The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has just completed recording the Child’s Bible Project, a new resource for primary schools.

God speaks to his Children, the ACN Child’s Bible, contains 99 chapters - several of which have been read out by representatives of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, each highlighting an important story from the Old or New Testament.

The Child’s Bible Project, designed for use in the classroom or at home, consists of a recorded reading and reflection, a themed activity and a short prayer for each chapter. The chapters are grouped into 20 workbooks, each containing video links and other materials for five chapters. More information and all 20 weekly workbooks can be found on ACN’s website

ACN would like to offer sincere thanks to all those from the Archdiocese of Birmingham who contributed videos to the project, including Archbishop Bernard (chapter 96), Bishops-Elect David (chapter 23) and Stephen (chapter 48), as well as teachers from 13 primary schools across the Archdiocese. A special thank you goes to Andrea (Year 2) from St Francis’ Catholic Primary School, Walsall, who contributed to the final video for chapter 99.

The Child’s Bible Project is a free online resource available to all; the activities require only items readily available in homes and classrooms, and the videos and many activities can be viewed on small screens or interactive whiteboards. The chapters can be used in order throughout a term or school year or accessed individually to highlight a liturgical season.

Schools using the resource may wish to purchase copies of the Child’s Bible for use in school or at home. Copies are available from ACN for £3 each, and there is a discount for bulk purchases. For each copy of the Child’s Bible purchased in the UK, three copies are sent out to children elsewhere in the world who use this little red book to explore their faith and, in many cases, to learn to read.

Since its publication in 1979, ACN has distributed over 51 million copies in 190 languages. For some children, the Child’s Bible is the only book they will ever own.

To find out more or to request a virtual or face-to-face visit to your school, please contact ACN’s Schools & Youth Team