Far Far Away on Judea’s Plains with Rhythm Stick Partners

The most important thing with Rhythm Stick Partners, or any partner activity, is to NOT start out with partners. Do that last. By following this activity, you can sing through the song 5 times without things getting boring for the kids!

Demonstrate First (1)

Start off singing and demonstrating this for your kiddos. Don’t give them sticks yet! Sing and do the following actions (see video demonstration). Ask the kids to use their fingers as sticks if they want to:

• Patsch-Patsch-Tap-Tap (Four Times during “Far Far Away on Judea’s Plains, Shepherds of Old Heard the Joyous Strains”)
• Cross Shoulder Tap – Cross Shoulder Tap – Rumble on Lap (Four Times during “Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God in the Highest!)
• Pass Sticks Around your Back – Tap 3 Times up High (Two Times during “Peace on Earth Good Will to Men! Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!”)

Pass Out Sticks (2)

Now: Pass out the sticks! Say “Let’s try this together!” (make sure kids know the rules for this)

Repeat it singing it together.

Demonstrate Partner Actions (3)

NOW: Get a kid to volunteer to be your partner and demonstrate the actions with a partner.

When you tap your Rhythm Sticks, tap your partner’s instead of your own. When you cross shoulder, cross and tap your partner’s opposite stick instead of your shoulder. (See video above)

Everybody do Partner Actions (4)

By now, all your kiddos have seen the partner actions and are ready to do it. Have everyone find a partner quickly!

Switch Partners (5)

If you’ve got time, you can have everyone get a new partner! This increases the number of repetitions for Far Far Away in Judea’s Plains to five times.

You’re going to love this song, and your kids in primary will too! More ideas for singing Far Far Away on Judea’s Plains here.