Filling Their Heads With Beautiful Things

A new app for structured memorization of poems, speeches, and Scripture.

I created what I like to fondly call “Duolingo for English Poetry.” Except you don’t learn a new language. You delve into the depths of the English language for its many gems and store them in your head for safekeeping.

You should be memorizing beautiful things. Your kids should be memorizing beautiful things. Families should be memorizing things together. John Adams once said, “You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket,” and that goes double if the poem is inside your head, ready to be recited or ruminated on.

The app is called Incordium, and I made it so an entire family can use a single account. Perfect for homeschooling families wanting a little more structure.

It breaks up longer passages and guides you, step by step, toward memorizing something. After you have learned it, it puts that passage into the review queue, reminding you to refresh what you have memorized so you never forget it. Just put in 5-10 minutes per day, and your inner life will bloom with eloquence and ideas.

Incordium is free to try. Give a spin.

However, the first 10 readers to subscribe to the yearly plan get 50% off. Just use code “FoundationFirst10” at checkout.

Here’s a quick demo of how it works for full families.

Memorizing Scripture

I’ve placed a special emphasis on Scripture. For Christians, it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do.

Not just memory verses. Full Psalms. Full chapters. Imagine being able to call up the right word at the right time for the right moment. Beyond that, you should want to have the word of God stored in your heart.

Single Bible verses are great, but they are limited in helpfulness due to their limited context. You want a feast, not a nibble. A full glass of wine, not a thimble full of grape juice. Aspire to more.

I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

By this time next month, your kids could have memorized a full psalm. And you with them. It’s very attainable to have your kids leave the house with dozens of chapters of the Bible memorized. What a foundation. And all in just a few minutes each day.

For churches that want to encourage a memory practice beyond single Bible verses, this is a great tool to get into the hands of parents.

The public library is growing daily. If you have recommendations for what to add, let me know. I want this to be as useful as possible.

Not sure where to start? May I recommend one of the poems of Robert Louis Stevenson?

And again, the first 10 people to sign up for a yearly subscription get 50% off for life. Just use code “FoundationFirst10” at checkout.