Review by Heidi Shaw

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

This is a creative, totally unique, yet comfortingly familiar approach to Bible Study.

Using basic shapes colors, and ‘stick figures’ to represent biblical concepts and characters on a white board, the folks at Grapevine have given new light and possibilities to a very important subject. Teaching Bible has become a joy for me again and my kids are enjoying it as well.

What I really love about this program is the extremely strong emphasis the author places on the relationship with Christ that each teacher should have. Goals are listed for teacher and student and the assumption is that all teachers have “personal and intimate relationship with the Lord along with the calling to teach the Word of God”. This is a personal challenge to me as I believe we, as parents, should strive to have that intimate relationship with God as we seek to educate our children.

This is a good, solid, fun plan for learning and remembering the events and people of the Old Testament. I highly recommend Grapevine Studies for home, Sunday, or small group study.

Level 2 Review

Jean from EHO

Grapevine Studies’ “Stick Figuring through the Bible” is a new approach for me, but it makes a great deal of sense. After all, my brain seems to connect to my ears through my fingers – what I take notes on, I tend to remember, whereas if I just “listen”... well, let’s just say that one of my mom’s favorite expressions was “in one ear and out the other!”

Our younger children narrate back to us, of course, but note-taking? They’re probably not ready for that yet. “Stick-figuring” or drawing simple symbols or figures to illustrate main points is a nice compromise, and has the added benefit of making a timeline of Bible characters and events easy to follow at a glance.

Much of the lesson preparation has already been done for you, if you are using the Teacher Edition, and the author has already tested the lessons by teaching them herself.

If you’ve been wanting to go through the Bible in a chronological, methodical way, but it seems too complicated, too daunting a task, then check out Grapevine Studies.

Level 2 Review by Dr. Heather Allen

TOS Senior Analysis

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

I have had in my possession, for a couple of months, the Level 2 (i.e., 9-11 year old, 3rd - 6th grade) Old Testament Stick Figuring though the Bible, Teacher Edition and Student Edition notebooks for review. I actually reviewed them on receipt; however, two months later had still not written my review. Why? I guess the most honest answer to that question is that I was at a loss for words.

I love this curriculum. I think it simply and effectively presents a chronological study of the Old Testament using timelines, stick figure, symbols and colors. The 15-20 minute lessons are easy to prepare for and teach. The curriculum is comprehensive, but not overwhelming. The lessons are chronological and interactive employing reading, listening, and drawing. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of various learning styles, and each lesson is compatible across levels 1 through 4. Also, built-in reviews throughout the curriculum lead to high retention rates. 

This is a great Bible study curriculum for all, whether churched or unchurched, and regardless of level of Bible knowledge. I plan on incorporating this study in our homeschool. I know I won't be disappointed.