tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post2015949587564685519..comments2023-10-14T04:34:41.940-05:00Comments on Sweet Autumn Brew: Memorize THIS!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257596797944187832noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-15273268815050087592008-06-25T09:59:00.000-05:002008-06-25T09:59:00.000-05:00One more thought:The best teachers don't just give...One more thought:<BR/><BR/>The best teachers don't just give the kids the tools, they also teach them why they're important. Any memorization devoid of this, especially for older children, is incomplete.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18185902.post-28815007810750514562008-06-25T09:56:00.000-05:002008-06-25T09:56:00.000-05:00I know that sometimes forcing kids to memorize stu...I know that sometimes forcing kids to memorize stuff sounds distasteful; but having taught English, I think it's an essential part of the learning process, especially during those formative years when children are doing less synthesis and more intake.<BR/><BR/>I like to think of it this way: we're giving them the raw tools that they can either use or abandon when they get older.<BR/><BR/>And let me say this as one who did *terrible* at memorization in school. I failed several Bible classes in both high school and college (a Pastoral Ministries major who fails Bible classes!); but having done poorly at memorization, those things that I have memorized have served me so well.<BR/><BR/>I know you don't want it to be academic, but at some point the practical aspects of learning a thing come into play. I mean, as someone who works in marketing, I know that the jingles and the repetition aid in helping people remember your message. At some point a kid is going to want to go out and play instead of learning, and you have to find a healthy balance between the two. You can call it something different, but it will inevitably come back to you trying to get your child to learn something that they don't quite grasp yet. And while I think trying all different approaches (for instance, we've supplemented our AWANA program with a daily reading they can get rewarded for) is crucial, it still comes back to the "academics" of hiding God's Word in their hearts.<BR/><BR/>Ultimately, memorizing won't make them spiritual just like reading the Bible won't make them godly. But all of this is leading the horse to water; you just can't make them drink.<BR/><BR/>(Whether or not we should reward kids for doing what's right is another discussion, but think about all of the promise/reward verses God has given to us.)<BR/><BR/>Very thought provoking post, thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com