I've decided to memorize along with the girls for whatever they're learning for their Bible curriculum. It started with memorizing Psalm 103 over the next few weeks. So this past week was verses 1-3.
On Monday, we made verse cards. I typed the verse into the computer, then they customized their card with colors and typefaces. Then each day, we each read it twice.
For the first couple of days, we focused on reading it correctly--not adding words, or leaving any out. The girls both wanted to try to do it from memory right away, but knowing they wouldn't say it correctly without learning it first, I said no. I wanted them to focus on seeing it and hearing it and saying it correctly.
Once that was coming along well, we talked about what makes a good recitation. Tone of voice, facial expression, hand gestures, body language. What would it be like to say "Praise the Lord, O my soul" with a glum face, a bored voice, and looking at our toes?
It sure wouldn't be believable that we meant it! And it wouldn't really make anyone want to praise with us!
By Thursday, the girls were standing and reciting with minimal help and with great--even overdone!--expression. But we talked about overdoing it and toning it back, rather than underdoing it.
So, without further ado...Psalm 103:1-3!
So their expression is a little lacking in the video--I think they're distracted by seeing themselves on the screen while it records!
How wonderful! Their expressions are just fine! What an awesome time the 3 of you are having this year!
Posted by: Kristy | August 10, 2009 at 03:00 PM
So much fun... looks like they are learning a lot!
Posted by: angela | August 10, 2009 at 03:00 PM
My post is up. Hope to come back later and read your post. Just got in from running errands and I'm taking a quick break before having to get busy cooking dinner. My daughter also has a science experiment to do. I'm really thankful that my husband said he'd be willing to help her with the science experiment!
Hope you're having a great day!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | August 10, 2009 at 03:29 PM
What a great video! I can see you're doing a wonderful job with your girls. One of my pet peeves is listening to scripture read with absolutely ZERO emotion, so I love what you're doing here!
My daughter and I learned Isaiah 46:9b-11 last week, and here is my post:
http://lisanotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/isaiah-46-memory-monday.html
Posted by: Lisa notes... | August 10, 2009 at 04:01 PM
How awesome! You all did great! I loved the video! And I appreciate you talking about the importance of tone and such when reciting our verses. That's something I'm going to work on with my daughter.
Hope you have a great week!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | August 10, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Guess it's better late than never! Hope everyone had a great day. I have a very special prayer request listed in my post. Please keep "Mr. Billy" on your hearts and in your prayer journals. I know his family would appreciate it.
http://pairofbartletts.typepad.com/a-pair-of-bartletts/2009/08/memory-mondayjohn-52427.html
Have a great Tuesday!
Jen
Posted by: Wife of Rob | August 10, 2009 at 10:23 PM
ps Joanne....I LOVE the video and I still love all of your haircuts! So precious!
{{Hugs}}
Jen
Posted by: Wife of Rob | August 10, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Hi Joanne! I'm back, after being out of town for almost a week. I was at the Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah! It was a great time of being with 2999 other SU demos, being inspired by creativity, positive attitudes, and I had lots of fun! The highlight was getting to see my friend Cindy, who is a sister in the Lord. We met on an online stamping community, and we hung out together last year at Convention. This year we spent all our time together, at Convention, and at the hotel, and renewed and expanded our friendship. Your post about Memory Monday is a good reminder that I need to get back to Scripture Memory. Love the video! Hope you can continue to do that each week! I don't have a blog (my girlies are all grown up, and you probably remember that I'm a proud Grammy to two precious little girls ages 17 months and 3 weeks (today!).
I'm excited to catch up with your posts - God Bless and it sounds like you're doing a GREAT job with your homeschooling! :-)
Posted by: Susan | August 11, 2009 at 10:49 AM
The video is wonderful! You are passing down a wonderful heritage to your girls.
http://cwperez.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/scarlet-cord/
Posted by: Caroline Perez | August 11, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Stumbled upon your blog and would love to join you ladies...My kids and I (also homeschoolers recently moved to Phx area for ministry) are currently memorizing 2 Timothy 3:16-17...So hot in this state!!
Posted by: Monica | August 12, 2009 at 02:01 AM
Hi Monica,
We'd love to have you join us! What brought you to Phoenix? Where are you going to church here? Are you settling in okay?
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne @ The Simple Wife | August 12, 2009 at 07:54 AM
We were church planters in Missouri (Kansas City Area) and God called us to a new position in a ministry here in Phx called Jewish Voice. My husband is their new director of Global Outreach. They do medical missions trips...and all kind of festivals around the world. Next week he goes to Argentina. For now..he goes and I stay home and home-school the 3 school age kids. We have 5 alltogether. I think God is calling me to just concentrate on these kids right now and they are my ministry. We actually live in the west valley Surprise, to be exact and so ....we go to Radiant. It's a HUGE church but, it's been kind of nice to be at a church where we aren't having to run anything. :) Thanks for the warm welcome!
Posted by: Monica | August 17, 2009 at 02:27 PM