The Benefits of Memorizing as a Child

* The older we are, the more wisdom we acquire; but the younger we are, the easier it is to take in and store facts.
* The human brain is so constructed that during the first six years of life it takes in data at an astonishing rate. And not only is that so, but this data literally expands the brain. Thereafter, learning data becomes more difficult.
* Your child may learn information many times faster than you can, and may also remember the information longer.
* You can help your child retain the information for years to come by reviewing it and using it in new ways.
* There is hardly anything that you can’t teach your child.

Tried and proven memorization tips from parents and teachers 
(These points can be applied to anything your child is memorizing and studying, not just Scripture memorization.)   

How to start

* If memory work is new to you and your children, start by trying to memorize one verse every two or three days. Once you become accustomed to doing memory work, you will probably be able to memorize a verse a day.
* Try reading the memory verse for the day while your children are eating breakfast. Discuss it briefly to be sure they understand what it means and how it applies to their lives. Repeat it a few times. Review it before the children go to bed.
* Keep things moving at a fairly rapid pace. Children actually absorb things much better that way.
* It’s helpful to have a set time and place daily to work on memorization.
* Get your child’s full attention. Minimize distractions.
* Be relaxed.
* Make it fun.
* Keep it short and well within the child’s attention span. Stop before your child becomes bored.
* Try different inflections in your voice to emphasize the meaning and key words. Quoting or reading each verse with the same inflection and rhythm each time will help your child learn quicker.
* Say the reference of the new verse, then say the verse itself and give a simple explanation.
* On longer verses, go over the verse first in parts, and then put it all together.
* Encourage the child to first listen carefully to the verse, or part of the verse, and then repeat it. Quoting along from the very start often hinders children from getting the words exactly right, and once they say it wrong it becomes more difficult to say it right.
* Say it together a couple of times, and then have the child say it alone.
* Encourage your child to speak loudly and clearly, and to put expression into it! Show enthusiasm by your example.
* Be flexible. If one method isn’t working, change to another.
* Remember: Repetition is the law of memory!

Using music and drama

* Children learn by doing. They like to actively participate in the things they are learning.
* Putting verses to song is a fun and easy way to learn Scripture. This can be done by using simple tunes that the children are already familiar with, such as nursery rhymes like “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” “Row Your Boat,” etc.
* It can be helpful to say the verse to a certain rhythm. For example, clap out the rhythm or march in a circle while quoting the verse.
* Act out the verse to help your child understand and recall it. Have your child mimic you. Young children may initially have difficulty speaking and acting simultaneously, but once they catch on, they love it.

Rewards

* Incentives encourage the children to learn and review their verses.
* Rewards don’t have to be big—just a fun acknowledgment of the progress your child has made.
* To keep your child inspired and making progress, you’ll probably want to vary the incentive from time to time.

Excerpted from the book "Feed My Lambs: Guide for Parents and Teachers", © Aurora Productions.