Teach the song Hinges using a paper plate skeleton … kind of bringing in a Halloween theme into singing time while not really. You can easily use this paper plate skeleton any time of year to teach the song.

Paper Plate Skeleton
Easily create a paper plate skeleton using cheap-0 paper plates and brads. Here’s a pattern:

I have a pattern available in my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.
Also available in my Resource Library are words to cut apart and tape to the skeleton. Or simply write the words directly on your skeleton using a marker.

Hinges Activity
Before primary hang the skeleton on the board using heavy magnets on a few body sections.
Have the children mimic the skeleton pose as you sing the song. Afterward, pick a child (or 2) to come up, remove a phrase (optional) and put the skeleton in a new position.
Have the children mimic the new skeleton pose and sing the song again. Repeat with new children and new poses until all the words have been removed or you run out of time.
I love that this is sort-of Halloween related without being Halloween related!
Sing Hinges using this activity in a classroom setting! More details HERE.

Check out this quick tutorial video for accessing the Resource Library:
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Hinges.
7 thoughts on “Hinges for Halloween!”
Okay, best Halloween singing time ever! Hate that I missed it this year
Did you get this actual pattern? I went to the link and it says I have to pay to get the pdf.
This is a great wiggle worm song. My kids love singing it and bending our hinges every which way. Both Jr and Sr primary have started to prefer it over "Snowman", which is a huge deal.
Thank you for this great idea! I'm excited to use it tomorrow. I found a website that has an almost identical paper skeleton to the one you referenced and she offers her pattern for free. Here is the link…
http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2010/10/paper-plate-skeleton-tutorial.html
I'm worried senior will hate this. How receptive is senior primary to this activity?
Hi Kristina,
I know all primaries are different but this has been a HUGE hit especially with my Sr. primary {boys!}.
~Camille
I'm going to try it! Thank you for making my calling so easy, especially since I just had a baby.