Making Memory Verse Time Memorable

It’s easy to let memory verses become routine. But even if it seems like we’ve heard certain scriptures a thousand times, our students may be hearing them for the first time. To encourage scripture memory, teachers can make this class time memorable and enjoyable.

Why are memory verses so important? Tom Meyer, known as The Bible Memory Man, gives these reasons in his article, “Resolve to Memorize Scripture”:

Meditating on the Word of God hidden in the heart will help you set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2), become strong like a tree planted by the banks of the river (Psalm 1:3), and have a heart well-stocked with the words of the Creator of heaven and earth (Joshua 1:8). How amazing is that?! As parents, we have no greater joy than when our children walk in truth (3 John 1:4). How much more pleased would God be if his children recommitted themselves to hiding his Word in their hearts so they wouldn’t sin against him (Psalm 119:11)!

These reasons for Bible memory are directed to parents, but they apply to teachers as well. Tom has memorized at least 20 whole books of the Bible. He often recites them to audiences, inspiring many to begin memorizing too. In his article, Tom explains that the three best ways to memorize a verse are to read it aloud, hear it spoken, and write each word as you say it.

Here are some practical ways to incorporate Tom’s memorization tips to learn the verses provided in Answers Bible Curriculum.

To read the verse aloud, begin with the Flip Chart Memory Verse page, memory verse poster, or PowerPoint slide, depending on your age group.

• Review the memory verse with Pre-K and 1st grade using the Flip Chart rebus verse. Point to each word and picture as you say it. Focus on a phrase or sentence each class time, and gradually add to it each week.
• With older kids, start reading together slowly from the memory verse poster, then speed up as you repeat it. Kids love to see how fast they can go!
• Write the verse on the board. Read it aloud together, then choose students to come up and erase a few words. Read the verse again, seeing if the group can remember the missing words. Continue erasing words until just a few words or phrases are left.
• Sing the memory verse song with the lyrics on the screen so kids can read the words as they sing.
• For any age group, including adults, read the verse together by going around the room or circle, giving each person a turn to read the next word or phrase.

Hearing the verse can also be done simply. Try some of these ideas.

• Teach the memory verse song and sing it together at least twice each class time.
• Play the memory verse song during other activities so students continue to hear it.
• Students of all ages can participate in a fill-in-the-blank activity. Read the verse and pause a few times to let the class say the next word for you. You could also pause and toss an object like a beanbag or ball to individual students, who will then provide the next word and pass the object back.

Finally, writing each word and saying it is a beneficial activity for older kids, teens, and adults.

• Have teams race to write the memory verse on the board one word at a time. Tell the teams to shout out each word as their teammate writes it.
• Write the memory verse on the board as your students dictate it to you. If they get a word wrong, write it anyway, then read it aloud together to correct any mistakes.
• Give students a pen and paper. When you say go, see who can write the whole verse first without any mistakes.
• Provide index cards and a few minutes of class time for students to write and say the verse. Have them take the cards home to review the verse throughout the week.

Take some time to explain the meaning of the verse to help your students understand its relevance and gain a sense of purpose for memorizing it. Be honest with your students; it can be hard to memorize, but it can also be exciting to do something that pleases God. Encourage your students to practice and help each other—and let them hear you say the verse too.

Try using these ideas to add memory verse practice to your class time with little or no extra preparation. You can also check out the Memory Verse Games in the Teacher Guide (Pre-K–Middle School) for more interactive ideas. Most of all, be consistent to work on the verse each week. When it comes to memorizing anything, repetition is key. It takes time, but it’s time well spent.