Blissful E » Blog Archive » memorizing catechism

22 Feb, 2010

memorizing catechism

Posted by: blissfule In: Perth ()

We just finished the fifth week of our homeschooling journey, which we have begun with catechism memorization. Nikki and Michael both enjoy it and I think the Catechism for Young Children in particular does a great job of (a) breaking down complex doctrine into understandable pieces and (b) satisfying the endless curiosity of preschoolers and toddlers. The question and answer format is a natural learning style for curious littlies.

We have our lessons during lunch or immediately after, with Vi on my back in a baby carrier most days.

To begin, I open Starr Meade's book, Training Hearts, Teaching Minds and ask each of the questions we've studied to date. Nikki knows the answers so this is a review. Here is a video of her answering the first four questions of the Shorter Catechism in Modern English:

I then read the current week's question and answer several times. After that, I read the paragraph for that day (there are six short lessons, one each for Monday through Saturday). If things are going well, I will read two day's worth of lessons, because we don't homeschool on Saturdays, and usually there will be one or two weekdays where Vi needs extra attention or something else comes up.

Each of the daily lessons contains several Bible references to look up. As I was searching for a verse today, Nikki asked me, "Mama, what will happen when I can read?" Then she answered her own question, "I will be able to look up verses in the Bible!"

Following the paragraph lesson, I read the current week's question and answer two or three more times. Then I pull out the Catechism for Young Children and start at the top. Nikki has it memorized up through question 21, and Michael knows the answers to the first three questions. You can hear him in this video:

Recently I have been able to answer some of Nikki's questions about God or sin with catechism answers that she already knows. It's fantastic to see her fit the pieces into place, and it makes my job easier to have answers ready to give.

Tags: catechism, homeschooling, preschooler, toddler, video

6 Responses to "memorizing catechism"

1 | MuM

February 22nd, 2010 at 21:33

Both Grandpa and I had tears in our eyes after listening to our grandchildren talk of God.
MuM/Grandma

February 22nd, 2010 at 22:29

So sweet!
maryanne´s last blog ..Drawstring goody bags

3 | Poppa & Grammie

February 23rd, 2010 at 06:21

I’m with MuM–it’s wonderful to see the little ones voicing the truths of the Lord! It made me think of Psalm 8:1-2–

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

You’re wise to begin with memorization, providing a framework for the Holy Spirit to pour revelation into as they grow and mature–outside forms to hold the concrete as it is poured in and solidifies–the laying of a strong foundation!

4 | Robin

February 24th, 2010 at 01:00

Thanks so much for your recent blogs – this one and the one about respecting your husband. Both have been great food for thought for Ken and I, and have sparked great conversations about what we should be doing in our lives. Because of this blog, we realized that Ian may be ready for the Bible we purchase for him for his baptism (before, we were afraid he’d rip the pages and the stories had too low a picture-to-word ratio to hold his interest). So, last night, we started reading Bible stories to Ian, and it was such a blessing. Ian wanted us to read for about 30 minutes, and had requests (Jesus, the wise men, and Noah). So, reading stories to Ian from his Bible and talking to him about them is now something we’re going to do each evening. This was all brought on because of your post, and we thank you so much!

5 | Annie

February 25th, 2010 at 01:35

Wow! This was so encouraging. We’ve started a few simple verses for Adon to memorize. However, since he only says 2-3 words at a time, it required lots of prompting. The one Michael is doing sounds perfect for where Adon is. Thanks for sharing what you guys are doing!

blissfule Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 15:48

I want to thank all of you for your encouragement. It’s wonderful to encourage each other!

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Blissful E is about parenting peacefully, sustainably, joyfully, and with a view toward maximizing long-term benefits for the entire family.

I believe that the more wisely we invest in the early years of our children's lives, the greater the benefits for us and them as they grow.

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