This simple Christmas singing time lesson plan idea teaches this often overlooked song, Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby. Utilize scarves that help complete the actions your primary will love! Also included is a YouTube video demonstrating the actions.
When I was contemplating how to teach this song, my first thoughts turned to the fact that this song is a lullaby. One that has a swaying-waltz tempo. The idea came to use the gentleness of scarves to create actions. These actions would help keep the beat and melody all while creating memorable movement as we learn the words.
Scarf Actions
1st verse:
- Oh hush thee my baby – “shh” sign, finger to lips
- a story I’ll tell – make a big rainbow which looks like you are opening a big book
- how little Lord Jesus – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
- on earth came to dwell – make a big circle
- How in a far country – look far by placing your hand to your forehead
- way over the sea – create waves using the scarf
- was born a wee baby, a dear one like thee – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
Chorus:
- Lullaby – “waltz” or bounce scarf to the beat (3/4)
- Jesus will care for his little one here – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
- Lullaby – “waltz” or bounce scarf to the beat (3/4)
- Jesus will care for his little one here – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
2nd Verse:
- The story was told by – make a big rainbow which looks like you are opening a big book
- the angels so bright – flap arms creating a “snow angel”
- As round them was shining – create a big circle
- a heavenly light – hold the scarf up high above your head to make a star
- The stars shone out brightly – hold the scarf up high above your head to make a star
- but one led the way – lead with the star
- and stood o’er the place – hang star in front of you
- where the dear baby lay – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
Chorus:
- Lullaby – “waltz” or bounce scarf to the beat (3/4)
- Jesus will care for his little one here – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
- Lullaby – “waltz” or bounce scarf to the beat (3/4)
- Jesus will care for his little one here – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
3rd Verse:
- The shepherds here found him – make a hat
- as angels had said – flap arms creating a “snow angel”
- The poor little stranger – pretend to be shy and hide behind the scarf as you hold the corners up to your face
- no crib for a bed – shake head “no”
- Down low in a manger so quiet he lay – take scarf down low to the floor then come back up
- This little child Jesus asleep on the hay – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
Chorus:
- Lullaby – “waltz” or bounce scarf to the beat (3/4)
- Jesus will care for his little one here – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
- Lullaby – “waltz” or bounce scarf to the beat (3/4)
- Jesus will care for his little one here – create a baby using the scarf in the crook of your arm and rock it
You can download my scarf actions at my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library and where these printables are filed can be found at the bottom of this post.
Find the link to where I bought my scarves in my shop HERE.
To teach the actions, I like to demonstrate everything first while the kids just sit back and watch. It makes for a great attention getter! I play the music on my phone/speaker (or CD). You can also just post the words like I do HERE while you and the teachers sing and the piano plays.
Then I like to ask the kids if they want a scarf to try and to it with me. Then I pass out a scarf to each child and we do it together as they mimic me.
After that, I teach each phrase and it’s associated action (starting with the chorus), then sing the line; gradually adding on. I repeat that until I’ve taught the chorus and each verse.
At the end, bear simple testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and that you know He came to earth.
You can check out my YouTube video lesson plan demonstration here with more details if that helps. I’d love it if you’d like and subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE as well!
I’ve also created a bell chart for Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby. You can find that HERE.
Make sure to check out all my Christmas singing time lesson plan ideas HERE.
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby.
