Ten Steps to Help Your Child Memorize Scripture

I am amazed at the number of Bible verses that I learned as a child and can still recall - and how difficult it is for me to memorize Scripture now that I am older! One of my deepest desires as a mother is to encourage my children to hide God's Word in their hearts.

Here are some ideas that I have found helpful in teaching our daughters to memorize Bible verses.

1. Read the Bible verse aloud to your child. Recite the reference of the verse as well as the actual text.

2. Explain the definition of any unfamiliar words and discuss the meaning of the passage.

3. Break the verse down into shorter phrases that are easy to remember.

4. Have your child repeat the phrases after you several times.

5. Make up a tune to go with the words of the verse.

6. Schedule several times throughout the day to practice the verse; for example, every time you sit down to eat or when you get in the car and buckle up, say the verse together.

7. Put motions with the words; you can include simple gestures like pointing up to heaven when saying "God" or "Lord" or moving your feet for the word "walk."

8. Record the verse in a media format and play it back so that your child can listen to it.

9. Make a video of your child reading the verse, then have him watch it while saying the words along with the recording.

10. Use memory games to help reinforce the verse. Write the phrases on cards, then mix them up and have your child arrange them in the correct order; take turns with your child saying a word from the verse until you get to the end; write the verse on a small white board, then erase a few words and see if your child can quote the verse, including the missing words.

As parents, teachers, or caregivers, what a wonderful privilege we have to plant these seeds of Scripture in the hearts of children!