Memorizing and reciting poetry and Scripture have been pushed aside by many modern progressive educators as archaic curiosities without educational value. This opinion could not be further from the truth. As educators have known for centuries, these exercises deliver unique cognitive benefits of special importance for children who come from homes where books are scarce and the level of literacy is low. In addition, such exercises etch the ideals of their civilization and religion on children's minds and hearts.

The most important benefits come from memorizing and reciting Scripture. Along with learning Old Testament stories and New Testament principles, your students' spiritual foundation depends on memorizing, meditating on, and reciting passages from the Bible. Psalm 1:2 is a familiar verse that inspires us to delight in the law of the Lord. The promise of becoming "like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season" (Psalm 1:3) should be reason enough for us as teachers to make sure our students experience this kind of foundation for success and prosperity.

What about memorizing and reciting other forms of literature? The memorization and recitation of the classic poets and statesmen form part of a tradition of learning that stretches back to the time the Greeks discovered that words, sounds, and the rhythmic patterns by which they were bound together in poetry awakened the mind and shaped character. Since then, every era of Western history has included educators who insist that their pupils serve an apprenticeship in the work of the masters of poetry and rhetoric.

Besides your students' daily schoolwork, there are other ways you can implement extra memorization exercises in your school. First of all, teachers should participate in memorization. Not only does this provide an effective model for students, but teachers will also benefit from a consistent study of Scripture. Another excellent way to improve students' memory skills is by choosing an 8-10 verse chapter or selection from the Bible each month and encouraging your students to memorize it. Reading aloud the passage together daily also helps develop auditory skills and allows even the youngest child to participate. In addition, allowing a special "quiet time" to study the monthly Scripture after they are finished with their daily work assignments helps those with the excuse that they "don't have time." Encourage your students to recite the entire selection at one time, and if that is not possible, allow students to memorize one verse at a time. Additional rewards monthly or yearly for the completed passages, such as special outings or bulletin boards featuring successful students' names, are great incentives to encourage your students to participate in memory exercises.

Starting a memory program not only will improve students' memory skills, but it also will change your school's spiritual atmosphere, as students keep God's Word in their hearts and minds.