Emma's staring at ceiling during memory time. "This is so boring. Why can't we just read it off poster?"

Ouch. But she was right. Standing there making kids repeat "Be kind to one another" twenty times IS boring.

That night thinking about how I learned verses as kid. Can't remember formal memory work at all. But still sing ones from games that were actually fun.

Started looking for ways that don't involve mind-numbing repetition. Found cool stuff. Tried it. Kids went from dreading memory time to asking for more.

Scripture baseball where Marcus ran bases like won World Series after nailing John 3:16. Drawing verses where kids try to sketch "forgiveness" with stick figures. Singing to "Twinkle Twinkle" because kids can't get tunes out of their heads.

Memory relay races for kids who can't sit still. Acting out verses through charades. Human memory verse where each kid becomes one word and they arrange themselves in order.

Also phone apps that don't suck. Word hunts around room. Why games work better than drill and repeat.

Emma who was totally checked out? Now volunteers to lead memory games for little kids. Complete turnaround when learning becomes fun instead of work.

For teachers whose kids are glazing over during memory time, leaders tired of boring repetition, anyone ready to try games that actually stick in kids' brains.
Check out KidsMinistry.Blog for more ideas, tips, and resources to help your Children's Ministry thrive!"