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7 Creative Methods for Teaching Scripture to Children

January 28, 2014 by stultsmamaof4 29 Comments

We all know scripture memorization is important.  If only it were also easy!  If memorizing Bible verses proves difficult for adults, then imagine how much more difficult it can be for our young children to learn scripture.

Over my years of mothering our four kiddos and working with children at church, I’ve learned that teachers of  preschoolers in particular need to be really creative.  Sometimes that’s a real struggle for me because what works for adults doesn’t always work for kids, and even more, what works for one child may not work for another.

So, for all of the purposeful parents, the homeschooling mamas, the Sunday School teachers, the toddler nursery workers, the Children’s Church volunteers, the daycare providers, the AWANA teachers, for anyone who desires to teach kids bible verses but isn’t sure where to begin, here are my favorite methods for teaching scripture to children:

7 Creative Methods for Teaching Scripture to Children

1. Check it – Be sure the verse is short enough.

For very young students even a single sentence might be too long.  If the verse you have chosen is lengthy even in a children’s bible version, condense it further.  For example, if “Be kind and compassionate to each other” is too much, shorten it to “Be kind to others” or for very young children: “Be kind.”

Equally important, be sure that that your children or students understand the words in the verse.  What good is memorizing a verse that holds no meaning for them? 🙂

When teaching scripture to children, be sure to consider the age of your pupils!

teaching memory verses to kids, how to teach scripture to little kids, memory verse, scripture memorization, teaching kids scripture, homeschool, church, preschool, toddler

2. Act it – create motions to go along with the verse.

In general, preschoolers tend to learn more when they are being active rather than passive. Even many elementary-age children prefer to learn through movement rather than seatwork.  So, especially for those little learners who always seem to have ants in their pants, this technique can work wonders.

 For example, in our Cubbies class (preschool class for AWANA at church) we recently learned the verse “Children obey your parents in the Lord.”  The word “children” was portrayed by holding a hand out flat, palm down, and stair-stepping down, as in “stair-step children” (that’s the best I could think of – anyone have a better idea for children??).  Then for the phrase “obey your parents,” we pointed our finger straight out like a mommy telling a child what to do (picture Uncle Sam’s we-want-you pose – the kids really understood that gesture well, haha).   Finally, For “in the Lord” we simply pointed straight up into the air as if we were pointing to God in Heaven.

If you happen to know sign language, the easiest gestures would be actual signs, especially for words or phrases that will be repeated often, like God, Jesus, or Bible.   Sometimes my Cubbies are able to help me think of appropriate gestures, too. It’s important to include their input when teaching scripture to children.

Youtube example:

*One important note: do not try to attach a gesture to every single word in the verse.  Doing so will frustrate some children and will interrupt the natural flow of the verse.  You only need a gesture for each concept or phrase in the verse.  A second note: if the children look confused, then your chosen hand gesture or motion is not computing. Let it go and try something else.  🙂

3.  Play with it!

We usually repeat our memory verse a few times together before we get a little silly with it.  When the boys’ eyes begin to glaze over, I know we’ve repeated one too many times. 🙂

Once we can mostly say it together, I usually ask the children to stand up and push in their chairs so we can be more active.  We might crouch down and say the verse very, very quietly (gestures included) and then hop up and say it as loud as we can.  Sometimes we march around our table and say it, or we chant it to a rhythm, or we sing it, or clap it out, or use silly voices, and so on.  Songs in particular work very well at this age.

Creativity is key when teaching scripture to children!

Sometimes we march around our table and say it, or we chant it to a rhythm, or we sing it, or clap it out, or use silly voices, and so on.  Songs in particular work very well at this age (Tip: you can use familiar tunes such as Farmer in the Dell, Old MacDonald, Three Blind Mice, etc. to put the words to if you don’t already know a song for the verse you are trying to teach).

Youtube example:

Once we used the suggested game for that week from our Cubbies book – let’s call it, “Lights on, lights off.”  When the lights were off, the kids were free to move around in whatever manner they desired: walking, creeping, running, hopping, crawling, etc.  When the lights came on, everyone had to freeze in place.  Once they understood the concept of the game, I used the “freeze” time to repeat our verse.  The same concept could be used with music rather than lights.

If scripture memorization is hard for adults, then it's even more difficult for kids! Try these 7 creative methods for teaching scripture to children. Great for parents, moms, homeschool, AWANA, Children's Church, etc.

4. Repeat it – give each child to a chance to say it alone.

Once we have played around with the memory verse a little bit, most children will have at least part of the verse, if not the whole, in their minds.  At this point, I usually test my Cubbies a little while still trying to keep it fun.

For instance, if we’re chanting our verse to a beat, then in between each repetition, I’ll give a single student a chance to say it on his or her own.  Then the whole class says it together, followed by another individual, and so on.  Be sure to support those who need it so they don’t become embarrassed.

And we always, always celebrate, even if we are only partially successful at saying the verse!

5.  Draw it!

Some students prefer putting crayon to paper over reciting verses aloud.  Since my preschool Cubbies cannot read yet, I might ask them to draw a picture of their verse.

Of course, at their age I always have a few who choose to draw something totally unrelated, but for those who process information visually or spatially, drawing can really help to cement the concept of the verse in their minds.

The  Bible verse cards below can be colored – how cool is that?!

*This post contains affiliate links.* Jen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 

6. Forget about references…for now.

Not that we shouldn’t attempt to teach the reference at all – I still do.  However, I just don’t stress about it anymore when teaching scripture to kids.

At this age remembering a reference that doesn’t hold much meaning (for them) and is difficult to even pronounce can be really challenging and frustrating, especially for kids who might not be familiar with the books of the Bible. How many three-year-olds can actually pronounce books like Deuteronomy, Ecclesiastes, or Thessalonians?  Even if they can pronounce them, do they understand what those words followed by numbers mean?

If not, then they are learning words that make no sense to them, hold no meaning.

Thus, in my humble opinion, the priority should be the conceptual learning taking place: truths about God making us, God loving us, loving others, etc.  I still teach the references, but I don’t emphasize them as much as the body of the verse itself. As long as a child remembers the main idea of the verse, I count it a win!

 However, if you are going to be working on a verse for an extended time, then by all means, include the reference!  Additionally, if your children or students are older and can understand the purpose of a reference, then the reference should most definitely be included! 🙂

7. Remember variety, different methods work with different children, so use a variety when possible.

Our preschool daughter loves to say her verses carefully along with hand gestures as if she is performing on stage.

On the other hand, her twin brother resists the hand gestures, but he love, love, LOVES anything repeated in a weird or sing-song voice. (True story – I once entertained him through an entire grocery shopping trip simply by repeating the same phrase over and over again in a robot voice.  Whatever works, right?!

You can use a cd like this to play in the car on repeat to get the Word of God stuck in their minds (and yours, too)! 🙂

 Of course, sometimes during AWANA, or even at home, the kids are so crazy and energetic that we fail to accomplish much in the way of teaching scripture to children.  And we don’t always make time for memory verses either, but when we do, I want to make sure that it’s time well-spent.

Whether you are teaching scripture to children at church or in your own home, I hope you find these tips helpful!  I have yet to find any ways to address tactile (touch-based/sensory) learners who cannot read yet, so if any of you have ideas for me, I’d really love to hear them.

Blessings to you brave mamas and teachers of little ones,

Jen 🙂

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Use these creative methods to teach memory verses to all sorts of learners! #bibleverses #parentingtips #teachinghacks #childrensministry Being Confident of This | How to teach kids scripture | easy ways for kids to learn Bible verses | learning styles | putting verses to song | using hand motions for Bible memorization | children's ministry | Christian parenting | raising godly kids

 

Filed Under: Christianity, Parenting Tagged With: AWANA, Bible, children, Children's Church, homeschool, Homeschooling, kids, memory verse, mothers, parents, preschoolers, purposeful parenting, scripture memorization, Sunday School, teachers, toddlers

Comments

  1. Beth says

    January 29, 2014 at 17:48

    I agree with you about not focusing on the reference. It is good to know but there are a number of verses that I know but can’t remember the reference. Getting the truth is so important. The reference will come later or you can always use a search if you need to find the verse.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      January 31, 2014 at 10:46

      Yes, the reference can come later! Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment.
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
      • terri says

        April 28, 2016 at 11:07

        I agree with everything you said except the references. I teach 2 and 3 bible class. We started using the ABC verses and my 3 year olds can say the verse with the reference. If we don’t teach it as they are learning the verse, I feel< will be hard to go back and teach the reference.

        Reply
        • jstults says

          April 29, 2016 at 10:06

          Good point! I guess it depends on your overall goal. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
          Jen

          Reply
  2. Christa says

    January 30, 2014 at 14:46

    This is great. I love that you mentioned Cubbies, my daughter started Cubbies this year and loves it. Since she is only 3 we do the shortened versions of the verses. In the beginning I worked so hard to have her repeat the references, but now I’ve gotten a little more lenient with it. She has just remembered so many verses that the numbers are starting to run together. She also likes to run or jump to help her remember. Anyway…this is a great post and it is so important, especially now, that we start teaching children these verses early.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      January 31, 2014 at 10:48

      Thanks, Christa! I’ve learned an awful lot from working with my Cubbies. 🙂 They can be challenging, but are so cute that it makes up for it. I don’t think there is anything more precious than a child understanding new truth about God. Thanks for stopping by!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  3. North Raleigh day care says

    January 31, 2014 at 07:47

    Thanks for these great tips! Our child care academy is Christian based and we have a weekly Bible verse. Some of our children are very young and have trouble remembering the longer ones. I plan to use these tips next week! Thanks again!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      January 31, 2014 at 10:52

      How wonderful to have a faith-based child care! I’m sure that is a blessing to so many parents. You’ll have to let me know how it goes. Thanks for stopping by!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  4. Susan @HomeschoolWithLove.com says

    February 7, 2014 at 12:36

    What great ideas! They reach all learning styles. I’m pinning this one. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 11, 2014 at 01:35

      Thank you, Susan! I chalk it up to good “teacher training” from my undergrad degree and some moments of divine inspiration after a desperate, “Lord, please help?!!” I’m so glad you stopped by.
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  5. Ashley says

    February 12, 2014 at 07:35

    Wonderful ideas! I appreciate you sharing them at Mom’s Library; you are featured this week!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 16, 2014 at 22:22

      Thanks, Ashely, I’m so glad to hear they were helpful. 🙂 Thank you for featuring the post, as well!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  6. Pamela says

    February 23, 2014 at 08:12

    This is just excellent! It’s the best thing we can do for our children–teach them Scripture. I remember what I learned as a child and I’m happy I do–it’s so much harder to memorize now.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      February 24, 2014 at 18:14

      Thanks for stopping by Pamela! Yes, the early years are perfect for teaching biblical truths because those young minds are so moldable!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  7. Abby says

    August 29, 2014 at 16:44

    Great, great post. Thank you! These will also work for my Sparks who can’t read yet.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      September 26, 2014 at 21:46

      Abby, I’m happy to hear it! I have the cubbies class, so I’ve learned to be a bit more creative with my little ones. Isn’t AWANA fun?!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    January 7, 2015 at 13:03

    My 4 year old has memorized some pretty long verses when we use motions and break it into smaller chunks. I also make each verse into a little song. The best part about teaching scriptures to my daughter is that I learn them as well. Shared on Heaven Not Harvard’s FB page.

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      January 7, 2015 at 13:57

      How true! When we teach good things to others, we reap benefits ourselves. 🙂 Thanks for sharing on your page – love the title. I’ll be sure to stop by and check it out. Thanks for stopping by today!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  9. Dawn says

    June 1, 2015 at 15:35

    This is great, Jen. I love your ideas. My daughter memorized a lot of scripture when she was little, because she was on a bible quiz team. We also found that singing the verses would help.

    Reply
    • jstults says

      June 4, 2015 at 22:05

      Yes! I remember many verses just because I know the song that goes with them. Lately I’ve been teaching our kids the song for Eph. 4:32 that way. 🙂 A bible quiz team would be a good way to learn a lot of scripture, too, I’m sure! Thanks for stopping to read and comment!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    June 2, 2015 at 20:56

    I love these ideas, Jen! And I agree about the references. They’re important for the purpose of organization in our brains, but the references aren’t inspired. They’re just a tool. Thank you for pointing us toward helping our kids memorize Scripture!

    Reply
    • jstults says

      June 4, 2015 at 22:04

      Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Anne says

    January 11, 2018 at 02:55

    In teaching scripture, one great way is to manage the information visually through Mind Map AR by ScapeHop. Create ideas and dive into concepts that mirror how your brain processes information.

    Reply
  12. Mary Jones says

    May 25, 2018 at 15:02

    I use a jump rope and have the younger kids say a word in the verse as they jump the rope. when we finish the verse, we start over.

    Reply
    • jstults says

      September 4, 2018 at 11:27

      Great idea! I love that this involves those large motor skills and would work well for kinesthetic learners! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Glenda Barnes says

    June 4, 2018 at 11:00

    Hello! My name is Glenda. Time is approaching for VBS bible school at our church, and this will be my very first time teaching VBS to small children, they are 1st and 2nd grades. Any tips on how to begin my class without me being overwhelmed or getting exhausted?

    Reply
    • jstults says

      September 4, 2018 at 11:28

      Glenda, I am so sorry. Somehow I missed a bunch of comments that were “pending” in my wordpress account. So, I’m afraid I didn’t see this in time. 🙁 If you still have questions, feel free to email me! jstults @ beingcondentofthis .com (just remove the spaces – I have to do that or I’ll get a bunch of spam mail!)

      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  14. Florence Kingbossa says

    March 28, 2021 at 05:46

    I’m blessed with this.

    Reply

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  1. Toddlers Can Memorize Bible Verses! | Antioch Kids says:
    September 18, 2015 at 14:44

    […] definitely memorize Scripture! Fellow blogger Jen, of “Being Confident of This,” came up with seven ideas for helping your kiddos—of all ages—memorize Bible […]

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Hi, I'm Jen: a work in progress. I'm imperfect - a mom of four, pastor's wife, discipler, and sinner saved only by grace. I like to sing, read, write, teach, and smile. I have a heart for encouraging women everywhere to understand God's limitless love for them and what His grace means for everyday living. Welcome! :) Read More…

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