Recently most of the extended Clouse family met at Virginia Beach for a week. There were 8 adults and 7 grandchildren all told. Wearing masks as we navigated halls and elevators at the condo was different. Building in the sand, jumping waves, and hearing children laugh was the same.
Don’t you love it when children show they can learn so much more and earlier than we think they can!? Singing makes words stick in our heads and hearts, doesn’t it?
I like the fact that beach week always hits the week before school starts and includes my birthday! This year when the candles went on the cake, we had to hunt for matches for so long that 2-year-old Vivian decided it was long enough and sang “Happy Birthday to You, Grandma” by herself – all the way through on perfect pitch!
Don’t you love it when children show they can learn so much more and earlier than we think they can!? Singing makes words stick in our heads and hearts, doesn’t it?
Another day all the kids were ready to go and parents weren’t. Grandma said, “Let’s sing a song. What song do you know?” Wes, 4 years old, said, “Jesus Loves Me!” We sang that and then “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” complete with the motions.
These scenes with my grandchildren reminded me why Child Evangelism Fellowship includes so many songs in our After-School Good News Clubs.
Children learn best through active play. Repeating songs with guided motions engages a child’s mind and body at the same time, forming a lasting memory.
Memorizing scripture verses is easier in song form. Knowing the song keeps God’s Word close at hand when a child needs encouragement, reassurance.
There are two types of CEF songs: Topical – a main Bible truth, and Bible Memory verse. These are samples of each type:
Topical – Only One Way to Get to Heaven
Memory Verse – The Lord Is (2 Samuel 22:2)
This is the Full Playlist of CEF songs on YouTube.
Why not gather some children you love, spread out so you have plenty of room for the motions, and watch and sing about God together?
Warning: You will find yourself singing at odd times throughout the day!
Written by Martha Clouse
GNC Coordinator
