Activity Overview
The song “This Little Light of Mine" is a gospel song that was originally written in the 1920s. Over time, versus have been added and changed, and it became one of the official songs of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Its lyrics brought people together as they fought for the equal rights of everyone, regardless of skin color.
This song can be used in a number of ways as an activity for younger kids, or older elementary aged students.
A suggestion for grades K-2 would be to listen to the song as a class and sing it together, memorizing the words. Discuss the meaning of the lyrics as a class, and have the students create a cell that highlights their favorite part of the song.
For grades 3-5, teachers could hand out a copy of the lyrics and discuss the meaning as a whole group or in small groups. Be sure to pay attention to how the song relates to the Civil Rights Movement, and why it is pertinent to that time in history. Students would then create a cell that illustrates a part of the song and its meaning.
*Please Note: this song is written as a gospel song, and references Satan.*
”This Little Light of Mine” Lyrics
This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Don't let Satan (blow) it out!
I'm going to let it shine
Don't let Satan (blow) it out!
I'm going to let it shine
Don't let Satan (blow) it out!
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Students will create a cell illustrating their favorite part of the song.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create a cell that illustrates your favorite part of the song. Be sure to use graphics that relate to the song!
Instructions for 3-5
Due Date:
Objective: Students will create a cell illustrating and describing the meaning of a part of the song.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create a cell that illustrates and describes the meaning of a part of the song. Be sure to use graphics that relate to the song!
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
The song “This Little Light of Mine" is a gospel song that was originally written in the 1920s. Over time, versus have been added and changed, and it became one of the official songs of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Its lyrics brought people together as they fought for the equal rights of everyone, regardless of skin color.
This song can be used in a number of ways as an activity for younger kids, or older elementary aged students.
A suggestion for grades K-2 would be to listen to the song as a class and sing it together, memorizing the words. Discuss the meaning of the lyrics as a class, and have the students create a cell that highlights their favorite part of the song.
For grades 3-5, teachers could hand out a copy of the lyrics and discuss the meaning as a whole group or in small groups. Be sure to pay attention to how the song relates to the Civil Rights Movement, and why it is pertinent to that time in history. Students would then create a cell that illustrates a part of the song and its meaning.
*Please Note: this song is written as a gospel song, and references Satan.*
”This Little Light of Mine” Lyrics
This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Don't let Satan (blow) it out!
I'm going to let it shine
Don't let Satan (blow) it out!
I'm going to let it shine
Don't let Satan (blow) it out!
I'm going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Students will create a cell illustrating their favorite part of the song.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create a cell that illustrates your favorite part of the song. Be sure to use graphics that relate to the song!
Instructions for 3-5
Due Date:
Objective: Students will create a cell illustrating and describing the meaning of a part of the song.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create a cell that illustrates and describes the meaning of a part of the song. Be sure to use graphics that relate to the song!
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about This Little Light of Mine Activity
Introduce a Classroom Discussion About Personal Strengths
Encourage students to think about what makes them unique and how they can let their “light” shine in everyday life. Connecting the song’s message to their own strengths helps build self-esteem and classroom community.
Guide Students to Identify and Share Their Own 'Light'
Ask each student to name a quality, talent, or action that makes them feel proud. Sharing these aloud or writing them on sticky notes promotes self-reflection and helps classmates appreciate each other's contributions.
Create a Collaborative 'Class Light' Display
Have students draw or write their personal 'lights' on paper candles, stars, or light bulbs. Display them together on a bulletin board to symbolize your class’s combined strengths and positivity.
Connect the Activity to Real-Life Actions
Brainstorm ways students can let their light shine at school or at home—such as helping a friend, sharing, or showing kindness. List these on a poster as a reminder of practical ways to make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about This Little Light of Mine Activity
What is the meaning of 'This Little Light of Mine' for students?
'This Little Light of Mine' is a gospel song that encourages people to let their inner light and positive qualities shine. In the classroom, it teaches students about self-expression, courage, and standing up for what is right, especially in the context of the Civil Rights Movement.
How can I teach 'This Little Light of Mine' as an activity for elementary students?
You can teach this song by listening and singing together, discussing the lyrics' meaning, and having students create an illustration (cell) of their favorite line or message. Adjust the activity for K-2 or 3-5 by focusing on memorization or deeper discussion.
Why is 'This Little Light of Mine' important in Black History lessons?
This song became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, symbolizing hope and unity. Teaching it helps students understand the struggle for equality and the power of music in social change.
What are some creative ways to illustrate the message of 'This Little Light of Mine'?
Students can draw scenes showing kindness, courage, or helping others. Use art, collage, or digital graphics to depict moments when someone's 'light' shines in their community or during historical events.
How do I discuss the connection between 'This Little Light of Mine' and the Civil Rights Movement with kids?
Explain that the song brought people together during protests and rallies for equal rights. Emphasize how its message of letting your light shine inspired many to stand up for justice and fairness.
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