Home Children's Ministry Leaders 10 Ways To Help Kids Memorize God’s Word

10 Ways To Help Kids Memorize God’s Word

memorize scripture

One of the most impactful things we can do to set kids up for spiritual success is helping them memorize Scripture.

So many promises are listed for those who “hide” God’s Word in their heart. One day, the children we minister to will be on their own spiritually. They will face trials, temptations and attacks from the enemy. But if their faith is grounded in the Word of God, they can thrive as a follower of Jesus.

Knowing key passages will give them the “Sword of the Spirit” whereby they can stand strong.

Let’s look at 10 ways you can help children memorize God’s Word.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

If you want children to memorize Scripture, then have them repeat the verse over and over and over.

Look what it says in Deuteronomy 6.

REPEAT them AGAIN and AGAIN to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

Did you know that if a child hears something one time in a month, their retention rate will only be 10%. But if they hear something at least six times in a month, their retention rate goes up to 90%.

Repetition is a vital part of helping kids memorize Scripture and move it into their long-term memory.

Use the ‘Missing Word’ Game.

Show all the words of the verse and have kids repeat it a couple of times.

Take out or cover up a word of the verse. See if the kids can still say the verse. Keep going until all of the words are taken out or covered up.

The Mix-Up

Put the words of the verses on individual cards. Turn them over and mix them up. See how quickly the kids can put the verse back in order.

Motions

Have the kids make up a motion for each keyword in the verse. Have them repeat the verse several times while using the motions.

Say the Next Word

Point at a child and ask them to say the first word of the verse. Then point to another child and have them say the second word of the verse.

Keep doing this until the kids have said the entire verse.

Sing It

Have the kids make up a song with the words of the verse.