Children's verses

[littleflower7]

I am teaching kindergarten in a Catholic school and want to start teaching simple Bible verses, but I’m having trouble brainstorming some that are relevant to a 5 year-old’s life.

If you can think of any off hand, I’d love to know them. I just want them to be purposeful for now and later, so things like “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst” and “He will send his angels to watch over you” (and if anyone knows the book and verse for those I’d appreciate that too!)

Thanks for the help.

 

[masondoggy]

Matthew 19:13-15

Jesus tells his disciples to let the children approach him and not to hold them back.

 

[Fidelis]

Here are some suggestions for pre-schoolers and up that we used with our kids. You’ll be amazed how much they can retain and the pride they’ll take in being able to memorize Scripture verses. Start with the shorter ones and let them work their way up. Flash cards work really good–and be sure to make it fun!

AGE 3:

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.

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AGE 4:

Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Mark 10:14
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

John 8:12
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

I Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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AGE 5:

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 103:8
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.

**
THE LORD’S PRAYER (from Matthew 6:9-13) **

“…Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

 

[MariaG]

Truly, 5 year olds can memorize Psalm 23:1-6, mine did along with 24 children, most of them “high energy” boys (I was going to say unruly, but let’s just call it energy )

 

[Elzee]

A friend of mine helps her kids memorize their ‘salvation’ verses by putting the words to familiar tunes - it’s amazing how fast her kids remember the verses when they are put to a familiar song! She has used Jesus Loves Me, I’m a Little Teapot, Hickory Dickory Dock, etc. I haven’t been creative enough to do this with my kids, but you might be !

Also - see if you can find the ‘Friendly Defender’ flashcards. They are awesome - there is also a volume 2 that has come out recently. It’s basically flashcards with bible verses and a quick explanation of how the Church interprets that verse. I have volume 1, and it covers topics like Baptism, the Saints, Salvation, etc. with about 5 verses for each topic. I like them because the kids just don’t memorize verses, but get well-grounded catechesis with the verse. I’m working through them with my kids and they are awesome. I think they’d be very adaptable for 5 year olds ( it advertises them for ages 8 to 108 but I think you could use some of the shorter verses and adapt the explanations).
You can order them at www.ascensionpress.com if you can’t find them in a nearby Catholic bookstore.