A Scripture Mystery-Mastery Game
By C.S. Bezas

Imagine my surprise as a new seminary teacher to learn that the goal of scripture mastery for the students was not just to memorize targeted scriptures, but to be able to understand them on a deep level. Once I discovered this “truth,” I changed my teaching approach. Here is a game that has helped my students’ ability in this important goal — perhaps it can help yours. I call it our Scripture Mystery-Mastery Game.

Supplies Needed:

• One white sheet of paper
• One pen, pair of scissors, and a small cup
• One cupcake pan (the 12-portion size)
• One sheet or chalkboard to write down team points

Game Preparation

Rules for Playing Each Round

1. All students have their scriptures closed and in their hands, ready for opening. (This is how each round should begin.)
2. One classmate flips over a chosen “Mystery Scripture” and reads it to the class (the class member who flips it over does not need to find the scripture for that particular round). To avoid favoritism, find unexpected ways to select the order of student “flippers.” For example, go by birthday months backwards (December students would take their turns first, then November, and so on.).
3. As soon as the student flips the circle and begins reading the doctrinal application on the back of the circle, the class races to find the “Mystery Scripture.” (No reference is given. FYI: an accurate source for the doctrinal application phrase would be scripture mastery cards from Church Distribution.) As the students begin to find it, they call out clues for the rest of the class, because no-one earns points unless they all earn points. This is to build team spirit and to reduce competitiveness. Not all students are good at these games. I don’t want any student to leave seminary feeling like a failure.
4. If they all have found the scripture before the first 15 seconds, they’ve earned 500 points as a class (or Brigham Bucks for a class auction or whatever cumulative point system you may use). If found after 16 seconds, they’ve earned 400 points. If it took 30+ seconds for the class as a whole to find the scripture individually, they’ve earned 300 points. If found after 45 seconds, 200 points. At this point, if they’ve not found the scripture, allow those who have found the scripture to call out the page number. Thus, if all have found it by 60 seconds, they’ve earned 100 points as a class.
5. The students then close their scriptures for the drill portion of the game. The teacher calls out a key phrase or word for the scripture the class just found. The students race all over again to find that exact same scripture and holler out the reference (yes, it should be easier and faster this time). They close their scriptures. Call out a different key word variation for the exact same scripture. The students should be even quicker to open to it and shout out the reference. This is done in three layers of key words or phrases for the exact same scripture. Even the slower students are able to call out the reference by the end of the “drill” and feel successful in their ability to “dial in” the Mystery Scripture’s location.
6. Round two then begin, with the next student “flipper” choosing a circle to flip over and read the doctrinal application for the new scripture mastery verse. Again the kids race to find it, earning points as described above. Once everyone is there, the brief three-layered “drill” begins.

Summary

What I’ve noticed by playing the Scripture Mastery-Mystery Game, the students don’t seem to mind being “drilled” several times in a row about each verse. It’s because it’s done in an upbeat approach. I’ve also noticed that when I remove “teams” and have the class play a game as a whole unit, that the students are far more likely to be Christ-like rather than competitive to/with each other. The spirit resides far more fully in our classroom and the students are able to build deeper bonds with each other because they are helping each other. And it’s fun!

For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a variety of Scripture Mastery games I’ve played with my students in the classroom. Hopefully these suggestions will bring a bright spot of happiness and joy to your students as each learns from you how to follow Christ and to absorb deeply His teachings from the scriptures.

Watch for C.S. Bezas’ book, Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings, available at most LDS bookstores and at http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4977585