The following is a booklet I have used in Bible class to help my students memorize Psalm 23. It takes the same idea used in the Memory Notebooks but is a smaller format that can fit into a Project Folder. You can print this project out and use it in your class or with your child at home with this pdf: Psalm 23 Booklet.

This activity should take 9 class sessions to complete. The key to helping children memorize a passage of this length is for them to see it, say it, write it, and if possible, sing it and draw it.

Each class session we read the entire chapter together. Even those that are weak or pre-readers are encouraged to “follow” along. Eventually, they begin to follow along with more confidence. This step combines the “see it” and “say it” mentioned above.

After we read it together, each child copies the passage on the lines provided. One page is done each class session. This is the “write it” mentioned above. As the children begin to finish copying, they are encouraged to say that part from memory. Each week they are encouraged to say from memory what they’ve learned so far.

The last page gives the child the chance to draw a picture of something that makes them think of Psalm 23. This would be the “draw it” mentioned above.

For the “sing it” part of helping them memorize, any song that uses Psalm 23 as a basis will work. We used “Surely Goodness and Mercy” by John W. Peterson and Alfred B. Smith. We also sang “His Sheep Am I” and “Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow”.

Kinesthetic activities help memory as well. Here is a pdf for a puzzle that will give your child or students a self correcting, hands on activity to help memorize Psalm 23. Psalm 23 Picture Puzzle

One more thing before you get to the pictures. It is nice to send home something for the parents to use to help their child during the week. I don’t expect the parents to help but it is great if they do. Here is a pdf of bookmarks that can be used in their Bible or put on a bulletin board or the fridge to be reviewed during the week. Psalm 23 Bookmark