Memory Work
compiled by Kirstin

"The Well Trained Mind" advocates memory work, but even if that is not the method you are following there are a lot of benefits to doing memory work.
Memorizing can take many forms and also provide a lot of different benefits. For example, math facts memorization or memorizing Scripture verses.
Another benefit for young children is that memorizing is something for them to “work” on. As those little wheels are always turning, their minds are little sponges and will soak up whatever is presented by their world - be it good poetry and beautiful literature or pop culture and commercial jingles. Try to saturate that sponge with the best. Fill up their minds with what will be helpful to them. It will serve to protect them from influences which will not serve them so well in life. This is so important because once it is “in there” it is “in there for good!” Here is where the sponge metaphor breaks down, as it is much harder to purge our minds of bad memories, visuals from tv and movies, etc. than it is to ring out and rinse out a sponge.

Scripture memory is always important and valuable! Help them to hide His word in their hearts.

Remember, for children memory work is not the drudgery which it seems to be to you and me! It comes much easier to them and is a challenge and provides them with a great deal of satisfaction!! (You may very well be surprised at how quickly they pick things up and can memorize them.)

Practical “how to” ideas….
--First Language Lessons
--Poetry Folder
--A Child’s Garden of Verses
--A.A. Milne
--Family Notebook to keep memory verses/poems/etc. in to review from time to time

Lastly, there is another reason that motivates us to do memory work. It is a tremendous blessing to those whom we share it with. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas the children memorize poems or Scripture to recite for all the family when we get together. This blesses our family, actually promotes homeschooling (because it is impressive to hear a 7 year old recite the Prologue to the Declaration of Independence and because this is such a different activity from what one finds in traditional school) and it encourages our kids. They get practice in public speaking and of course what child doesn't love an audience of adoring fans! :)