I’ve mentioned we do memory work as part of our homeschool. I’ve also mentioned memorization is an important part of our homeschool regardless of how we may classify or label our learning method or philosophy. Today I want to share what our memory work looks like. I’ll be sharing a glimpse into our scripture memory, catechism and prayers that the youngest to the oldest–me included–memorize (or try to memorize).
Scripture Memory, Catechism and Prayers
The system we use to memorize scripture, catechism questions and prayers is the one developed by Sonya Schafer at Simply Charlotte Mason. We use a box like Sonya, but others, like Pam, use a binder. Anything will work as long as you can divide pages or cards into approximately 38 sections…don’t panic, this will make so much sense and be easy.
Like I said, we use a box and any one of these wooden recipe boxes I found on Amazon would work perfectly. The next thing you’ll need is index cards. I have a mixture of cards, some are lined, some are colored and others are blank and just plain white just make sure if your box is a 4×6 or a 3×5, your cards are the same size.
Next, you’ll need to decide what you want to memorize. We memorize a mixture of scripture, catechism questions, tenants of our faith and prayers. Fisheaters has an extensive list every Catholic should be familiar with; things like the 7 sacraments, 3 conditions for a mortal sin, 8 Beatitudes, 9 choirs of angels and such. We include favorite prayers and scripture verses we like or know will be helpful in times of want and plenty or to help us evangelize.
Now decide how and when you want your memory work to take place. We do our memory work Monday through Friday in the morning. This past school year we had our family school time in the living room, but sleepy heads kept nodding off sitting on comfy couches and chairs. For the upcoming school year we will go back to enjoying our family school time during breakfast at the table.
We start with reading the saint for the day from Lives of The Saints: For Everyday of the Year. Two years ago we also included the Roman Martyrology. Next we work on our memory work using the scripture memory system mentioned above and finally I read a little from some devotional book or an appropriate book for the liturgical season or family season. A couple of years ago we read 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration during the month of May. Something new I would like to add this year is to memorize a hymn each month.
If you memorize as a family, share your method or system in the comments.
Jackie says
How do you pick out which scripture verses you will memorize?
Jenny says
I have no idea why this comment is just now showing up? I’m so sorry! Usually if it’s something I think we need work on–faith, trust, patience, using our words respectfully, etc.
Denise says
This is wonderful! I’m going to start with our children after the first of the year. Thank you!
Jenny says
You will be amazed at how quickly your children memorize things!