How to Make Scripture Memorization Easy for Children

 

Children often groan when their parents or Sunday School teachers ask them to memorize Scripture. Bible memorization can be hard work, and frustrating for both the adults and the children involved.

 

You can make Scripture memorization easier for your children or your class by understanding what happens inside a child's brain when they memorize, and by using activities that build on that knowledge.

 

The brain is made up of neurons that are connected at synapses to form "neural pathways." Ever time a child learns something new, new synapses grow and develop in their mind, thus creating new pathways.

 

When a child repeats something, like a Bible verse, over and over, it becomes easier each time because the brain builds stronger neural connections with each repetition. Focused attention – such as focusing on a Bible passage for a length of time – also creates new neural pathways.

 

Here are some ways you can use this information to make Scripture memorization easy for your children or Sunday School class.

 

For young children who can't read yet, you can read the selected text aloud to the child and have them repeat after you, word by word. Say the verse together a few times, then start leaving out words and see if they remember them. Drop one word at a time until your child can say the whole verse on their own.

 

If your child can read, help them find the selected text in their Bible, then read the selected text aloud to your child. Have your child highlight each word to help him focus on the words as he says them.

 

Word cards are also a good way to help your child learn memory verses. Word cards are small cards that have one word of a Bible verse on each card. You can make your own or find them at Train Up Children. A child can memorize a Bible verse by sequencing – putting the words in the right order.

 

When the child can easily put the verse in order, begin removing one word card at a time. Then have the child read the verse, including the missing word. Take away one card at a time until they can repeat the entire verse on their own.

 

For children five to eight years old, you can use a "wordsheet" from Train Up Children as copywork. Each letter-sized wordsheet has the outline of the text for children to trace, on a pretty background. Let them trace over the words with their favorite color of pencil crayon or a pretty pen.

 

For older children who can print or write well, they can copy the text from the wordsheet and decorate it on their own. The wordsheet becomes a work of art they can display, while they memorize the verse. Hang it somewhere they can see it everyday.

 

To help them memorize it, you can also cover up one word at a time with your hand or another scrap of paper, then have them repeat the verse, including the missing words. Continue until they can say the entire verse on their own.

 

When the wordsheet is completed, it's also a meaningful work of art that can be used as a thoughtful gift from a child. Your child can make one for a neighbor or friend who doesn't know the Bible to help spread the word of God. Children can encourage other believers in the gospel by decorating their wordsheets and giving them away to family members, friends, others in your church family, or someone who's sick or in the hospital.

 

May God bless you as you diligently teach His Word,

 

Author of "Plant the Word"
Co-Owner TrainUpChildren.com

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