6 Tips for Memorizing Scripture in Sunday School

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

Memorizing scripture is an essential part of your Answers Bible Curriculum lesson. We want kids to have God’s Word hidden in their hearts. Here are six tips for how to help your Sunday school classroom memorize their Bible verses:

1. Use memory verse posters.

   Use these posters to decorate your classroom and serve as reminders about what they’re learning.

2. Incorporate memory verses in your lesson review.

   When reviewing, take turns between using the song, the poster, and playing the memory verse games each week. You won’t always have time to do all three. If you don’t have time, just review the verse using the memory poster a few times before you end your classroom time to ensure students have worked on their verse, helping commit it to memory. Other weeks, when you have more time, incorporate memory verse music and games into your lesson.

3. Play memory verse games.

   Play memory verse games, but don’t feel like you need to play a new game every week. Once you have gathered and prepared the materials you need for a game, play it for several weeks. This will cut down on your prep work.

4. Give rewards or treats.

   Consider ways to encourage Scripture memory using a wall chart with stickers, writing students names on strips of paper and taping them under the memory verse poster when they’ve quoted their verse, and even awarding prizes or treats to students who can recite their verse.

5. During your “Come On In!” activity.

   Have students work on their memory verse as their “Come On In!” activity by quoting the verse to each other, writing it on index cards and having them put it in the correct order while racing against the clock or each other, or even writing or drawing out the verse on paper or a whiteboard.

6. Explain the Bible verse and provide context.

   Explain the Bible verse and provide context, as it comes to life when you talk about what it means and how you can apply it.

Verses memorized as a child often stick with you your entire life. By helping children memorize God’s Word, you’re laying a lasting foundation of God’s Word hidden in their hearts, ready to apply to every situation and to encourage them and others. Memorizing scripture is vital!