Three easy activities for practicing Bible verses together at home, using simple materials and a few minutes at a time.
Helping kids memorize Bible verses doesn't have to take much time or preparation. Just a few minutes together can help them get familiar with a verse and remember it.
Here are three easy ways to practice at home.
1. Take Turns Saying the Verse
Pick a short Bible verse and read it aloud together a few times. Then start taking turns. You say the first few words, and they say the next few. Keep going back and forth until you've finished the verse.
Once they've got the hang of it, switch things up. Let them start while you finish, or see if they can say a longer part without looking.
If they forget a word, give them a little help and keep going. This should feel like something you're doing together, not a test.
2. See What's Missing
Write the verse on a piece of paper in big, easy-to-read letters. Read it together, then cover one or two words with sticky notes or small pieces of paper.
Now try saying the verse again, filling in the missing words from memory. As it gets easier, cover a few more words and try again.
For younger kids, start by covering just one word at a time. If they get stuck, uncover the word, read the verse together, and give it another try.
3. Put the Verse Back Together
Write the verse on a piece of paper and cut it into strips, with one word or short phrase on each strip. Mix them up and see if they can put everything back in the right order.
Keep a Bible or a written copy nearby so they can check their work. Once all the words are in place, read the verse aloud together.
For younger kids, use fewer strips with several words on each one. Older kids can try putting individual words in order for more of a challenge.
Keep Practicing a Little at a Time
You don't have to do all three activities in one day. Pick one, spend a few minutes on it, and come back to the same verse tomorrow or later in the week.
And take a moment to talk about what the verse means. Remembering the words is great, but we also want kids to understand what they're learning.