I have found that, in the homeschool setting, memorization is the most effective tool I have for teaching my children discipline.  Memorization is never effortless.  Even for someone who is highly gifted in that skill.

I am good at memorizing but I have to put in work before I am able to recite it.  Now to recall it days later requires even more work.

Laurie and Harvey Bluedorn said this about memorization and recalling it in the future:

First, the practice of memorization is a mental discipline which strengthens the mind and carries its own reward.

Second, without some regular review, the memory often fades.

Third, I believe the Holy Spirit can bring things forward in our minds, but they have to be in our minds before He can bring them forward.

Fourth, it isn’t memorizing if it’s not word for word. We may begin to lose confidence that we have the right idea from Scripture if we cannot rely upon our memories. Often enough I have thought some idea was in Scripture, but when I went to look for it, I found my understanding to be quite inaccurate.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Every day I have Haley memorize something.  But some days I struggle to find something new and fresh for her to memorize.  Obviously, Bible verses/chapters are top on the list, but some days we choose something else.

Some days we go to the catechism (Catechize and Memorize) other days learn poetry and most fun is when I hear Haley recite a Bible verse in Greek!

Next time you are searching for something to have your children memorize use one of these ideas:

Psalm 100

Psalm 103 (We love this book Bless the Lord: The 103rd Psalm)

John 1: 1-4

Little Lamb, Who Made Thee by William Blake

Psalm 123

The Lord’s Prayer

Apostle’s Creed

Hymns: Amazing Grace, Be Thou My Vision, I Surrender All, I’ll Fly Away, Wherever He Leads, I’ll Go

Psalm 127 (another beautiful book we love The Lord Builds the House: The 127th Psalm)

That should get you through a month or so
Memorization is a great confidence booster for you and your children.  I memorize right along with Haley.  The things I ask Haven to memorize are significantly shorter. Like 7 or 8 word answers!  At this point we are simply teaching Haven the art of focusing on something and being able to repeat it.

We asked him the catechism “What is the chief end of man?” repeatedly over weeks before he could finally answer, “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  Same thing with the question, “Who makes up the Trinity?” Now if we ask, “Who is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?” that complete stumps him. Patience. That’s what I’m learning.