3 Strategies for Bible Memory Work
One unique component of Classical Education is memory work. Who really enjoys memorizing a ton of material? I don’t know of anyone who thinks this is the most enjoyable way to spend time. However, our brains are a muscle. Like your other muscles, the brain needs to be exercised to grow in strength. Or in the case of the brain, to grow in its capacity to retain information. At GDA we believe in doing challenging things, such as memorizing a book of the Bible starting in 7th grade. Yes, this can be difficult but the long-term benefits of having the Word hidden in your heart outweighs the pain.
I know that we are asking you to do something challenging but we want to make sure you have the tools to achieve this lofty goal. Here are a couple of ways to work towards memorizing a large piece of information.
Time. It takes time to memorize anything. The best use of time is to memorize in small chunks. You should only work on memorizing 5 – 10 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. A suggested schedule would be
- Breakfast – say your memory work after breakfast. Say the work 3 times out loud
- Work on a couple of classes
- Say your memory work again – See what you can say without looking and then repeat the work out loud 3 times
- Work on a couple of classes
- Lunch – See what you can say without looking and then repeat the out loud 3 times
- Work on the rest of your classes. When you are studying Bible – Write the work out to be memorized.
- Enjoy your evening activities
- Bedtime – Recite your memory work
My kids and I would work on our memory work anytime we were in the car. Learn your child’s learning style Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic Learning styles.
- Visual Learners need to see what they are memorizing. While they memorize, they should hold, the paper, read the words, and copy the passage. Highlight the passage in different colors.
- Auditory Learners need to hear what they are memorizing. These learners should listen to the passage, and say what is being memorized out loud.
- Kinesthetic Learners need to move while they are learning. Students should walk, or kick a ball, do jumping jacks, etc… while they memorize.
Better yet, put all three learning styles together to achieve the best use of time while you are memorizing. Also, remember to only spend 5-10 minutes working on memory work.
Have fun. Find ways to have fun while memorizing. Some ideas for fun ideas are: turn your memory work into a song, whisper, scream, or speak in an accent.
The most important thing to remember is that you are exercising your brain. If you have not given your brain a workout before, be patient and give your brain time to grow in strength.
