The Value of Spaced Repetition in Homeschool Faith Formation

Have you ever asked your child a question about the Faith, expecting a thoughtful response, only to receive a simple or even humorous answer instead?

It happens to all of us.

A few years ago, a friend gave her then-9-year-old A Lamp & a Light. When he reflected on the Gospel passage about the miraculous catch of fish, his response was, "They should have been better fishermen."

She sighed. I laughed.

Fast forward to today—her son recently revisited that same passage. This time, his reflection acknowledged the Apostles' radical trust in Jesus.

Progress!

A similar experience happened with my daughter. She is currently re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia—for what must be the sixth or seventh time. Only this time did she come to me and ask, "Mama, is Aslan like Jesus?"

It was a beautiful reminder that understanding deepens over time.

The Value of Repetition in Homeschool Faith Formation

Most children (and adults) don’t grasp a concept fully upon first exposure. Understanding takes time, reinforcement, and repeated encounters.

We need to hear stories, lessons, and truths again and again. And with each exposure:

1. Knowledge becomes more ingrained in our minds.
2. Understanding moves from head knowledge to heart knowledge.
3. Layers of meaning unfold, leading to deeper insight.

This is why repetition is foundational in our children’s faith formation. It’s why:

• We encourage revisiting Levels One, Two, and Three of faith education.

• Learning about the Mass isn’t just for First Communion preparation but a lifelong journey.

• Teaching children to pray with Scripture early on gives them more practice before they step out into the world.

Trusting the Process

So, when my children give incorrect or simplistic answers, I don’t worry. I know it’s part of their growth. With time, maturity, and continued exposure, their understanding will develop—not just in their minds, but, hopefully, in their hearts as well.

Do you have a story about your child gaining deeper insight over time? I’d love to hear it!

May we all remain steadfast in our efforts, remembering that the journey of faith is a process—and that, as C.S. Lewis reminds us, Aslan is always on the move.

Ready to dive deeper? 

Here are 4 ways to fill your nets... 

1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses

 2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.

 3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.

 4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!