Have some fun focusing on the rhythm with this To Be a Pioneer Rhythm Sticks singing time idea! This living music activity (archives) includes a pattern for each verse of this pioneer song that is perfect for both Junior and Senior primary children!
Just grab a set of rhythm sticks and tap along with the beat or rhythm as you sing To Be a Pioneer (archives) in primary this week!
**See all To Be a Pioneer Singing Time Ideas!**
To Be a Pioneer Rhythm Sticks
This rhythm sticks activity is a great way to focus on the rhythm as you review this pioneer song in primary!
For this activity, we’ll be using two different patterns, one for the first verse and one for the second. You can think of it like a mini music theory lesson about beat versus rhythm!
Of course, your primary children don’t need to be familiar with these terms at all to enjoy this activity. It’s simply a way to break down the song in a fun and engaging way.
Start by singing through both verses of To Be a Pioneer (lyrics here) at the beginning of singing time.
Today we’re going to focus on the rhythm of this song! Who knows what “rhythm” means? It’s the music! The rhythm is the pattern of sounds in the song! Let me show you.
Bring out two rhythm sticks and have the kids listen as you tap on every syllable of the first line. We’ll call this our “Double Tap” pattern and every note will get a tap. We’ll use this pattern for the entire first verse.
Then, pass out rhythm sticks and have the children try this pattern as you sing the first verse together. Pretty easy, right?
For the second verse, we’re going to do something a little different. Listen carefully! For this pattern, let’s tap on only the emphasized sounds, like this:
“Do – have – cour-, faith – con – fear.”
Did anyone catch the pattern? When we sing, there are sounds that stand out more than others in the rhythm. We’ll call these our “strong” sounds or words. This is the beat!
I’ve included a printable outline that highlights each word to tap for the second verse. Post this outline on the board to help the children visualize where the “strong” beats are in the music.
Let’s try it together! Sing through the second verse as you focus only on emphasized words or syllables that fall on the beat. Then, try both verses! It can be tricky to switch from rhythm to beat, so try it out a few times together!
Rhythm Sticks Pattern:
1st Verse = Double Tap –>Tap on every syllable/note
EX. “You-don’t-have-to-push-a-hand-cart.”
2nd Verse = Single Tap —> Tap only on emphasized beats. *TIP: Sing through the song and notice which words you naturally emphasize as you sing!
EX. You DO need to HAVE great COU-rage. (Tap only on words in all caps)
*You can also look at the music to help you figure out the beat. In this song, each measure has two beats. This means we’re only going to tap on notes that fall on the first or second beat.
Extension Activities:
- Try tapping on every word! Tap only once for words with multiple syllables, like “pioneer.”
- Switch patterns and try tapping on every syllable for the second verse and only on emphasized notes for the first verse!
- Divide the class into two sides. Have one side sing and do the rhythm pattern for the first verse, then have the other side do the second verse! Then, switch verses to get in more repetition.
- Try tapping on key words like “handcart,” “family,” “work,” “pioneer,” “courage,” and “faith.” Listen closely for these words as you sing!
- For an extra challenge, switch off double and single taps for each line of the song. For example, tap on “You don’t have to push a hand-cart, leave – fam – dear.”
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Believe in Christ Rhythm Sticks singing time activity!
To Be a Pioneer Rhythm Sticks Demo Video
If you need a little extra help figuring out the rhythm versus the beat of this song, watch this short demonstration video and try it along with me! In this video, I’ll go through both patterns and provide some tips for this activity!
—> To Be a Pioneer Rhythm Sticks Pattern Demo Video <—
To Be a Pioneer Rhythm Sticks Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes the pattern guide for the 1st verse.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including the key for both verses and the pattern page for the 2nd verse. Plus a larger printable 2-page version. You’ll find these bonus files included when To Be a Pioneer is the featured song of the month.
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.
For another fun activity to engage with this song, head over to see this To Be a Pioneer Primary Trek! You’ll try mini challenges along the trail in your Primary room.
What other fun ways will you use this rhythm sticks singing time activity in your Primary room?
