Choosing a Bible curriculum is a very personal thing. We have gone through several in our years of homeschooling, and I have the partially-used curriculum to show for it. Eventually, I learned to choose a Bible curriculum that I could either adapt easily to what we believed or that included minimal commentary. Our favorite elementary bible curriculum was Grapevine Studies.
Bible Curriculum For The Early Years
When the kids were little, we made our way through several different programs. I would print out tons of printables, and we would dig into the subject at hand. This worked for a while, but I realized we were missing important parts of the Bible with this hit-or-miss system. So, I started my search in earnest for a program that would fit all our checklist items. Those items were:
- Not adhering to one particular religious doctrine
- Uses Scripture as its basis
- Easy teacher preparation
- No inane busywork
- Engaging and fun for the kids
After a broad search, we settled on GrapeVine Studies.
What is Grapevine Studies?
Grapevine Studies is a unique approach to teaching the Bible. First, they use stick figures to teach children. I know what you’re thinking, “I can’t draw anything, not even stick figures.” Yep, that was my thought as well. But, as it turns out, I can draw stick figures. And, though my children often laughed at my drawings, they still expressed the idea. You can see for yourself if my drawing is any good in the picture below.
But, did this curriculum mark off the boxes on my checklist?
Box 1: Does Not Adhere to One Particular Religious Doctrine ✓
I was most impressed with Grapevine Study’s philosophy on teaching doctrine.
Grapevine has taken the stance that parents and teachers are best suited to teach biblical doctrine to their students. We call this teacher-directed doctrine. ~ GrapeVine Creators
This philosophy on doctrine means that people of many different faiths and at many different stages in the Biblical journey use this program. They stick to the facts and let you, the teacher, decide what to elaborate on.
Box 2: Uses Scripture as its Basis ✓
Since Grapevine doesn’t teach doctrine, you might be wondering what exactly they DO they teach? Each lesson starts with a Bible verse. We read this verse aloud, and then we discuss it. Sometimes that’s just a short discussion, and sometimes the Scripture brings up questions that can be discussed longer.
Grapevine Studies keeps to the facts so that, as a teacher, I don’t have to modify or delete sections of our curriculum.
Box 3: Easy Teacher Preparation ✓
I really like how Grapevine is designed. The student uses a worksheet that resembles a comic strip. In the boxes, they will draw their stick figures of the story. The teacher has the same sheet, except the stick figures are already drawn. The memory verses, scripture discussion, and other relative facts are also included. It requires no more than 5 minutes of prep time.
Box 4: No Inane Busywork ✓
This is a pet peeve of mine. I hate busywork – doing things just to be doing them without any benefit. Stick figuring may seem like busywork, but actually, it’s a lot more than merely drawing a figure. To commit something to memory, we need to learn with different senses. As we are reading from the Bible, the children are learning through audio and visual stimuli. When they draw the figure, they are also using tactile senses and connecting all these experiences to form a memory.
Box 5: Engaging and Fun for the Kids ✓
Because the lessons were short (about 15 minutes), they were able to hold the kids’ attention. Drawing allowed them to release their creative sides and have a little fun. And I’ll have to admit that I enjoyed drawing as well.
Bible Study Curriculum Giveaway and Discount
If you’re looking for a fun, effective way to help your kids dig into Scripture, you’ll love this month’s giveaway and coupon code!
For the months of February and March 2020, get 20% Off any Grapevine Bible Study (excludes sale items). Just use code BlogFeb, but don’t waste time because it expires on 3/31/2020.
And, don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for our giveaway. The Old Testament Super Bundle from Grapevine Studies will equip you to bring your kids through the Old Testament with confidence.
Included in this set, you’ll find the following:
- Master Teacher Old Testament Book
- Old Testament Flash Cards
- Wall Timeline
- Student Ebooks: Early Elementary Traceable, Early Elementary, Elementary, and Middle School.
This bundle retails for $155.95.
It is your responsibility to read the terms and conditions upon entering. Entering the giveaway signs you up for the following newsletters: Heart and Soul Homeschooling, The Art Kit, In All You Do, Homeschool on the Range, Homeschooling Dietitian Mom, Making Room 4 One More, Simple Living Mama, Clarissa R. West, My Joy-Filled Life, Peace Creek on the Prairie, Hide the Chocolate, Hess Un-Academy, The Fervent Mama, Faith & Good Works, and Beyond the Stick Figure.
Enter in the form below! Each entry increases your odds of winning, and you’re sure to find some new bloggers to follow. This giveaway ends at midnight CST on February 23, 2020.
Hi, I’m Dachelle. I’m a homeschooling mom of 3 in the South. I love chocolate and have been known to hide it from my children. I can often be found reading a good book (or even sometimes just an okay book) and enjoying a jar of Nutella — don’t judge. I blog, here, at HideTheChocolate.com when I’m not creating book clubs and making lists…lots and lots of lists (it’s an addiction). Learn more…
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