This fun and spunky song, When We’re Helping, will be fun to teach with this paper plates pattern. It’s quick and easy to learn with a few twists up my sleeve to extend the activity, if desired. You’ll find the full When We’re Helping Paper Plates activity below.
**See all When We’re Helping Singing Time Ideas here**
When We’re Helping Paper Plates
Sing through When We’re Helping (flip chart here) once, before introducing the paper plates pattern.
Sing through the song and do the paper plate actions just you as the music leader.
Ask the children what they noticed – when did you clap the paper plates? (1 big clap on the keywords). What changed on the 2nd verse? (Lots of fast claps instead). You guys are so smart! Do you think you can do the pattern with me? Pass out paper plates.
Follow along with the paper plates pattern together.
Divide the room into 2 groups. Have each group alternate taking turns with the claps. The first group on “Helping” and the next group on “Happy” and so on continuing down the sequence. This will help keep them focused and paying attention.
Paper Plates Pattern:
First Verse: Tap one big clap on each of the main keywords:
- Helping, Happy, Sing, Go, Like, Mother, Love
Second Verse: Tap quick fast taps each time you sing “La.” Skip the “Tra’s”
Extension Activities:
- After the first pattern, transition to a partner pattern! Clap across to a partner on the big claps. On the fast claps tap on lap then across repeating with the sequence.
- Challenge the kids to pick a new action to try! You could tap head, shoulders, hips, knees, and toes on the la, la, la’s for example. Or maybe dab instead of big claps!
- Try singing only the words you clap. Then switch and don’t sing the words you clap.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this When I Am Baptized Paper Plates singing time activity!
When We’re Helping Paper Plates Printable Pattern Chart
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page guide to using the pattern for the first verse.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a pattern chart for the 2nd verse, full page and 1/2 page paper plate action cards. You’ll find these bonus files included whenever When We’re Helping 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 and engaging way to teach this song, head over to see this When We’re Helping Act it Out activity!
What other fun ways will you use this singing time activity in your Primary room?
