Grapevine Studies

I told you a while back about a Bible study we were doing with the kids. We started using the Grapevine Studies New Testament Overview during our regular evening Bible time. Normally, we go over catechism, Dad gives a lesson, we pray and sing songs. I like doing it this way but the two olders are getting to the point that they need a little more study time. Now we are using our Grapevine study for about 4 – 6 days a week and doing our regular Bible time activities 1 – 3 times.

So a little more about Grapevine…

“With a Bible, colored pencils, and Grapevine Studies Bible curriculum, you can give your students a more thorough understanding of the Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Feasts and Holy Days, or Bible geography.”

Our family is doing the New Testament Overview study and all the children (ages 4 – 10) are able to participate. During the first few sessions (which is lesson 1), Dad used a small dry erase board and markers to draw timeline stick figures. While the kids copied the drawings, he would read the key points that described the pictures in the timeline of the New Testament books. This lesson is just an overview to give a broad picture of the entire study.

Now when I say stick figures, I mean stick figures. These are easy drawings that even the 4 year old can copy. The kids have no trouble at all making the drawings, nor do I. = )

Lesson 2 dives into the chronological events of the New Testament with the birth of John. Each lesson has about 8 stick figure drawings, accompanied with their own scripture reading and lesson review questions. Memory work is also provided at the end of the daily lessons. On day 4 of each lesson the students are to make a Character and Events card to use as a memory aid and for reviews. My children could not fit all the information on these cards themselves, so instead, I chose to use this as a memory verse tool only. The children copy the memory verse onto one side of the card and the title of the lesson on the other. I really liked the idea of putting the key points of each lesson on the cards, but we just couldn’t fit it. I may go back and type out the information and print my own cards. Then the children can write the title (such as “Birth of John”) on the front along with a stick figure from the lesson.

There are several reviews built into the study. Each lesson begins with a review of the timeline and memory verses they’ve already covered. There are also lesson reviews, section reviews, mid-study reviews and one final review.

The beauty of this system is that it’s ‘just the facts’. Doctrine and theology are not built into the study, allowing you to teach according to your own church doctrine using your choice of Bible version.

The kids love to draw the pictures and the activity helps them to listen better. The pictures become visual cues, helping them remember the information.

The thing I love most about this material is the fact that we’re doing it. I’m sure you know what I mean here. I’ve purchased a ton of curriculum and we own more than we will ever use. But we are actually doing this Bible study. AND we’re enjoying it together. The kids are having fun and learning. And for me, this makes all the difference.

The folks at Grapevine have graciously offered my readers a discount of 30% off for the next month! Just use the coupon code: crews

I really hope you decide to take advantage of this offer. We will be purchasing their study of Biblical Feasts and Holy Days next! If you’ve used a Grapevine study with your family, leave a comment and let us know how you liked it.

Sara O’