To encourage children to participate fully during praise time, rather than just mouthing the words, complete this demonstration. Bring a few snacks to class. Ask the children who would like a snack. Take a big bite out of the first snack. Ask if anyone still wants that one. Take a big bite of the second snack, and ask if anyone wants that one. Explain to the children that just as they would rather have the whole snack instead of the leftover pieces, God wants them to sing with their whole heart when they praise Him.
Have each child make an instrument to use during praise time. Paper plates, beans and a stapler can be combined to create a simple tambourine. Create a drum out of an oatmeal canister. Convert a shoebox to a guitar by cutting a hole out the lid and stretching rubber bands around the closed shoe box. Whatever instrument the children choose, have them decorate it by drawing religious symbols on it and covering it with religious stickers.
Use paper towel rolls and colorful streamers to create a praise baton. Wrap the paper towel roll with bright construction paper and cover it with religious drawings and stickers. Use tape to attach 12-inch party streamers all along the inside of one of the edges of the paper towel roll. Have children wave their praise batons to the rhythm of the music.
Add hand motions to songs to keep children fully focused on praise. Start with a song that is a favorite of the children. Add hand motions that complement the lyrics, such as crossing heart for love, pointing a finger upward for heaven, or opening hands like a book for Bible. If you are having trouble making up your own hand motions, you can reference a book on sign language and teach the children the song in sign language. Every time the children sing that song, use the motions.