How to Teach Small Children Bible Verses Through Signs

Children memorize verses more effectively by engaging their bodies in the action.

Sunday school teachers and parents are eager to help young children plant God's word in their hearts. While children want to learn scriptures they may be hindered by difficulty in memorizing and the inability to read the words. Using signs and actions that correspond with the Bible verses helps small children rapidly memorize verses and keep them in memory longer. This method is fun for the children and adults too.

Instructions

1. Memorize the scripture you are teaching. Create the signs that will correlate with the verse, using about one sign for every line of scripture. Small children will be excited to learn large, full-body actions to help them remember the verse.

2. Read the verse to the children. Explain any large words and describe the context of the verse. If the verse is set in a familiar Bible story, young children may be more likely to remember it.

3. Show the children the signs they will use to go along with the verse. Repeat the verse with the signs several times. Allow the children to take turns leading the class with the verse and actions.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a short verse and simple actions so small children will be able to quickly memorize them.

References

• Child Bible Lessons: Teach Scriptures for Children and Child Bible Verses so They Hide God's Word in Their Hearts