Remember, remember is filled with ideas on how to teach children memory verses from the Bible. The book’s aim is excellent – learning and treasuring God’s Word. It is intended for use with children aged three to eleven, and would be a useful resource for Sunday school teachers, or leaders of similar groups.
The book is divided into seven chapters, with each section using different resources and techniques to memorise Scripture. The first chapter is titled ‘Why remember?’ and explains why we need to encourage children to memorise Scripture, while stressing the importance of teaching the meaning of the verses rather than just the words.
For example, Deuteronomy 11:18-19: ‘Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds … Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up’.
Throughout, there are many great ideas you could use. Many of them are a variation on familiar children’s games (e.g. musical bumps), adapted to encourage the children to learn the memory verse.
I do, however, have reservations about using some of the ideas. One of the suggested techniques called ‘Voices’ requires the children to read through the memory verse in a variety of ways such as using a squeaky voice or a silly accent. I believe we should respect God’s Word and it seems flippant to teach children the memory verses in this way.
It would also have been useful to have a chapter on putting Scripture to song – this is something I have found helpful. Maybe an idea for another book!
Overall this book would be a good aid to have on your bookshelf to give ideas to children’s leaders, but I would be selective in the choice of games.
