15 Ways to Have Fun with Bible Memory Verses

It's important.  You know it.  Your volunteers know it.  But they just never seem to get around to it.

Helping children memorize Bible verses can be intimidating and, well, boring.  Try some of these fun ideas to help memory verses stick while having some fun!

1. Do an activity while saying the memory verse (jumping jacks, squats, running lines).  It's much harder to say memory verses while running on the spot, but it does help make it stick.  It's also great way to run off extra energy!
2. Make up your own actions to the memory verse.
3. Add rhythm to the memory verse, and make it a rap or a chant
4. Add music to the memory verse to make it a song.  (One great resource for this is www.seedsfamilyworship.net)
5. Write each word of the memory verse on a balloon, then slowly pop the balloons one at a time.  When all the balloons are gone, see if you can still say the memory verse!
6. Write each word of the memory verse on individual pieces of paper.  Lay out on the floor in a hopscotch pattern.  As you jump on the word, say it out loud.  Slowly take words away and see if you can still play hopscotch and say the memory verse without any prompts.
7. Add your own illustrations to the memory verse.
8. Learn sign language to go along with the memory verse.  (ASL dictionary found here)
9. Write the memory verse out on a poster board, then cut it into a puzzle.  Use putting the puzzle back together as a learning exercise
10. Write the memory verse out word by word on index cards.  Shuffle the cards and try to unscramble the words.
11. Play "Go, Go Stop!" only have the kids recite the verse word by word - if they get a word wrong, out of order or hesitate too long they start from the beginning (best for groups)
12. Write the memory verse on a chalkboard or white board, and take turns erasing one word at a time.
13. Think up scenarios where it would help to remember that memory verse.  Act out the scenarios, and use the memory verse each time.
14. Make a craft to correspond with the memory verse (ie decorate a picture frame with the verse inside)
15. Write the memory verse on peices of cardstock to make signs, and divide them among your group.  Have your group unscramble the words and stand in order, showing their word sign.

What's your favourite tip or method for helping kids learn memory verses?