“Joy to the World” Singing Time Ideas

This song is a great way to let the kids sing out! A great rhythmic song for Christmas time.

“Joy to the World” Bell Charts

You can do melody or harmony with these Joy to the World Bell Charts!

Sometimes you can treat the harmony bell charts like a melody map, asking the children what they see and notice, since they may see patterns or repeated notes.

Makes for a great activity to ring in the Christmas season!

“Joy to the World” Hand Actions

These hand actions are simple but effective to help kids think about the words of the song!

• “Joy to the world” – Raise hands in the air with excitement.
• “The Lord is come” – Make a crown shape above your head to represent the Lord.
• “Let earth receive her King” – Cup hands together as if receiving a gift.
• “Let every heart prepare Him room” – Place both hands over the heart.”
• “And saints and angels sing” – Make sweeping motions, like arms opening wide.

“Joy to the World” Body Percussion

Here’s a fun idea. Certain key words in the song each get a specific body rhythm action. For instance:

• Clap once on “Joy” and “World.”
• Snap fingers on “Heaven” and “Sing.”
• Pat legs on “Earth” and “King.”

This might be more challenging than you think for junior primary, but could be a great brain exercise for senior primary!

“Joy to the World” Directed Listening Questions

Directed listening is a way to help kids focus on the meaning of the words as they sing, and can often be paired with another activity. It just depends on your goals for that singing time!

• What does it mean to “receive her king”?
• What does it mean to let your heart “prepare him room”?
• How many times do we sing “Saints”?
• How many times do we sing “angels”?