Memorization

Why do we memorize?

• To form clear conceptions in the mind of the truth learned in class
• To give the Christian defensive and offensive weapons in fighting against the devil, the world, and our own sinful nature.
• To equip the Christian to witness to others.
• To provide the Christina with strength in the face of life’s hardships and sorrows and to help strengthen others when they are experiencing hardships.

How do we memorize?

• Remember the three R’s of memorization:
• Registration
• Registration is the process of impressing the words on the mind
• Recall
• Memory work is intended to help the student remember the lesson taught. The passages or parts of the catechism are closely connected with what we learned in class. It always helps memorization when you remember how it fits into the lesson.
• Review
• What the students are memorizing is meant to stay with them their entire lives. In class we will periodically review what we have memorized. For the eighth graders, they will also recite what they have learned during the Confirmation examination.
• Helpful Tips:
• Read the words aloud.
• Studies have shown that memorizing time can be cut in half by doing this!
• Read through the whole piece aloud.
• If you divide it into parts, you end up knowing the first part really well, but forgetting the last. Believe it or not, it actually takes less time to memorize when you do the whole thing at one time instead of splitting it up into parts.
• Put space in-between the repetition.
• Don’t expect to memorize it in one sitting. That may be unrealistic. Rather, it will take two or three times before it is properly memorized; starting the night before or the day of guarantees forgetfulness.

Memory Help Sheet

 Each student will be allowed to produce their own Memory Help Sheet as a memory aid for recitations.  On this sheet you are permitted to write up to three words from each item that you are reciting.  You may write the first three words of the passage as the example shows, or, any other words from the passage that help you remember.  However, you can write down no more than three words. 

 You can organize this sheet in whatever way works best for you.  Below is an example:

     Assignment:

• Books of the Old Testament
• The Address of the Lord’s Prayer and Meaning
• Passage #1512

 __________________________________________________

Help Sheet Example   Address:            Our Father in…   What does this mean?            With these words…   Passages:              #1512:             Without faith it…

 

 __________________________________________________

 

Please remember that you must also say the Bible Reference for each passage.  For example, the reference for passage #1512 is Hebrews 11:6.  The reference must be said either at the beginning or at the end of the passage. 

 

If you choose to write the reference to the passage no your sheet, the reference will count as your three words.  This is why I recommend using the passage # to indicate the passage.

 When reciting your help sheet must be flat on the table so Pastor can also see it as you recite.

Requirements for Confirmation

I have two requirements for Confirmation. 

1.   I require you to attend Confirmation Classes, Sunday School, and Worship.  

• Pastor has only 30 class periods each year to teach you in confirmation class.  If you miss more than 5 classes (15 in 3 years) for anything other than sickness you may be required to take an additional year.
• In Sunday School we learn the story of the Lord's plan of salvation.  In Confirmation class we build upon what we have learned in Sunday School.  It is important for each student to be in Sunday School to continue building up his or her faith through the plan of salvation that the Lord has revealed for us in his Word.
• If you aren't in worship, why should I confirm you?  Worship is where we take time to show our Love for the Lord by praising his name.  Though many would say that they can be religious without ever stepping foot inside a church, I would ask them to show me their faith through their actions.  My actions show me to be a Christian and a believer in the Lord Jesus.  Do yours?  

2.   You must complete all your assignments, demonstrating to me that you have a working knowledge and understanding of the basic teachings of the Bible, which you have learned in Confirmation class.

• All of life and education revolves around deadlines, thus, any student not turning in work on the day it is due will receive the score of zero in my grade book. I do not accept late work. 
• If you have 10 zero’s or more, in your confirmation year, you will be required to take an additional year of Confirmation class before you are confirmed. 
• If you are sick you will be excused, and your work will be due the week after you have returned to class.  You are responsible for copying class notes from any of your classmates.  This can easily be done at church before class.  Pastor will not provide notes for the days you are absent.

Pastoral Communication and Student Feedback

 In the past, pastor has used online grade books to help parents keep current with their child’s progress.  This year Pastor will be sending home weekly updates on a “How Am I Doing” Sheet.  These sheets will be given to each student at the end of each class.  They are to be signed by a parent and returned to Pastor for the following class.  This sheet is designed to help parents and students gauge their progress through out the year.

 

Pastor has also established a website for confirmation class.  This site can be accessed at: http://confirmation.grace-lesueur.org.  At this site you will be able to review the class syllabus, double check the class schedule, see your child’s assignments, and even download any back worksheets that may have inadvertently been lost by your child.  This site should answer most of your questions.  However, please feel free to contact me any time with any questions or concerns that you might have.

Pre-Confirmation Study Time

 If your child comes to Church before Confirmation class, the following requirements apply during this time of study.

 Pastor’s Requirements for Pre-Confirmation Time

• Students will remain upstairs in the fellowship hall.
• Students will use the time to either work on their school homework or review their confirmation assignments and memory recitations.
• Students will keep conversations at a low volume so as not to disturb others who are seeking to use the time to study or to review memory assignments.
• Horseplay, sitting on tables or countertops, and loud outbursts are not allowed.

 

Electronic Devices

• Students are permitted to use their electronic devices to text and to listen to music with headphones.
• Permission must be received from pastor before making phone calls either with personal cell phones or church phones.
• All electronic devices must be powered off and stowed during class time.

 

Snacks

•  Students are permitted to bring snacks and / or beverages for this study time before Confirmation Class. 

• If a student’ choice of snack or beverage becomes a problem for the student during this time or promotes too much energy during class time, that student may be asked to discontinue bringing any items.

• Water can be obtained at the drinking fountain or from the kitchen sink, provided that the student has brought his or her own water container
• Students are not permitted to use any items from the kitchen without Pastor’s permission.
• No snacks or beverage are permitted during Confirmation class.

 

 Pastor’s Classroom Discipline

 If a child becomes unruly or disruptive to the class, Pastor will follow these steps.

 

• First offense:              Name will be written on the board as a warning
• Second offense:         A check mark will be placed after the name:

• Student will remain after class for five minutes and will spend the time writing memory passages on a sheet of paper.

• Third offense:                        Second check mark placed after the name:

• Pastor will speak to parents about the behavior by phone or in person while the student will remain after class for 15 minutes writing out memory assignments.

Download a copy of the syllabus

Syllabus | Schedule | Assignments | Downloads