This list contains the tried and true BEST singing time supplies to purchase for primary. These items are all versatile and are what I have come to personally know, love and recommend!
If you follow me, none of the items will come as a surprise! So I apologize if you have come here looking for something new! These are just my tried and true singing time items I use regularly!
What are the Best Singing Time Supplies?
I see this question of what to purchase for singing time mostly around the end of the year when Primary budgets have a little extra money. Presidencies come to you as the Primary music leader asking what you could use in singing time.
So what do you buy with those sacred, limited funds? This list will get you the most bang for your buck and make sure you spend money on singing time supplies that will have the best impact on your Primary.
Grow your Singing Time Collection
Or maybe you are simply looking to add to your singing time collection. What should you arm yourself with that would make this calling easier and more effective?
Well, look no further! These suggestions will help you amp up what you’ll be able to accomplish in singing time!
This suggested list is based off of what I use most in singing time and what I consider to very versatile, meaning they can be used in a variety of ways.
I’ve left off the most VERY basic item you’d need in this calling … the Children’s Songbook. Then make sure to read the preface HERE as it often gets overlooked!
Okay, here we go!
Gospel Art Book
Hands down, my #1 Primary singing time supply to purchase is the church’s Gospel Art Book. And no, I don’t make any commission for recommending you get one ;). If your Primary doesn’t own one, get one!
And while you’re at it, get 2 books! Then take them apart by removing the spine and place each sheet in sheet protectors in a binder. The purpose of having 2 is so you can put any picture on the board even if the images are back-to-back (trust me, it happens more than I like!).
You can purchase them online HERE to get one two.
A Children's Songbook Companion
Yes, another book! If you don’t have this book, you need to get it! It contains a singing time lesson plan for every single primary song found in the Children’s Songbook.
And getting it just got easier! The entire book book can be downloaded on Camille’s Primary Ideas HERE.
When I prepare lesson plans, this is usually one of the first places I look to spark ideas. The ideas are simple, yet effective.
Sister Pat Graham, one of the authors of this book is a retired General Primary Board Member. Even though the book isn’t published by the church, it was originally intended to be and has been through all of church correlation.
Handbells
I’ll recommend handbells again and again until I’m blue in the face! There is no other singing time item out there quite like the handbells. Kids absolutely love them! If you are new to handbells but would like to implement them into your Primary, check out my post HERE for using handbells in Primary.
Make sure to use CPI for a discount from Merry Bells!
Use the handbells on ANY song! My collection of bell charts continues to grow! Check out my post HERE with all my handbell charts!
If you don’t find what you need there, create your own using my Make-Your-Own Handbell chart HERE.
Seriously, you won’t regret bringing handbells into singing time! They are my favorite to use around Christmas and Easter but that doesn’t mean I don’t pull them out almost monthly in between those holidays either!
Chimes
Chimes are another great rhythm instrument to bring into singing time that your Primary is SURE to love! Find more details HERE.
Scarves
Scarves are another favorite singing time supply! Again, the different ways to use scarves are so many! Use them when learning simplified ASL or to create specific actions.
Once ASL signs are learned, I love to pull out the scarves! They bring in an added dynamic and the kids are usually mesmerized by them! You can see all the lesson plans where I incorporate scarves HERE.
Find the link to purchase your own at my shop HERE.
Ribbon Wands
I LOVE wands! They create such a unique form of movement for the kids when singing. We use these a million different ways including:
- Actions like these found HERE
- Learning how to conduct, details HERE
- Pitch leading (moving their wand up as the notes go up and moving their wand down as the notes go down)
- Incorporate into specific lesson plans like these HERE
If you have the time, you can easily make your own! Check out my post HERE for more details! Or they are also linked in my shop HERE.
Egg Shakers
Egg shakers are a primary staple, perfect for little hands to hold! Add them to your singing time music bag. Or use them for any song to shake to the rhythm and beat!
Check out details HERE for details on purchasing shaker eggs for your Primary or creating your own! Or they are also linked in my shop HERE.
Musical Jingle Bells
Musical jingle bells are another Primary staple and FAVORITE! Use them for any song to shake to the rhythm and beat! Similar to egg shakers.
Find the link to purchase your own at my shop HERE.
Kazoos
My primary asks ALL THE TIME when we are pulling out kazoos! They absolutely LOVE them! Kazoos are a another wonderful musical instrument to bring into singing time! Especially when the song has a strong beat.
Find the link to purchase at my shop HERE.
TIP: Store the kids’ used kazoos in a sandwich bag labeled with the child’s name. This way they can easily be reused without sharing germs!
Finger Lights
Pool Noodles
Singing Time Tote Bag
Now that you have all your singing time supplies, you need something to carry them all in! This bag is my favorite! No more digging in the bottom, searching for that random item that I KNOW is in there! Everything stays so neat and organized, there’s a place for it all!
Check out more details HERE on why it’s my favorite! It’s also linked in my shop HERE.
Singing Time Music Bag
This one basically a catch-all of several of the items listed above. However, I HIGHLY recommend all Primary music leaders create such a bag and keep it at the ready for those rainy singing time days!
Check out my post HERE for creating your own singing time music bag. You won’t regret it! They come in handy for nursery, last minute-subs and more!!
Best Singing Time Office Supplies
If you liked this list, make sure to check out my favorite singing time office supplies! These are what I suggest you have on hand at all times! Find details HERE.
What Did I Miss?
Do you have and use these singing time supplies? Did I miss anything? What are your favorite singing time supplies? I’d love to hear and so would other Primary music leaders! Leave a comment with your suggestions.
Stay Organized in Singing Time
If you are looking to stay more organized in singing time, you will also enjoy my Singing Time Organization series HERE.
