Whenever I Think about Pioneers Body Rhythm

Don’t skip teaching Whenever I Think about Pioneers (archives) during Singing Time in July as part of your Pioneer Day celebrations! This is a cute and fun song to teach and you’re Primary children will love learning this song with this Whenever I Think about Pioneers Body Rhythm activity.

Whenever I Think about Pioneers Body Rhythm

Sing through Whenever I Think about Pioneers once, before introducing this body rhythm pattern.

Post the body rhythm pattern chart up on the board.

Demonstrate the body rhythm actions for the first 2 lines of the song. You’ll pat your lap with both hands together following the rhythm, then clap on the final 3 notes “pi-o-neers” of the first line. Next, spin as you sing through the 2nd line of the song. Sing through the first two line of the song together with all the body rhythm pattern you have learned so far.

Pause and demonstrate the final two actions by sliding your hands together as you sing the 3rd line of the song. Then, hold one hand still, and clap your other hand across to the first hand, then switch to the 2nd hand still and clapping the first hand across to the 2nd, repeat this clap across pattern for the final line of the song. Sing through the 3rd and 4th line of the song together with the actions you just taught.

Start at the beginning of the song and sing all the way through the first two verses following the body rhythm pattern guide twice – once for each verse.

Body Rhythm Pattern – 1st & 2nd Verse:

• Pat Lap and Clap 3 Times – Pat lap with both hands, then clap the last 3 notes
• Spin – Spin your whole body one time around
• Slide Hands – With your palms together, slide your hands back and forth
• Clap Across – Keep the left hand stationary and clap the right hand across, then keep the right hand stationary and clap the left hand across, repeat.
• Repeat – Repeat all 4 actions for the 2nd verse

Extension Activities:

• Have the Primary children help you come up with your own body rhythm pattern using the body rhythm cards. They can help you make a pattern for the next verse or simply mix up your current pattern and try it again with a new body rhythm!
• Since this song uses a back and forth singing pattern with boys and girls alternating lines of the song – make it a competition! This will help get those reluctant boys to sing for you! See which group will sing and follow the rhythm pattern best! You can even divide up the room and have them face each other.
• Continue by adding on the next pattern for the 3rd and 4th verse with a demo of each action and then jump right into the song!
• Use the lyrics chart to play this body rhythm activity around the room! Post the different actions in each of the 4 corners of the room. Have the kids stand in the different corners, then sing for their line of the song while they do the actions. After each time through the verse, switch corners! Or, in a smaller Primary, walk around the room from corner to corner as you follow the body rhythm pattern and song order.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this The Books in the Old Testament Body Rhythm singing time activity!

Whenever I Think about Pioneers Body Rhythm Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a 1-page body rhythm pattern chart for the 1st and 2nd verse.

This activity has extended printables including a unique pattern for the 3rd and 4th verse, a lyrics and pattern chart, plus 1/4 page and full page body rhythm action cards. You’ll find these bonus files in the Whenever I Think about Pioneers teaching packet in my shop.

For another fun way to help you teach this song, head over to this Whenever I Think about Pioneers Melody Map activity!

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