Remember back in the day when Sunday school and vacation Bible school teachers taught kids songs and rhymes to help them memorize the order of the books of the Bible? Knowing that order came in handy during “sword drills” when we raced to find passages quickly.
Recently, while working with a 6th grader at our church to find a specific verse for a lesson, I began singing the books of the Bible as she flipped through the pages. She giggled and looked at me like I was a little strange.
You might be wondering the same thing she was at that moment: Why memorize the order of the books of the Bible when there’s a list right at the beginning of every Bible?
You might be surprised to learn that memorizing the books of the Bible is about more than just winning a sword drill trophy during VBS.
While it’s true that we can always flip back to the table of contents, nothing helps us understand how the Bible fits together quite like memorizing the books. Knowing their order provides a general understanding of how the Bible connects with history and showcases God’s work throughout time. This foundational knowledge offers your kids a starting point as they grow spiritually.
But can memorizing be fun? Absolutely! Let me show you how! We’ve created a free Books of the Bible printable to help your kids enjoy memorizing the books and make meaningful connections within God’s Word.
Find Your Way: Old Testament Maze
As your kids navigate through the Books of the Bible maze, they’ll visually connect the order of the Old Testament books with symbols and stories from each book! This visual association will help them understand how the many Bible stories they’ve heard fit into the larger narrative of the Bible they hold in their hands.
Put Them in Order: Books of the Bible Stack-Up Game
If you have kids who are motivated by competition, we’ve got just the activity for them! Use the provided list of books to label Styrofoam cups with the names of the books of the Bible for a timed challenge. Then, encourage your kids to race against the clock to stack the books in order. They can compete with siblings, friends, or even try to beat their own time!
If your family enjoys games, take your family game nights to the next level with our Books of the Bible Game! This card game allows kids to play 13 different games, ranging from familiar favorites like “War” to exciting new challenges like “Bible Place Race.”
Use the Clues: Books of the Bible Crossword Puzzle
While I may not always enjoy memorizing, I find that learning new information makes it easier to recall simpler details, like a list of names, especially when I have interesting connections to associate with them. As your kids engage with this crossword puzzle, they’ll not only expand their knowledge but also strengthen their understanding of the books of the Bible by linking new details to what they already know.
Search It Out: New Testament Word Search
Many of the New Testament books are named after their authors or the individuals to whom they were written. However, with so many names, it can be challenging to distinguish between people in the Bible and the actual books themselves. The New Testament word search included in the Books of the Bible printable will help your kids engage with each book as they search for it! Plus, word searches provide a fun way to improve spelling skills.
Which Testament: Books of the Bible Sorting Game
Even if you’re not sure where a specific book is located in the Bible, it’s helpful to at least narrow it down to the Old Testament or the New Testament! Our Books of the Bible coloring page invites your kids to identify where each book fits—whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament. As they color-code each book accordingly, they’ll become more familiar with these various texts, and a hidden image will be revealed!
Organize the Shelf: Books of the Bible Sorting Game
While memorizing the names of all 66 books in order may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! One effective way to memorize anything is by breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks. As your kids cut out each book of the Bible and categorize them by genre, they’ll gain insight into how different books fit together. This approach allows them to focus on memorizing smaller groups, making the task feel much more achievable!
Find It First: Books of the Bible Scavenger Hunt
Finally, our Books of the Bible Printable features an exciting scavenger hunt that encourages your kids to put their memorization skills to the test! They’ll have the chance to dig into their Bibles and search for specific items or passages based on the scavenger hunt prompts. Be sure to refresh your Bible trivia knowledge, as your kids might enjoy quizzing you on what they discover! They’ll love sharing their finds with you, adding a fun and interactive element to their learning experience.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, memorizing the books of the Bible can be a fun and enriching experience for kids when approached creatively. With engaging activities like mazes, word searches, coloring pages, and scavenger hunts, children can not only memorize the order of the books but also deepen their understanding of the stories and connections within the Scriptures. These interactive methods encourage teamwork, healthy competition, and a love for learning, making the journey of memorization enjoyable and memorable. By incorporating these techniques, we can help foster a lifelong appreciation for the Bible in our children, equipping them with foundational knowledge that supports their spiritual growth. So gather your materials, dive into these activities, and watch as your kids embark on this exciting adventure through the books of the Bible!
