Today I am excited to share this The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Action Words printable with you! After years of teaching this song with hand actions, we are finally getting it on paper for you!
As you teach The Wise Man and the Foolish Man (archives) in singing time, consider using these hand actions for a fun way to bring this song to life!
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Action Words
It is primary program season, and I have the unique privilege of visiting several wards now that I am serving in a stake primary calling. This past week, I was reminded of just how powerful of a teaching tool hand actions are!
During the program, I watched several darling children proudly doing hand actions (randomly) as they sang. It was so cute!
That’s why I definitely recommend incorporating hand actions as you teach songs in primary! It’s such a simple way to engage primary children of all ages.
Now, The Wise Man and the Foolish Man is likely to be a primary song that sticks with the kiddos regardless of how you teach it. It’s just so catchy! That being said, these fun and easy actions can be an engaging way to really solidify the lyrics (more representation of words learning style ideas).
This song is about two people – one who was wise and one who was foolish. Demonstrate the actions for the first line by pointing to your mind and singing the words, “The wise man.”
Then, create a “house” shape by pressing the tips of your fingers together and spreading your palms in a triangle shape. Make a rock by closing one fist and tapping it on your other hand.
Repeat this line and have the kids try these 3 actions with you. What happened next? It rained! Wiggle your fingers downward as you sing, “The rain came tumbling down.”
What about the foolish man? The foolish man did not choose wisely, so we will shake our finger like we are saying “No.”
For the chorus, wiggle your fingers downward when you sing, “Rains came down,” and bring them back up as you sing, “floods came up.”
Sing through the song a few times as you try the actions. Use the printable action cards to add a visual element as well!
Action Words:
Here’s a quick run-down of the actions for this song. Don’t forget to grab the printable version with picture cards for all 8 actions!
- Wise Man – Point to your mind
- Foolish Man – Shake your finger “No”
- House – Press tips of fingers together to create a “roof”
- Rock – Close one fist, tap on open palm
- Rains – Wiggle fingers downward
- Floods – Raise palms upward
- Stood Still – Close one fist, tap on open palm
- Washed Away/Sand – Bring both hands together, then spread apart
Extension Activities:
- Pick a helper to come up and lead the group in the actions. Each time to sing through the song, choose a new leader.
- Divide the room in half, with one side as the wise man and the other side the foolish man. Then switch!
- Is anyone brave enough to do a solo? Have a volunteer come up and sing some or all of the song with the actions. Keep a little prize, like a sticker or candy, for anyone who does a solo.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Shine On Hand Actions singing time activity!
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Action Words Demo Video
This demonstration video is a little unique because it can be shared directly with your primary children! You are absolutely welcome to practice along with this video, or use it in singing time! In this video, I sing through the entire song using hand actions. If you’d like a fun way to incorporate technology, simply start the video and have the kids try the actions along with me!
–> The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Action Words Demo Video<–
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Action Words Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes 8 1/4 page action word cards with symbols for each action!
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See this The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Rain Storm idea next for a fun way to explore dynamics as you teach this song in primary!
What other fun ways will you use this action words singing time activity in your Primary room?
