Are you teaching Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth (archives) in singing time this month? I love that this hymn teaches about creating a Christlike home where the Spirit can dwell. Even the youngest of children can help bring more joy and peace to their homes and families.
For an engaging way to introduce or review this song in primary, use this fun Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Color Code! This logical conclusion idea includes a simple code with colors representing song lyrics. Your primary children will love solving this puzzle!
See all Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Singing Time Ideas!
Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Color Code
I have found that activities that require some thinking and solving can be super successful in singing time, especially with older primary kiddos! Having a puzzle to solve can be a great way to immediately capture everyone’s attention in primary!
If you’ve never used a color code in singing time before, the basic idea is to create a simple key with colors to represent different words or word types in the song. During primary, you’ll have to use logic to figure out what each color stands for!
I’ve created a simple color code for this song using 4 different colors. You can find this printable included later in this post.
At the beginning of singing time, post one of the color code pages on the board. Can anyone guess what song we’ll be singing today?
Take a few guesses, and then post the rest of the color code on the board. Hmm, it looks like some of our song is missing! What do all these colors mean?
Let the kids look at the code while the pianist plays the song. If you’ve already started reviewing this song, sing through it together to give a few hints.
Work together to figure out what each color represents in the color code. I recommend starting with one color at a time. Have the kids share ideas and test out your theories by singing through the song.
If you are introducing this song for the first time, begin teaching the song and solve the color code as you go. Feel free to grab our handy Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth flip chart to help as you teach the lyrics.
If you are reviewing this song, sing through the verse a few more times with the color code as a challenge! There are lots of simple ways to add to this activity. I’ve inclulded 5 additional ways to use this idea in singing time below. I’d love to hear which version you use!
Color Code:
I’ve included the color code key with a simple example below, but be sure to keep scrolling to grab the full printable for the first verse.
- Orange = We
- Green = Home
- Blue = Heaven
- Purple = Feeling Words (Ex. Happiness, Joy, Safety, Security, Warmth)
Here’s a simple example of the color code for this song:
[Green] can be a [Blue] on earth when [Orange] are filled with [Purple],
Bringing [Purple] and [Purple], rich blessings from above.
Extension Activities:
- Have the children come up and write in the missing song lyrics! Once you’ve solved the code, replace a few colors with the correct song lyrics each time you sing through the song.
- Choose a fun action for each color! Do the action each time you sing that color! Ex. Orange = Clap, Green = Snap Fingers, Blue = Spin, Purple = Pat Knees,
- Assign each class a color to sing. As you sing through the song, have each class sing the words for their assigned color. Then, swap colors!
- Have a speed challenge! Give each class their own color code! Have the children figure out the code and write in all the missing words! The first group to finish wins!
- Create your own color code for all 3 verses! Feel free to add more colors as needed. For example, add another color for action words, such as “singing,” “praying,” and “serving.”
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Know that My Redeemer Lives Color Code singing time activity!
Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Printable Color Code
This free in-post printable includes a 4 page color code for the first verse.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including the lesson plan, color code key, 1-page option, and additional code code for the 2nd and 3rd verse. You’ll find these bonus files included when Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth 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!
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Continue over next to see this Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth Interactive Picture singing time activity!
What other fun ways will you use this color code singing time activity in your Primary room?
