Mine Melody Map idea for a unique way to present the melody as you teach this song in primary!

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