Lifeway Christian Resources has introduced a groundbreaking Bible tailored for children with dyslexia. Named the CSB Grace Bible for Kids, this new edition is designed for children aged 7 to 12, focusing on improving readability for those who experience visual stress while reading.
Meeting the Needs of Young Readers
Lifeway President Ben Mandrell emphasized the importance of making the Bible accessible to all children. He stated, “Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. At its core, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is meeting the need of helping young readers interact and connect with God in a personal way through His Word.”
Innovative Design Features
The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features a unique typeface and layout created by 2K/DENMARK in collaboration with researchers from Cambridge University. This design includes increased spacing between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. It also utilizes distinct letter shapes to enhance readability.
Klaus Krogh, founder of 2K/DENMARK, explained the challenges faced by dyslexic readers, stating, “If you are dyslexic, sometimes you see letters as bouncing balloons because they don’t stay on the baseline. In designing the Grace typeface, we made sure to fix the letters to the baseline by making them heavier towards the bottom.”
Krogh has been developing the Grace typeface for the past five years. The research team at Cambridge University assisted in testing and refining its design. The typeface helps readers distinguish between similar letters, such as “m” and “n” or “p” and “q.” Additionally, the Bible includes specially colored page overlays that enhance visual processing and reduce visual stress.
Future Plans
Lifeway plans to release a version of the Grace Bible for teens and adults in February 2025. Krogh expressed his anticipation for the feedback, stating, “I hope and pray this will help someone connect with the content of the Bible. We know faith changes lives, and we’d like as many as possible to be given the chance to change their life by the message in the Bible.”
Additional Features for Learning
Beyond its specialized typeface, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids includes study tips and content specifically designed for children. Topics addressed include “how to read the Bible” and “how to have a quiet time,” according to Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles.
McLean added, “These additional features are intended to increase biblical literacy skills among kids and establish a foundation of spiritual disciplines that will hopefully lead to both greater engagement with God’s Word and, by extension, greater intimacy with God.”
Lifeway’s Commitment to Young Readers
Mandrell noted the fulfillment that comes from helping young readers engage with Scripture, saying, “One of the most fulfilling aspects of our work at Lifeway is helping young readers engage Scripture and learn more about God through His Word. We are so encouraged by the excitement and traction around the Grace Bible for Kids.”
The CSB Grace Bible for Kids uses the Christian Standard Bible translation, recognized for its balance of accuracy and readability. This makes it an accessible resource for children to study and memorize Scripture.
Addressing a Common Challenge
According to the International Dyslexia Association, approximately 15% to 20% of the population has a language-based learning disability. Furthermore, 70% to 80% of students with specific learning disabilities who receive special education services struggle with reading. Lifeway’s new Bible aims to address this need and provide a valuable resource for children facing these challenges.
Related topics: