Catechism

What Is Catechism?

Catechism is a word that comes from a Greek word meaning to teach orally or to instruct by spoken word. For centuries, Christians have used catechisms as a simple way to teach the foundations of the faith through short questions and answers. Children, and often adults as well, learned truths about God, Scripture, salvation, prayer, and the Christian life by hearing and reciting these questions together in the home and in the church.

Throughout church history, catechisms have been used by many branches of Christianity. The early church instructed new believers through memorized truths, and later the Reformers continued this practice by writing catechisms for families and churches. Many Christian parents have found that these little questions and answers help give children a strong foundation of truth while their hearts and minds are still tender and eager to learn.

How We Practice Catechism in Our Home

In our home, I like to begin using a small children’s catechism when my children are around two or two-and-a-half years old. At that age, I usually teach only the first three questions. I have found that going further can become confusing because the wording is similar—but not quite the same—as the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which we transition to afterward.

Once the children are ready, we begin working through the Westminster Shorter Catechism slowly and gently. Some children may memorize one question each week, while others may need two to four weeks. The youngest children often work on a single question each month.

The goal is not merely memorization, but meditation—storing beautiful truths about God deep within their hearts for the years ahead. These truths often take root quietly. Long before a child fully understands every word, he is learning that God made him, that God cares for him, and that life itself belongs to the Lord.

There is something deeply comforting about hearing small voices recite eternal truths within the walls of a home. Like hymns, Scripture memory, and poetry, catechism becomes part of the atmosphere of family life—a gentle shaping of the soul toward what is true and lasting.

Our Daily Method

We work on catechism every day, dividing the answer into small sections. Often, I divide the answer into five parts and teach one section each day. As the week progresses, the children recite all the portions they have already learned before adding the new section. This slow and peaceful method allows the words to become familiar and treasured rather than rushed.

We do not move on to the next section until the current portion has become familiar and the child can recite it with little or no help. In this way, the truths are learned peacefully and with confidence rather than through pressure or haste.

Older children, around eight years old and up, may begin studying independently. Whenever a child learns a new catechism question, he recites it to the family. These small moments become sweet milestones in the life of the home and gentle reminders that we are learning the truths of God together.

Once a child has completed the catechism, you may wish to celebrate the occasion by gifting a beautiful leather Bible—a meaningful reminder that all these questions and answers ultimately point us back to God’s Word itself.

Scripture Memory

We alternate between catechism and Scripture memory so that children slowly store both doctrine and God’s Word in their hearts through gentle daily repetition.

As children grow older, they may begin memorizing larger portions of Scripture independently. We often encourage beginning with one of the shorter Pauline epistles, learning slowly and peacefully—one verse at a time.

Helping Children Remember What They Learn

A Simple Rotation System

Keep a small basket or ring of cards divided into:

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Newly learned passages are reviewed daily. Older familiar ones move into weekly or monthly review. This keeps truths fresh without becoming overwhelming.

Family Recitation Time

Reciting together during breakfast, morning time, bedtime, or family worship helps memory become part of the atmosphere of the home rather than an isolated school task.

Use Truth Throughout the Day

When situations naturally arise, gently connect them back to Scripture or catechism:

a child afraid → “What is our only comfort?”

seeing birds → “Who made all things?”

disobedience → verses about kindness or obedience

This helps the truths move from memorization into daily life.

Slow Progress

One of the greatest helps for long-term memory is simply not rushing. Children remember far more when they learn slowly and thoroughly than when they move quickly through large amounts.

Singing & Chanting

Many children remember Scripture almost effortlessly when verses are sung. Even softly chanting a verse together can help fix it in memory for years.

Celebrating Milestones

Occasional celebrations help children see memory work as joyful and meaningful. A special Bible, a family recital night, or writing completed catechism questions in a keepsake book can make the work feel treasured rather than burdensome.

-What we use:

• Little kids catechism (we only learn 3 questions, 1 question each month).
• This is the Shorter Catechism we use after they learned questions 1-3 from the kids catechism. 
• Our beloved Baptist brethren may prefer the Baptist version.
• For occasionally singing (specially for the weekly and monthly review) we like the Brian Sauvé channel on YouTube.