There are many words in the English language that are beautiful and full of meaning. One that I enjoy is the word “ponder”. I had a professor in college who used the term frequently. To ponder carries the idea of thinking about something carefully or deliberately.

Of course, this is a major objective for us as we work with children week after week. Our desire or passion is that the kids in our ministry and their families would, indeed, ponder the truths of Scripture and apply the truths in their lives.

I would like to suggest that an educational synonym for ponder may be the term “review”. Review of Bible truths and principles should occur regularly. Review should intentionally be placed in your schedule on a weekly basis and then at various interludes during the year.

I understand that time is precious and we have so little time to spend with our students, but let’s consider the awesome advantages of time spent so strategically.

Retention is improved, and forgetting is less likely to occur. Clarification of content is more apt to happen. As students master content, their confidence level will soar. Critical thinking skills are encouraged as opportunities for reflection are consistently available.

It has been said that “Overall, review turns initial exposure into durable, usable learning rather than temporary understanding.” Think of your own learning experiences and how returning to the same information time after time has greatly increased your understanding and has aided you in the application of the material.

There are almost endless strategies for implementing review into your lesson time. If possible, use a variety of methods so that all learning styles are included. Consider a few of the following suggestions. Perhaps you may wish to explore these options in greater depth on your own. Time and space do not allow an adequate explanation of these tools.

• Think-Pair-Share
• Turn and Talk
• Exit Tickets
• Whiteboard Responses
• Learning games or flashcard races
• Digital games like Kahoot
• Gross motor activities
• Songs or rhymes
• Fine motor activities using manipulatives or drawing
• Graphic organizers or review walls
• A “Question of the Day” connected to previous lessons
• Small-group review stations
• Student choice in review methods

Many of these tactics are somewhat self-explanatory based on their descriptive titles.

Scripture abounds with encouragement to ponder and meditate. Joshua 1:8 (NIV) says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” Psalm 1:2 (ESV) states, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

The Bible itself is an example of repeated principles and guidelines. Jesus consistently shared recurring teachings, lessons, and important points of wisdom.

Let’s strive to be very intentional about a regular diet of review as we provide instruction concerning the crucial values and beliefs of Scripture.

Karen Bishir grew up hearing about Jesus' love and forgiveness from a young age, and when she came to understand the message of salvation through faith in Christ, she embraced God’s grace and forgiveness. Raised in a pastor's home, Karen has continued to live in ministry throughout her adult life alongside her husband, Terry, who pastored Liberty Baptist Church for 38 years. They are blessed with four married children and 14 grandchildren. Karen is deeply involved in Liberty’s music, women’s, and children’s ministries, and her passion for teaching has led her to serve in homeschool, Christian, and public school settings, as well as within the church. She treasures time with children and their families, and her heart’s desire is to see God working in lives across all generations.