MEMORY VERSE ACTIVITIES

Helpful activities which support Scripture memorization.

Teams

Divide the kids into two teams. Let one side say the first part of the verse and let the others complete it.  See how loud and soft and fast and slow each side can be. (Remember you can be creative in your team divisions:  Boys v. Girls, Sandals v. Tennis Shoes, Eye or Hair Colors, kids wearing shorts v. kids wearing jeans…etc.) Compliment both teams on a job well done.      

Memory Verse Challenge

Make signs using construction paper with one or two words of the verse on each.  Have several workers or children stand at the front and hold the signs so that everyone can see the words.  Lead the children in saying the verse together a few times.  Then, one at a time, have the sign holders hide their sign, and say the verse together again.  Repeat this until all the signs are hidden and say the verse one more time.

Hand Signs

Assign a hand motion for each word of the verse.  Teach the children the hand signs and the words at the same time.  Then say the words while the children only do the hand motions.  And then do the hand motions while the children say the words.

Volley Verse

Sit or stand in a circle.  Take a soft ball or balloon and pass it around in a circle, each person saying one word of the verse as they hold the ball and pass it on.  Go fast and slow, repeating the whole verse each time.  When the kids feel comfortable saying the verse, volley the ball from person to person across the circle, letting each person say one word as they pass the ball.

Verse Pop

Gather several small strips of paper and write one or two words of the verse on each strip.  Put each paper inside a balloon and inflate the balloon.  Let the children who are sitting the most quietly pop the balloon handed to them, and say the word they find inside.  Have all the children repeat the word and continue until all the balloons are popped.  Have a copy of the entire verse ready so that, in the end, the children can see the whole verse on one page.  Repeat the verse several times with all the children.  (It is a good idea to write numbers on the balloons so you can hand them to the children in the correct order. Also, be aware of smaller children who might be afraid of the popping noise.)

Verse Puzzle

Write the verse on a piece of paper and cut the paper into 6-10 pieces.    Let the children put the puzzle together as a team.  Make sure everyone gets a chance to help.  When it is finished, say the verse altogether.  Put the puzzle together again.  See how fast the children can finish the puzzle and say the verse.

Verse Sticks

Write phrases of the verse on several craft sticks.  Work together to put the sticks in the correct order.

Verse Chain

Gather several small strips of paper and write one or two words of the verse on each strip.