For Sr. Primary: Print off the following pages (they are vs. 1 and 3 of the song’s “key” words). They are available to download using the access button at the bottom of this post. Depending on the size or your primary, you may need more than 1 copy of each. I printed off 2 copies of each verse for my primary of 15 – 20 kids.
I also printed off another copy that I will keep as my key and not cut out. So I printed 6 pages total, 3 of each verse if that makes sense.
I have 4 envelopes with 2 for each verse. Make sure the fermata and the “stairs” are cut out on their own. You will also want to keep the words “last dispensation” in the 1st verse together as they go together.
In singing time, divide the primary into groups of about 7-8 kids and give each group a “verse 1” envelope. They will probably need to do this activity on the floor.
You and the teachers sing verse one with the piano. Pass out hymnbooks to the teachers if need be. The groups will work on getting the word strips in order while you sing. Hopefully you will be singing the verse multiple times before they get it together. Make sure all groups have finished. Once in order, everyone checks their answers by singing the verse.
Explain what a fermata is, where it’s found in the song and how it’s used. Practice having them follow you on the fermata as you hold the note. Then explain the “stairs.” When the word “vain” is sung, there are 4 notes sung on that one word, similar to stairs. Maybe have them use their hands to make the steps. Repeat the chorus as needed.
When verse 1 is completed, start verse 3. And have it run the same way you did verse 1. Maybe switch up the groups if you want to. The chorus is exactly the same so it should be easier and a faster round.
You can also give the kids a hint if they are struggling. The chorus is all in CAPS where the verses are all in lower case.
Now on to Jr. Primary…
I will put a simple flip chart on the board:


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Then I’m just going to pass out any sort of “musical instruments” I can find. Get creative! The more random, the better! I raided our Primary closet and found some tambourines and a few shakers and other things. But I’m also going to bring the things pictured here:
I’ll let the kids come up and choose something. We’ll go over a flip chart page while they bang out the beat of the song. Then we’ll trade instruments so everyone can try something different. I hope it won’t be too chaotic!
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These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Praise to the Man.
11 thoughts on “Praise to the Man Word Scramble”
I have been loving your ideas with Praise to the Man! I copied your lesson plan from last week and my Primary presidency thought I was a genius! Thanks 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time and writing your ideas down. They are wonderful and I feel successful using your ideas too.
I've been meaning to thank you as well. I often use your great ideas, and I can't tell you how convenient it is to come to your blog and have a lesson plan already at my fingertips! Thank you for sharing the hard work you do! This is a time-consuming calling!!!
I'm substituting for our chorister in primary tomorrow and this was perfect! Thanks!
I just found your site, and it looks wonderful! Thanks for showing us the rhythm instruments you are going to use in junior primary. I have been looking for ideas on how to keep those little ones more engaged. I can't wait to try it!
PS – my daughter's name is Camille 🙂
What do you do when your senior and junior primary are combined? Was thinking have the older kids do word strips in groups while younger kids are our rhythm keepers on the front row while we sing? But then I couldn't put up the flip chart for the rhythm keepers. Any suggestions?
What do you do when your senior and junior primary are combined? Was thinking have the older kids do word strips in groups while younger kids are our rhythm keepers on the front row while we sing? But then I couldn't put up the flip chart for the rhythm keepers. Any suggestions?
Hi Greg & Jenny!
I'd cater to the older kids no matter what you do. The little ones will pick up what they can. But then when you stop to do the actual singing, bring out the rhythm keepers. Both little and big kids will enjoy it! I think you totally can get both of these to work together.
~Camille
Finding your blog is such a blessing!! I just got called as the Primary Chorister and am so nervous- your blog has been such an amazing resource this week!! I'm starting this Sunday w/ 3 weeks to learn Praise to the Man and these lesson ideas are great. It doesn't seem like jollyjen is a website anymore- is the flipchart you use for JR. pictures to go with the words? Thanks so much again for sharing all your great ideas!!
Hi Haley!
This is an older post so maybe that's why the link didn't work anymore. I just updated the link so it should work now. I'm glad you've been able to find my website useful!
~Camille
Thanks so much!