One of the areas of discipline that was very important to my parents as they raised us kids was the memorization of Scripture. We started with The Navigator’s Topical Memory System at a very young age, and then moved into longer passages and books of the Bible. Even though I didn’t always enjoy it at the time, this is probably one of the things that I value the most now. I describe Dad’s regimen for this discipline in more detail in my book Pajama School – stories from the life of a homeschool graduate.
In addition to the benefit of storing up much of God’s Word in our hearts and minds, I think this early habit of memorizing Scripture even helped us develop a capacity to memorize more effectively. That said, some of our family members do struggle more than others when it comes to memorization. I found this post of 18 Tricks to Memorize More Scripture recently and thought it had some really helpful tips. Intentional memorizing is hard work, but SO worth it!
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3
Marion Gropen says
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I think it’s fascinating to see what others find interesting enough to write about!
Looking forward to future posts.
Marion Gropen says
That last really came out wrong. I meant that I’m fascinated by others’ interests. See, there’s a reason I’m not a writer, but a numbers geek!
Sharon says
I went to a very Christian boarding school in England, and we had to memorize so many things. Every Sunday we learned a prayer and a cllect by heart — and were tested on it. Also, we learned a song which recited all the books of the bible, and I cna STILL sing it! It’s amazing what memory can do. That was 48 years ago!
We also learned a lot of poems, Shakespeare speeches, and even the Gettysberg Address, though we weren’t even American! And yes, I can still recite that as well.
Nowadays scholchildren don’t have to memorize much at all, and I think it’s a real pity.
Sharon says
PS I really should edit my posts before I click post. That post above should say “prayer and COLLECT”. But I guess you guessed that!
Holly says
I think learning Scripture as part of schooling is great. This is why I have been contemplating sending my daughter to a small Christian school, of course, she’s only 16 months so I have lots of time to think!!!