Want to memorize Bible verses with your children? Here are some ideas to get your started!

We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Some of us have fantastic memories and can easily remember a verse after hearing it once or twice.

Others (like me) struggle with it.

Regardless of who you are, memorizing scripture is a helpful tool for Christians to keep in their back pocket. Bibles are easily accessible nowadays, but we can’t keep them with us all the time. And in those uncertain moments, it is God’s words that will comfort us. If they are written on our hearts, that comfort comes instantly.

It’s best to start when our children are young, when their memories are fresh and malleable. It is easier for them to have a habit or routine of learning God’s word. They will need help though! Here are some ways to help your children learn scriptures:

Helping Children Memorize Bible Verses

Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

“Action Verses” – Pairing simple movements with short verses (clapping for Psalm 47:1, jumping for Philippians 4:4)

“Picture Bible Cards” – Visual cards with one word per picture to tell the verse story

“Song Scripture” – using familiar tunes to sing short verses (Jesus Loves Me melody works for many). Or singing songs that use scripture in them.

“Repeat After Me” games during car rides or while folding laundry

Early Elementary (Ages 6-8)

“Scripture Hand Motions” – Create specific gestures for each phrase. You also could learn some basic sign language for words like “love, Jesus, forgiveness, Bible etc” to help your children.

“Fill in the Blank” games – Say the verse leaving out key words for your child(ren) to complete.

“Bible Verse Treasure Hunt” – Hide word cards around the house and have your child(ren) put verses in order.

“Rhythm and Rhyme” – Clapping out syllables or creating simple rap rhythms.

“Story Scripture” – Work on verses that tell a story (like Psalm 23) by acting it out. These can be full stories as well, and work on one verse within that story (like Noah’s Ark, Walls of Jericho, Daniel & the Lion’s Den etc).

Older Elementary (Ages 9-12)

“Scripture Journaling” – Have you children write the verses in their own handwriting with simple drawings to illustrate.

“Verse Mapping” – Breaking down verses word by word to understand meaning.

“Scripture Art” – If you have child who enjoys art, encourage them to find ways to write the scriptures out in a unique way. Whether it’s handwriting, calligraphy or using the verse in a creative way within the picture.

“Memory Verse Challenges” – Get the family involved with a small competition, have small prizes to encourage everyone to learn their verses.

“Teaching Siblings” – Having older kids teach younger ones (solidifies their own learning)

Multi-Age Family Techniques

“Breakfast Table Review” – Going over the week’s verse during morning meals (a great way to start your day with morning mercies, read more about that HERE)

“Bedtime Blessing Verses” – Ending each day with the current memory verse as a blessing.

“Car Ride Rehearsal” – Practicing during regular drives.

“Scripture Art Projects” – Creating decorations featuring family memory verses. These can be seasonal and used as decor around your home! Check out instructions on how to make kid-friendly decor out of Jenga blocks HERE.

“Verse of the Month” focus rather than weekly pressure.

How to Choose Verses to Memorize

Choose verses with personal meaning to your family’s current season. These can be areas where you see your children struggling (whether it’s fear, patience, sharing etc). Look for verses that will help in these areas.

Start with shorter verses and build up gradually.

Celebrate when they get it right rather than correcting when they’re wrong. And don’t be afraid to switch up the translation. Look at different options to see what will fit for the age and stage your family is at.

Use the verse in everyday conversations. When the verses become normal and natural, it is easier to remember them!

Let kids choose between 2-3 verse options. There are many verses that say similar things, so let your children choose which one they want to work on! You can always do the other verses another week or month.

Grow in Faith and as a Family as You Memorize Bible Verses

This is a great opportunity to grow in faith and together as a family. As you memorize Bible verses together you can share God’s love as you connect.

Work with your children, laugh, sing and play as everyone dives into scriptures. Let God be part of your everyday life as you infuse your daily routine with His word.

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Looking for more ways to connect with your children? Go on a “Donut Date” with them using this journal to record their answers, available on Amazon!