All About Scripture Memorization, Part 1

 

It could be said that the cornerstone of the Bible Bee is scripture memorization.  Participants in the Summer Study will have 2 passages each week to memorize.  These passages will vary in length depending on the age division you are in.  By the end of the 8-week session, you could have memorized as many as 14 Bible passages.

Participants who are aiming to qualify for the National Bible Bee Competition will have an even more exciting challenge.  They will need to memorize approximately 600-1,000 verses!  How do children as young as 7 years old accomplish such a huge feat?

The answer is simple.

Time, effort, and consistency make memorizing any amount of scripture possible.

Time, effort, and consistency make memorizing any amount of scripture possible.  No matter how old or young you are, if you consistently take the time and make the effort, you will be able to successfully commit passages of the Bible to memory.  By following a few simple guidelines, you can easily create a method of memorization that will be both fun and effective.

Memorize (Nearly) Every Day

Make a commitment to work on scripture memorization 5-6 days each week.  Find consistent times of day that you can realistically fit into your daily routines.  Get creative with how and when you memorize.  If you are in the car every day, plan to use that time for memorization.  Fit it in just before or after meals.  Find times that work for you.

Break It Up

Work in several short sessions throughout the day.  This will give your brain a chance to process what you are learning.  Break the passage into phrases or sections.  Work on a section several times, then another section.  Put the two sections together.  Continue to build the passage this way until you can say it in its entirety.

Practice makes permanent. 

Repeat and Review

Especially if you are new to memorizing or you are working with a young child, nothing can replace repetition.  Practice makes permanent.  To commit a passage to long term memory, it is essential to review it once you have memorized it.  Choose one session each day that is designated for reviewing passages you have already learned.  Once you know a passage well, you do not need to review it every day.  Try reviewing every other day, every 3 days, or twice a week.

For more tips and ideas about memorization, check out Part 2 and Part 3 of the All About Scripture Memorization series.