For Preschoolers

The preschool years are an ideal time to start Bible memory!  You’ll be amazed at how quickly your little one will learn – and how much fun it can be.  Keep in mind; preschoolers are very “concrete” in their thinking.  They won’t be able to grasp the meaning of certain abstract words and concepts until they’re a bit older.  Be patient as they “grow into” God’s word.  Early Bible memory expands a young child’s vocabulary and stimulates the brain’s ability to retain and recall information.  It also serves to establish God’s word as an important part of your child’s regular routine, nourishing them with daily “soul food.”

Twelve Tips for Preschoolers (3- to 5-years)

  1. Approach Bible memory with enthusiasm – as something useful and joyful.
  2. Young children thrive on routine.  Set a “Bible memory time” in your child’s day or evening schedule.  A few minutes at breakfast or bedtime works well.
  3. Pray!  Ask God to help you – and cause your child’s heart to be receptive.
  4. Keep it positive and enjoyable for your child – like a “Spiritual Happy Meal”!
  5. Be as consistent as possible, but don’t get discouraged if you get off schedule.  Just start again.
  6. Does your child have his own Bible?  If not, choose an important day or special occasion to present your child with a copy of his very own.  Instruct him to hold it gently and take good care of it.
  7. Carefully choose verses that foster security in your child’s young heart.  Pray and ask God to lead you.  Verses about God’s unconditional love, greatness, provision, and protection lay a healthy foundation of truth for little ones.
  8. REFERENCES: Don’t spend time learning the full reference.  All those numbers can be very frustrating and confusing for young children.  Simplify by teaching him the name of the book where the verse is found. Provide a short explanation about the book.  For example, “Proverbs is God’s book of wisdom, teaching us how we are to live each day,” or “The book of John was written by one of Jesus’ friends, named John.  John saw Jesus do many miracles and wrote his book to tell everyone that Jesus is our Savior. ”
  9. Make Bible memory time interactive.  Give your child the chance to talk about the verse in his own words.
  10. Give lots of praise and encouragement when your child learns and/or lives a verse!  Clap, whistle, cheer!  Reward with something that “makes him smile.”
  11. Don’t use memory verses to chastise or “preach” to your child about his misbehavior.  Build your child up with each verse and let the Holy Spirit do His work with the Word.  Use a gentle tone, and patiently instruct him to “live” the verses he’s learning.
  12. Don’t quit!  Plant each verse (seed) with confident faith that God will cause His word to grow and bloom in your child’s heart.

LEARN the Verse:

  • Open your child’s Bible to the memory verse, point to it, then read it aloud.
  • Give a brief explanation of the verse in simple language your child can understand.
  • Say the verse again, giving the name of the book at the end.
  • Play “fill-in-the-blank” with one word, then two, and so on until your child learns the whole verse or phrase.
  • Write the verse on a 4×6 index card and put it in an inexpensive plastic frame where you’ll see it often.
  • Keep track of the verses you are learning, and review them often with lots of praise and encouragement.

LINK the Verse:

  • Add motions or “sing” the verse to a familiar melody.  (SEEDS Family Worship CDs!)
  • Associate or link the verse to something that has meaning to your child.
  • “Draw” the verse on paper using the “link” for memory.  Ex:  Hearts for “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” Mark 12:30

LIVE the Verse:

  • Seize golden opportunities to talk about the verses you are learning throughout the week.
  • Purposefully “live” them in daily situations.

For more tips, super simple bible memory games, 80 pre-printed verse cards, and more, check out The Well-Versed Family: Raising Kids of Faith Through (DO-Able!) Scripture Memory!

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