Scripture PJ'S -- A Scripture Study Program for Children

By Montserrat Wadsworth

One Sunday, several years ago, I witnessed an inspiring moment. My then 4 year old daughter, Marie, was singing 'Nephi's Courage' (Children's Songbook, pg.120) with the rest of the primary children. "I will go; I will do the things the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey." As the song ended Marie picked up her Book of Mormon, turned to 1 Nephi 3:7, and showed her teacher saying, "That song comes from this scripture."

Her teacher was amazed. "How did you know that?"

Marie pointed to her scriptures where I had drawn a green circle with the word GO written inside. "I learned it at school!"

I was one pleased mom.

As a family we try to hold regular scripture study every evening, but I felt I could do even more with my daughters by incorporating study of the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, in their daily school schedule.

Why the Book of Mormon? Pres. Ezra Taft Benson said: "Combined with the Spirit of the Lord, the Book of Mormon is the single greatest tool which God has given us to convert the world." (A Witness and a Warning, by Ezra Taft Benson, pg.11) This challenge and promise includes our families.

I would like to share what has worked in our homeschool which, like yours, has various ages of children each with different reading levels and a
variety of learning styles. What we have done might just be something you can do in your homeschool too. We call it our "Scripture Picture and Journal Study," or
"Scripture PJ's". We read each morning before doing any other school subjects. Everyone takes a turn reading out loud. Sometimes we read just a few verses, sometimes a chapter or more. We are more concerned with how much is retained than with how much is read.

Depending on the reading levels of your children, the Book of Mormon Stories reader published by the Church can be very helpful, but I recommend reading
straight from the scriptures. At first it may be hard, but from personal experience with my own daughters, even young children are not too young to understand
the scriptures! Reading the beautiful language of the scriptures greatly increases a child's verbal, reading, and comprehension skills. Also, do not forget that reading the scriptures invites the Spirit. And there is no greater
teacher than the Holy Ghost.

We have purchased the inexpensive copies of the Book of Mormon for each child. When we get to a scripture or story we would like them to remember, we draw simple figures or pictures in their scriptures to help them locate the scripture faster and see at a glance what the scripture is about. The green circle with GO inside
is one example. Here are other picture suggestions:

* a sheep on Alma 17:25 for the story of Ammon tending King Lamoni's flocks
* children's faces inside a circle of fire on 3 Nephi 17:25 to mark when Christ blessed the Nephite children
* a tower on Mosiah 2:8 for the story of King Benjamin's address to his people
* a CTR shield for 2 Nephi 2:27 to remember that we are free to choose

The possibilities are endless. Just remember to keep the pictures simple.  Colored pencils work the best. They don't bleed through and you can still see the words. You will find that the pictures act as visual cues. My
children have been able to find stories in the scriptures faster than their Primary teachers. (Watch out seminary scripture chasers, here we come!) More important than speed, though, the girls are learning to mark their
scriptures; they focus on what the scriptures are saying. Thus, their little minds are being infused with the word of God.

After we read, my daughters (ages 9, 8, 6, and 4) write in their scripture journals. These are just regular composition notebooks. At the top of the page they record the date and scripture references that we read. Then the girls summarize what took place. They also jot down a gospel principle they learned and how to apply that principle in their life. Any other thoughts and impressions they received while reading are recorded as well.

The four and six year old girls draw a picture and then dictate to me or to an older sister what they want written. The girls love to review previous entries and see how their understanding of the scriptures has increased. Can you imagine what precious keepsakes these will be for them?

That's all we do - read, draw pictures, mark scriptures, and write. It only takes 15- 20 minutes each day. But, oh, the rewards that have come from studying the Book of Mormon daily!

The promises made by Pres. Marion G. Romney are literally being fulfilled.  He said, "And so, I counsel you, my beloved brothers and sisters and friends everywhere, to make reading in the Book of Mormon a lifelong practice... I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence
will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow.  The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity -  the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness." (Conference Report, April 1960, pp. 112-13) Could your family benefit from these blessings too?

There are many effective ways to study the scriptures. "Scripture PJ's" has worked for us. No matter what method you choose, may you be encouraged to
immerse your family in the scriptures. Are you ready to start? Then, GO!

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