All About Scripture Memorization, Part 2

Methods of Memorization

Choosing a method of memorization can take some time.  Often, the methods that work as you get started or as a young child are not the ones that work as you grow and mature.  Sometimes a passage is challenging and requires a new approach.  And sometimes you just need something new to make the memory work interesting.

Here are some ideas for how to incorporate your senses as you memorize.

Visual Learning

• Draw a picture to represent each part of the passage.
• Write the passage down on a poster board and put it in a prominent place in your house.
• Write down the passage on sticky notes and put them on the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink, or beside your bed.
• Divide the passage into short phrases.  Read a phrase, then close your eyes and recite the phrase while envisioning the words in front of you.
• Highlight or color important words in the passage.
• Play Erase-a-Word.  Write the passage on a dry erase board or chalkboard.  Read the verse several times.  With each repetition erase some of the words from the passage until the board is blank.

For Younger Children

• Write the passage down using a picture or symbol to represent important words.  Point to the words as you say them with your child.  Emphasize the words that use a symbol or picture.
• Write the passage down in large lettering.  Have your child trace the words with their finger or a writing utensil as you read along.

Auditory Learning

• Set the passage to music.  Common nursery rhyme tunes often work well.  ("Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", "Baa Baa Black Sheep", "Mary Had a Little Lamb", etc.)  Find scripture memory songs on YouTube with your parents' permission.
• "Rap" the passage by saying it in a rhythm.  Add clapping if you like.
• Make an audio recording of yourself reciting the passage.  Listen to it throughout the day - when you are getting ready in the morning, during meal time, or in the car.

For Younger Children

• Break the passage into phrases.  Say a phrase and have your child repeat it back to you.  Continue on to the next phrase until you finish the passage.  Repeat this 2 or 3 times.

Kinesthetic Learning

• Make up actions for the passage.
• Recite the passage while bouncing on an exercise ball, walking around the room, playing with play dough, building Legos, coloring, drawing, doing sit-ups, or even knitting.
• Write the passage out several times.  Use different media - paper and pencil, your favorite pen and journal, notecards, dry erase markers and board, chalkboard, poster, etc.
• Recite the passage and clap as you say important words.

For Younger Children

• Write the passage down.  Use fabric or sandpaper to trace over important words.  Read the passage with your child.  Have them trace the textured words with their fingers.
• As you teach the passage to your child phrase by phrase, have them perform an action after they say important words.  Ideas for actions: Clapping, jumping, jumping jacks, patting head, rubbing tummy, turning/spinning around, touching toes, frog jumping, or reaching for the sky.

All About Memorization Series Part 1 and Part 3.