Ten Must Know Bible Stories: The Birth of Jesus

The Scottish Bible Society’s MUST KNOW BIBLE STORIES resources are free downloadable resources to help primary teachers explore Bible stories with their class as part of the RME curriculum. They include lesson plans, outdoor learning and play based learning ideas packed with active learning suggestions to help children engage with the learning and encourage them to discuss and explore how faith and belief affect the world they live in. They’re designed to make RME teaching easy, relevant and engaging and include links across the whole curriculum.

This is a particularly extensive learning and teaching resource, designed to help children explore and learn about the birth of Jesus and the biblical, traditional account of Jesus’ birth.

Available as two separate learning resources; one for First and Second level; the other for Early level.

In addition, to the traditional Christmas story, the resource contains activity plans for outdoor learning sessions. There are also opportunity for drama, plus other activities e.g. reading, reporting back, a quiz, pupil worksheets etc

Early Level: As well as the basic narrative, a considerable range of follow-on activities is provided, including a drama script, quiz, game etc

Second level: Significantly deeper topics such as morality, ethics, reflection and empathy are explored.

The home page for “Christmas: the birth of Jesus” has a good selection of photos showcasing children taking part in activities from this resource.

These resources come from the “Ten Must Know Bible Stories” website https://tenbiblestories.org/ They have been collaboratively produced by Sue Thomson (Schools Worker, St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Aberdeen) and local teachers. All materials have been used in school, and have been exceptionally well received by staff and pupils alike.The “Ten Must Know Bible Stories Project” is supported by Aberdeen City Council and funded by the Church of Scotland Go For It Fund. The project aims to encourage and inspire teachers and chaplains to explore Bible Stories, using them to embed RME across the curriculum.

The website has downloadable session outlines (with learning intentions) that can be mixed and matched to suit your children and setting. Complete resources needed for the sessions are included. The website also has an array of photos and videos of the sessions in action.