I did some research this past year (and I've observed this the other twelve years I've taught in Christian schools, too), and the results showed that 85% of students learn cram their Bible memory passage the day before, the evening before, or the morning that it is due. The remaining 15% only look at it a few days before. I asked over 100 students how they had learned their Bible memory passages for the past 9-12 years, and not one of them had worked at memorizing the passage even a week before it was due. I feel that Bible memory is too important to be treated like this, and I truly do think that it is is important for them to memorize God's word.
So, to help fix this dreadful situation, I use several different techniques with my students. While I will list these below, I do want to make the point that I have found that putting Scriptures to music is by far the most effective method. In the past, I've had students who have retained their Bible memory passages for years. In fact, the ladies singing on this CD remembered their passages two, five, and eleven years later. That is hiding God's word in the heart.
This CD is available for the asking. Just fill out the little "contact us" form on the right side there, request it, and give us your address. (Postage costs $3.00 if you'd like to make a donation. :-) It includes twenty-eight word-for-word Scripture memory songs from the KJV for all of the following passages. Digital downloads are also available.
This could be about three years' worth of Bible memory for your school, and they will remember it much better! The following songs are included:
Scripture Memory Songs
1. Psalm 8
2. Psalm 12
3. Psalm 32
4. Psalm 46
5. Psalm 121
6. I Corinthians 13
7. Colossians 3: 1-11
8. Colossians 3: 12-17
9. Colossians 3: 18-25
10. Matthew 5: 1-16
11. Matthew 5: 13-16
12. Matthew 7: 1-5
13. Matthew 22: 35-40
14. Luke 18: 10-14
15. John 13: 21-25
16. John 14: 1-6
17. John 14: 7-10
18. John 14: 11-15
19. John 14: 16-20
20. John 15: 1-5
21. John 15: 5-10
22. John 15: 16-19
23. Romans 5: 1-10
24. Romans 6: 1-10
25. Romans 12: 1-8
26. Romans 12: 9-21
27. James 3: 13-18
28. James 5: 11-20
Methods to help memorization:
1. Schedule! For long term memory, I have found that memorizing 8 to 9 verses over one entire month is ideal. (Having to say the previous month's passage is a great idea, too.)
2. Give students a printed version of the verse. Colored card stock works great and is easy for students to find so that they can read it and recite it in class.
3. Every morning, read through the passage twice. This should be recited, sung, discussed, etc. It's even better if this can be done 3-4 times a day -- after recess, before lunch, etc.
4. Use voice inflections and emphasize important words.
5. Add hand motions on important words, for transitions, and for hard-to-remember words.
6. Use a tune. The following resources are available for free.
Psalm 119 Here is a link to the first portion, Aleph. The others are all available on thehymnary.org; Psalm 119 -- Steinruck/Owens