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Memory Work

“Memory work” is a large part of our school, and truly, we love it. Every morning, we spend 1 to 2 hours in various combinations of reading, reciting, writing, and drawing. Our sources include Bible verses, poems, and information from history and geography. After lunch, we spend 1 to 2 hours on math and science facts. We spend time working in workbooks, playing flash card games, reading from books, writing information out, and discussing what it all means in our day to day lives.

Image by klimkin

We usually do two to six different activities every day, or focus on one longer theme for a whole week. However, it is important to be in tune with your children so that they are excited and engaged with the activities you have selected. If you notice them losing interest, or becoming distracted, it is fine to move on to something else.

Here are some activities to add memory work into your daily or weekly routine.

1. Read a poem, verse, or set of facts to your students.

2. Ask them to read the poem, verse, or set of facts to you, taking turns, or reading as long as a student feels comfortable.

3. Ask the students to take turns reciting the work from memory.

4. Ask them to write out what the work was about and draw a picture.

5. Ask them to make a list of some of the key words or words they didn’t know, and learn more about them.

6. Learn about the animals, people, and/or places mentioned in the poem, verse or set of facts. Draw them.

7. Copy out a part of the work, or the whole section, depending on ability and interest.

8. Create a portfolio or other book to showcase their work.

Come, Little Leaves

Image by Heidelbergerin

“Come, little leaves,” said the wind one day,
“Over the meadows with me and play.
Put on your dresses of red and gold,
For summer is gone and the days grow cold.”

Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s low call,
Down they came fluttering, one and all.
Over the fields they danced and flew,
Singing the soft little songs they knew.

“Cricket, goodbye, we’ve been friends so long.
Little brook, sing us your farewell song;
Say you are sorry to see us go.
Ah, you will miss us, right well we know.

“Dear little lambs in your fleecy fold,
Mother will keep you from harm and cold;
Fondly we watched you in vale and glade;
Say, will you dream of our loving shade?”

Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went.
Winter had called them, and they were content.
Soon, fast asleep in their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.

— George Cooper

On This Road

—

On this road
Where nobody else travels
Autumn nightfall
— Matsuo Basho

The Heavens Declare

Image by Larisa Koshkina

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

The Furry Ones

Image by Ulrike Mai

I like–
the furry ones–
the waggy ones
the purry ones
the hoppy ones
that hurry,

The glossy ones
the saucy ones
the sleepy ones
the leapy ones
the mousy ones
that scurry,

The snuggly ones
the huggly ones
the never, never
ugly ones…
all soft
and warm
and furry.

~~ Aileen Fisher

Once I Saw a Little Bird

Image by Dean Moriarty

Once I saw a little bird

going hop, hop, hop.

And I said , “Little bird,

will you stop, stop, stop?” 

I was going to the window

to say, “How do you do?” 

But he shook his little tail

and away he flew.

~~ Anonymous

Upside Down

Image by Myriam Zilles

It’s funny how beetles 
and creatures like that 
can walk upside down 
as well as walk flat.

They crawl on a ceiling 
and climb on a wall 
without any practice 
or trouble at all.

While I have been trying 
for a year (maybe more)
and still I can’t stand 
with my head on the floor. 

~~ Aileen Fisher

The Mighty One Will Save

Image by Heidelbergerin

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.

Moonlight Slanting

—

Moonlight slanting
through the bamboo grove;
a cuckoo crying.

— Matsuo Basho (Translated by Robert Hass)

The Dragonfly

—

The dragonfly
can’t quite land
on that blade of grass.

— Matsuo Basho (Translated by Robert Hass)

Wind On The Hill

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas

No one can tell me,
Nobody knows,
Where the wind comes from,
Where the wind goes.

It’s flying from somewhere
As fast as it can,
I couldn’t keep up with it,
Not if I ran.

But if I stopped holding
The string of my kite,
It would blow with the wind
For a day and a night.

And then when I found it,
Wherever it blew,
I should know that the wind
Had been going there too.

So then I could tell them
Where the wind goes…
But where the wind comes from
Nobody knows.

— A. A. Milne

Sudden Storm

Photo by Alex Block

The rain comes in sheets

Sweeping the streets,

Here, here, and here,

Umbrellas appear.

Red, blue, yellow, green,

They tilt and they lean,

Like mushrooms, like flowers,

That grow when it showers.

— Elizabeth Coatsworth

A Patch of Old Snow

Image by Marianon

There’s a patch of old snow in a corner
That I should have guessed
Was a blow-away paper the rain
Had brought to rest.

It is speckled with grime as if
Small print overspread it,
The news of a day I’ve forgotten —
If I ever read it.

— Robert Frost

Love is Patient

Image by Khadeeja Yasser

1st Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

Dust of Snow

Image by Kevin Jackson

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

— Robert Frost

The God of Peace

Image by Free-Photos

Philippians 4:4-9, New Living Translation

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Good Hours

Image by N. Müller

I had for my winter evening walk—
No one at all with whom to talk,
But I had the cottages in a row
Up to their shining eyes in snow.

And I thought I had the folk within:
I had the sound of a violin;
I had a glimpse through curtain laces
Of youthful forms and youthful faces.

I had such company outward bound.
I went till there were no cottages found.
I turned and repented, but coming back
I saw no window but that was black.

Over the snow my creaking feet
Disturbed the slumbering village street
Like profanation, by your leave,
At ten o’clock of a winter eve.

— Robert Frost

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Image by Jörg Vieli

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

— Robert Frost

Little Children

Photo by Yannis H

Mark 10:14-16

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Now Close the Windows

Image by Iwona Olczyk

Now close the windows and hush all the fields:
If the trees must, let them silently toss;
No bird is singing now, and if there is,
Be it my loss.

It will be long ere the marshes resume,
It will be long ere the earliest bird:
So close the windows and not hear the wind,
But see all wind-stirred.

— Robert Frost

Hearts Are Like Doors

Photo by Freestocks

Hearts, like doors, will open with ease
To very, very little keys,
And don’t forget that two of these
Are “Thank you, sir” and “If you please.”

— Anonymous

Icy Morning Haiku

Image by Jörg Vieli

On a frozen pond

a small dog is nervously

attempting to skate.

Way up in the tree

a black cat grins with delight,

watching and waiting.

Beneath the clear ice

a big fish wonders if all

dogs walk on water.

— James Carter

The Rain

Photo by June Admiraal

Rain on the green grass

And rain on the tree,

Rain on the house top

But not upon me.

— Anonymous

The Shadow of the Almighty

Photo by v2osk on Unsplash

Psalm 91:1-2

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Little Fish

The tiny fish enjoy themselves

in the sea.

Quick little splinters of life,

their little lives are fun to them

in the sea.

— D. H. Lawrence

Salt and Light

Photo by Lucas Ludwig

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The Star

Photo by Levi Price on Unsplash

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Then the traveler in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep,
Yet often through my window peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.

As your bright but tiny spark
Lights the traveler in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

— Jane Taylor

Blessed Are You

Photo by Ales Krivec

Matthew 5:1-10

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ”

The Strength of My Life

Image by Jörg Vieli

Psalm 27

1The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.

4 One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.

11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

How All Things Praise the Lord

Photo by Leon Ephraïm on Unsplash

Sun, moon and stars, by day and night,
At God’s commandment give us light;
And when we wake, and while we sleep,
Their watch, like guardian angels, keep.

The bright blue sky above our head,
The soft green earth on which we tread,
The ocean rolling around the land,
We were made by God’s almighty hand.

Sweet flowers that hill and dale adorn,
Fair fruit trees, fields of grass and corn,
The clouds that rise, the showers that fall,
The winds that blow – God sent them all.

The beasts that graze with downward eye,
The birds that perch, and sing and fly,
The fishes swimming in the sea,
God’s creatures are as well as we.

But us He formed for better things,
As servants of the King of kings,
With lifted hands and open face,
And thankful heart to seek His grace.

— Lord Montgomery

The King of Glory

Image by Jörg Vieli

Psalm 24

1The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah

The Lord’s Prayer

Photo by David Beale

Matthew 6:5-9

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [c]openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.

Let There be Light

Image by Pixel2013

Genesis 1:1-31 and Genesis 2:1-3

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night.

So the evening and the morning were the first day.

Then God said, “Let there be an uninterrupted space in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Thus God made the uninterrupted space, and divided the waters below from the waters above; and it was so. God called the uninterrupted space Heaven.

So the evening and the morning were the second day.

Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place and let dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land Earth and the gathered waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. The earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

So the evening and the morning were the third day.

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the uninterrupted space of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the uninterrupted space of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the uninterrupted space of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.

So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth, across the face of the uninterrupted space of the heavens. So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”

So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind;” and it was so. God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the seas, over the birds of the air, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His Own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves about on the earth.”

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.

So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished.

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all the work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.