Whenever I teach a new song in singing time, I almost always use some kind of hand actions. This is a great way to grab everyone’s attention and keep those wiggly Sunbeams engaged!
As you teach I Believe in Christ (archives) in singing time this month, consider using hand actions! This fun I Believe in Christ Action Words activity includes simple hand actions for each line of the song. Let’s jump right in!
I Believe in Christ Action Words
With a lengthier song like I Believe in Christ, it can be tricky to keep all the words straight. That’s why I’ve created simple hand actions for each phrase of the song to help you teach this hymn in singing time!
This representation of words activity (more ideas) is an excellent way to get everyone involved during primary! At the beginning of singing time, start by reviewing the first verse of I Believe in Christ (lyrics here).
We’re going to learn some hand actions to help us remember the words! Let’s start with the first line. How can we represent Christ? When Jesus was crucified, his accusers put nails in his hands. Let’s point to our hands for the word, “Christ.” Using one finger, point to the center of your opposite hand. Then, do the same for the other hand.
Then, post the first page of the hand actions printable for the first four lines of the song. Teach the hand actions as you speak or sing each line. Once you get to the end of the first page, sing through those four lines using your new hand actions! Did you catch them all?
Once you’re ready to start learning the rest of the actions, post the second page of the hand actions printable and begin teaching the hand actions for each line. Then, try the entire song with all the hand actions!
1st Verse Hand Actions:
I’ve outlined all the hand actions for each line of the first verse of this hymn below. You’ll notice that some hand actions are used for just one phrase, whereas others span for an entire line.
Be sure to grab our printable hand actions posters to provide helpful visual aids as you teach these hand actions in singing time!
- Point to Hand (Nail prints) – “I believe in Christ”
- Fold hands to make crown above head – “He is my King”
- Hands on Heart – “With all my heart”
- Cup hands over mouth – “To Him I’ll sing”
- Big smile – “I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy”
- Fold arms to pray – “In grand amens my tongue employ”
- Point to Hand (Nail prints) – “I believe in Christ”
- Rock the Baby – “He is God’s Son”
- Point downward – “On earth to dwell, his soul did come”
- Point upward – “He healed the sick; the dead he raised.”
- Hands on Heart – “Good works were his”
- Fold arms to pray – “His name be praised.”
Extension Activities:
- Split the class into 2 groups. Have one group learn the hand actions for the first four lines of the song and have the other group learn the actions for the second half. Have each group sing their lines and do their hand actions. Then, switch roles and have them learn the other half of the song!
- Teach sign language for this song! There are lots of different YouTube videos, like this one, that teach ASL for this song. Have the kids learn the signs for this song. If this is one of your primary program songs, you may even have the kids perform the ASL during the program.
- Instead of posting the actions on the board, come up with your actions together! Have the kids collaborate to choose hand actions for each line of the song. Kids are so creative, and you may be surprised with what they can come up with! This is a great way to get everyone involved.
- Play a picture match game! Cut out each hand action and tape them randomly on the board. Then, write each line or phrase that corresponds to each action on strips of paper. Have the kids match each song phrase to its action!
For another activity using hand actions, head over to see this Book of Mormon Stories Action Words singing time activity!
I Believe in Christ Action Words Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes 2 pages with simple symbols to represent each hand action for the first verse of this hymn. The first page includes actions for the first 4 lines of the song, with actions for the last 4 lines found on page 2.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a printable lesson plan, action words for all 4 verses and an action words key! You’ll find these bonus files included when I Believe in Christ 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!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
Head over to this I Believe in Christ Jingle Bells activity for another interactive way to review this song in primary!
What other fun ways will you use this action words singing time activity in your Primary room?
