Where: Used in over 65 schools around Scotland and other regions
Bible Alive has been developed to meet the requirements of Curriculum for Excellence (the curriculum followed in Scottish schools) and is a flexible framework which can be adapted to meet the requirements of each school as well as the talents of the team presenting it. All presenters must pass a training course to ensure a high standard of delivery.
Bible Alive uses props, costumes, music, drama, video clips, quizzes and activities to bring the Bible to life and appeal to different learning styles. A central element is ‘Rhyme and sign’, a series of rhyming couplets accompanied by British Sign Language, which give an overview of the story of the Bible. Each child is given a colour activity booklet to keep, which outlines key stories included in the programme and helps them to consolidate what they learn in the sessions.
Wendy’s story
Scripture Union Scotland has worked in partnership with our local churches in South Edinburgh to teach Bible Alive, and together we have been going into the same school for six years, resulting in over 350 children gaining an understanding of the Bible’s big picture.
It’s great to see the children’s enthusiasm grow week by week as they unpack the message of the Bible. To be called the ‘Bible Alive lady’ when you meet children in the supermarket is quite a treat!
I will never forget the reaction of one teacher who said she wished someone had explained the Bible to her in this way when she was young. The children love getting dressed up in costumes and being an active part of the stories, and the information they remember is quite outstanding.
Bible Alive has challenged me to improve my own knowledge of the Bible, but it’s a blessing to see the faces of children as they hear many of these stories for the first time. The feedback we have had from children and staff has been positive and the children are always disappointed when the seven weeks are up.
Bible Alive complements other activities run by the local churches both in the school and in the community.
Quotes from children:
‘It’s the best thing about school.’
‘We have learned so much through Bible Alive. It is awesome!’
Quote from teacher:
‘Teaching staff who were present were amazed at the way in which the children listened and remembered as well as the interactive nature of the lessons. I personally have not seen anything better in this area of the curriculum.’
When presenting the Bible in schools it should be:
Educational: Ensure that the content fulfils elements of the curriculum and achieves the outcomes desired by the teachers. Remember that you are not there to preach or proselytise but to educate the children about the Bible.
Professional: Be well organised and able to deliver the lesson confidently and within the time allocated.
Enthusiastic: Often preconceptions of the Bible are that it is dull and boring, but if you are enthusiastic in your delivery it engages the children and helps them to discover the excitement within the Bible stories.
Interactive: Children learn best when they are not just hearing the stories but are actively involved in bringing them to life.
Strategic: Consider how the work you are doing in the school fits into the bigger picture. Are there other opportunities to build relationships and serve the school? If there are children who want to find out more what is your next step?
Bible Alive is run by Scripture Union Scotland. Visit the website to find out more.
