Preschool children can be one of the greatest age groups to teach because they are often like a sponge, soaking up every bit of content that you share with them. With a little activity repetition, preschoolers can learn and memorize some of the most cherished Bible verses. Here are a few activities to do with your preschoolers to help them memorize scripture:
- Ball Toss—Have children sit on the floor in a circle. The first child says the Bible verse and rolls a ball to anyone in the circle. The child receiving the ball repeats the verse and so on.
- Hot Potato—Let the children stand in a circle and pass an object around the group. When you say, “stop”, the child holding the object must be able to quote the memory verse.
- Song—Learn the memory verse by putting it to music or the tune of a familiar lullaby.
- Find the Verse—Place pictures representing the words of a memory verse on strips of paper. Hide the pieces around the room and let the children find them. Once all the pictures are found, help the children assemble them in order.
- Recording—Using your phone or another device, allow the children to say the verse on a recording. Play the audio recordings back to the group for fun and reinforcement.
Keys to helping preschoolers successfully memorize scripture:
- Repetition—Plan at least 3-4 scripture review activities throughout each ministry session.
- Focus—Consider focusing on one memory verse each month. This will allow multiple opportunities throughout the month to review the scripture with your children during weekend and mid-week services.
- Keep It Simple—Keep the memory verses short and in a version that is easily spoken by preschoolers, such as NIV, NLT, or NIrV.
- Motion—Develop hand movements or actions to accompany the verse. These motions will help the child retain what has been taught.
- Share—Share the scripture verse, and any motions, with the parents of your children so that they can reinforce the verse throughout the week at home. Consider posting the verse and a video of the motions on social media.
Sample Hand Motions
“How wide (hold arms out wide)
and long (hold arms out vertically)
and high (jump as high as you can)
and deep (pretend to dig with a shovel)
is the love (hug yourself)
of Christ.” (point up)
Ephesians 3:18, NIV (hold hands open like a book)
“Always (arms up around to side)
give thanks (sign language for thank you)
to God.” (both hands pointing up)
Ephesians 5:20, NIV (hold hands open like a book)
“Love (hug yourself and twist)
one another.” (point to all your friends)
John 13:34, NIV (hold hands open like a book)
