The time leading up to our first lesson from Grapevine Studies Old Testament Overview can only be described as a satanic attack. I think the enemy likes how lethargic we have been in our faith and Bible study as a family, and the introduction of starting an in-depth study of God’s Word put him on alert.
As soon as our curriculum arrived, my husband and I decided we would study through the Grapevine Studies Old Testament Overview together as a family in the evening before we had our song and prayer time. But we procrastinated.
Several days (cough… weeks) later, I decided that THIS was the day… and the day fell to pieces. The children fought all. day. long. Bill wrestled with our internet connection as a work deadline loomed. I felt the weight of work and children and husband. Despite the odds, we finally sat down in the living room with the children.
About Grapevine Studies
Founded and authored by Dianna Wiebe – a homeschooling mom of four children whom have all successfully graduated – Grapevine Studies offers Bible curriculum for teaching children ages 3 through adult. The lessons require very little preparation (just a good dose of prayer and some dry erase markers) and give you what to say and do as the students follow you.
With each lesson, the teacher draws stick figures and the students repeat what they see. For younger children, traceable pages are available. The objects have a faint overlay and they can simply follow the lines.
Grapevine Studies has products available for Old Testament, New Testament, and Catechism study. More detailed lessons are available for the birth of Jesus, biblical feast, Esther, Joseph, Ruth, and the Resurrection. Additional products are also available including some in Spanish.
Using Grapevine Studies for Bible education
Our family has decided to use Grapevine Studies for our family devotion time in the evenings. We are beginning with the Old Testament because we are also working through Mystery of History and thought this would be an excellent way to weave our various studies together.
Bill and I are alternating who does the teaching and drawing while the other reads from the Bible.
Our family devotional time is simple.
We sit together in the living room with the children seated around the coffee table. We have our Grapevine Studies curriculum for each child (the ebook versions come with a family license), our family study Bible, dry erase markers, colored pencils, and a double-sided art easel.
We pray, have our lesson, sing a song, and pray again. Then, the children scamper off to brush their teeth and climb into bed for goodnight hugs and kisses.
Grapevine Studies would also be an excellent study in the morning over breakfast, as Sunday School or co-op class (requires additional licensing), or as an elective course of study.
Why our family loves Grapevine Studies
Even though Bill and I were both raised in church with fathers in the ministry, neither of us remember ever learning the connection between Bible stories and the application those “stories” have in our lives. So, we appreciate that the curriculum from Grapevine Studies prompts us from the very beginning to be looking toward Jesus.
- Each lesson is evangelical in nature, with an emphasis on God’s gift to us through salvation in Jesus.
- Lessons are clear and interactive.
- Except for prayer, no additional preparation is necessary.
- Everyone can participate, regardless of age.
After our first lesson from Grapevine Studies
As our first family devotional time came to an end, our children asked for more. So, after another lesson, it was time to sing a song and then for someone to pray. Franc volunteered and as we anticipated his routine words, he prayed:
God, thank you for the lesson that Mommy taught us tonight. It is good for us to able to learn about the Bible.
Bill and I were stunned to silence.
Buy it now
Grapevine Studies is available through their online store in both loose-leaf pages and ebook formats. The ebook format comes with a family license for multiple copies. However, the loose-leaf format requires one bundle per student.
Additional licensing is available for co-ops, churches, and classroom uses.
SALE! Right now, you can save 20% off New Testament print and ebooks. Plus, refer a friend and receive a $10 credit towards your next purchase. Want something else? Use discount code AUGBLOG to save 20% off non-sale items.
Enter for a chance to win
Grapevine Studies has generously donated one Joseph bundle (teacher and student book) to a reader of Meet Penny. Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.
Giveaways for physical products are only available to residents within the United States. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Review and giveaway products were provided by my sponsor and additional compensation may have been received but opinions are 100% my own. Facebook is no way affiliate with this review and by entering you hold them unaccountable for any legalities related to this giveaway. Winner will be selected by Rafflecopter using Random.org and will be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be selected.
I noticed that they are on sale right now! I also noticed that they have bible geography which is interesting to me since I’ve been looking for geography options.
After visiting the website, I noticed that Grapevine Studies is having a New Testament Pre-Launch Sale where they are offering 20% off print and ebooks including titles such as Jesus’ Ministry and John to Apostles. They also offer individual elessons on their website for only $1.95 including the Days of Creation, Ten Commandments, and 12 Apostles. I haven’t tried any of their studies and would love the chance to win. Thank you.
This sounds really great! I have a range of 7 (learning disabled and can not read) to age 19 when it comes to the children in my life. I would love to have the opportunity to see if this is truly a multi-aged study!
I like how inexpensive the beginners books are.
Like the idea of “stick figuring through the Bible”
i am interested in the beginner studies for old testament and esther
I love that they have the ages divided so nicely along the top…I will DEFINITELY be checking out the sample lessons later
The site is so colorful that it definitely gets your attention. I love the span of ages that this provides for. Having looked at Ruth, I am impressed with the depth of knowledge that is included.
I really like how they have the tab categories seperated by age group at the top of the blog!
I love that they have multi-levels.
It’s like you’re looking into our family- today is our day to start it, and we have pushed it back several times. With kids at several different ages and ability levels, I am hopeful that this will interest all 3. Thanks for the blog!
Also, this company is GREAT to deal with- super customer service!
I noticed that they have multi-level resources with a family license. ALL very reasonably priced as well!
I like how they have a special section for homeschool.
I love GVBS! We have done one (me and my 6yo) and I just saw now that they offer monthly specials!
They have all levels, even for adults!
–Gena
Flat Bible Man is cracking me up… Stick Figures? Really? lol
We LOVE Grapevine Studies! It’s not expensive & my children love being able to have Bible time together. 🙂
I’ve read so much about Grapevine Studies, and I love that they now have traceables. My son is only 5, and these would be perfect for his!!
I love how colorful and bright their site is. They have it set up with levels across the top and it is very easy to choose just what you would like.
I noticed they now have Spanish in some, also love the time line one
What I noticed is all the levels. they have a lot which is good for different ages.
I like all the levels that’s what I noticed
I have their Old Testament studies, so I think I might need to get their New Testament one, too!
I love that they sell traceable books for the little ones to join in the fun.
I noticed on the website for Grapevine Bible Studies that they are having a New Testament pre-launch sale going on in the month of August where you can save 20% on printed books and e-books. I also notice that if I have a friend or church that buys from Grapevine Bible Studies I will receive a $10 credit towards a future purchase!
This would be wonderful for our three children.
Love the giveaways! Thank you
The lessons are designed to be used with any version of the Bible.
I love that there are so many samples so we can try it out and find out if it works for our family.
I noticed all the levels available; from traceables all the way up to adult, plus multi-level, elessons and sample lessons thus having something for everyone.