Learning Bible verses by heart is a good way to deepen core messages. This can be done in a fun and playful way, so that children as well as leaders can learn Bible verses by heart without much effort or expense
Memorization should take no more than 15 minutes. With the different game variations in advance, however, it can take longer in total.
It can be used at the beginning of the devotion as an introduction or at the end of the devotion as a consolidation. The Bible verses, which are learned by heart, should always be linked in the context of a core biblical message.
Preparation
The Bible verse must be divided. Depending on the difficulty level and age of the children, there are the following possibilities:
- Each individual word,
- two to three words,
- whole sentences (for longer sentences or Bible verses)
The individual words/parts are written with large font (at least 300pt) on a sheet of paper each (at least A4 better A3). So that everyone can read the Bible verse from a few meters away.
It needs a clearly visible place where the Bible verse can be attached as a whole. Examples:
- Tighten string and use staples to attach Bible verse parts
- Tape Bible verse parts to a tree from top to bottom
- Attach Bible verse pieces to a wall/board with tape or play-doh/adhesive dots - a table tilted längs to one side can also serve as a wall/board, or boards leaning against another object
Game Variations.
* Hang up Bible verse pieces in the correct order for all to see.
* Read the Bible verse aloud as a whole. (Now you can briefly refer to the message of the verse and the devotion)
* Then explain the goal of "memorizing the Bible verse TOGETHER" to the children. (Offer a reward for the children who can later recite the Bible verse on their own)
* Say the Bible verse aloud together with the children in chorus.
* Now the memorization begins!
Memorization Techniques
These techniques can be used variably in memorization.
- Only one group of children reads the Bible verse aloud. (Split: left/right, back/front, girls/boys ... etc.) - competition to see who can read it the loudest and best in chorus.
- One Bible verse part is taken away and the whole Bible verse is read with everyone together. The missing part is recited from memory.
- Children recite the Bible verse without leaders.
- More Bible verse parts are removed.
- Question whether individual children dare to recite the Bible verse, even if only some parts of the Bible verse are still apparent.
- Swap Bible verse parts - reattach parts that have been taken away and remove others.
- Always have groups "compete" against each other.
- At the end take away all Bible verse parts and all together recite the whole Bible verse by heart, then the same in different groups and who has the courage, may also recite the verse alone. - Do not force anyone!
Have a lot of fun and ethusiasm = good entertainment motivates all children!
Distribute reward (to all).
Variations of the game
To make the introduction easier and more exciting, different games are possible. The point is always to "find/recognize" the Bible verses.
- Divide children into two groups: Like a relay race, one child per group can complete a certain "parkour" and grab a Bible verse part. - The winner is the one who has the most Bible verse pieces in the shortest amount of time.
- Only two volunteer children (others can help): Müssen find hidden Bible verse parts.
Other ways to playfully win Bible verse pieces are:
- Solve riddles
- Answering questions correctly
- Memory
Depending on the number of children and the number of Bible verses, the division of the groups and the application of the games must be adapted. Variations of the listed game ideas are expandable
Image credits
- Cover photo © by Anja Fritz, UBM Ireland 2008
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