Homeschool Bible Study with Grapevine {a review}

This year as part of TOS Review Crew I was ecstatic to see Grapevine Studies on the list! Last year we used and reviewed one of their Bible studies and truly enjoyed it, so I couldn’t wait to try their next study, New Testament Overview Part I: John to the Apostles. We received the Beginner and Beginner Traceable levels.

About The Study

This study is at the beginner level, but there are levels for every student. Each study consists of 22 lessons total; we used these 2-3 times a week to supplement on bible study. We reviewed the digital downloads which we are able to print at home and use for the entire family; Grapevine also offers physical book options.

I like the layout of Grapevine’s teacher book. It is color coded so I know exactly what I am looking at, which is especially great it you are an “open and go” homeschool mom (or dad).

The teacher’s guide also offers

Teachers Goals and Students Goals section (which are broad goals for the study as a whole)
supply list
Lesson Goals and Key Points for each individual lesson

Included in each lesson is (for the teacher) are which passages of the Bible to read for study, some explanations for the teacher, section and review questions to ask the student(s). I like that they include a picture of the student’s page so I don’t have be right next to my children or see exactly what they’re doing.

The difference between the Beginner Student and Beginner Traceable is just that- one student’s book is traceable and one is blank. The traceable is great for those just starting out with Grapevine that need help understanding just how to stick figure.

How We Used The Study

These studies are so great for all types of learners; my children are young so they are still very wiggly and need something to do with their hands while they listen and learn. Drawing through the Bible (Grapevine’s studies) is just perfect for us; they really liven up Bible lessons and keep those hands-on learners minds’ busy! My son is 3, and so far has shown me he is most definitely in need of hands on learning with lots of visual explanation and demonstration. While he traced along the best he could (or wanted, rather) with his older sister, I can most definitely see this being a perfect fit for him when he is really ready for school!

As I mentioned above, we used these lessons 2-3 times a week (usually just 2 because we only school 4 days a week) to go along with our Bible reading from our curriculum. These could be stand alone studies with no additional Bible study needed. The lessons took us a little longer than it probably would take most families; we spent about 25 minutes each day to complete 1-2 lessons. My children ask tons of questions so we re-read some scriptures a few times. My daughter likes to explain back to me what we have read, so that also adds some time to lessons.

What We Think

I love that Grapevine includes their statement of faith (every homeschool should have one, if you don’t a simple google search will take you to some great blogs that can help you nail one down), their inspiration, their mission, and method in their teacher’s books. It really helps set my mind on what I am working towards also, so I say don’t skip reading that part if you use their homeschool Bible study!

Grapevine is a big hit in our home, again! We enjoy these lessons, the discussion they bring into our home, what the kids are really getting out of the Bible, and how simple yet effective they are. You can go as deep or stay as simple as you’d like. My children ask to do “history Bible” which is what they call Grapevine. My son just in the last few weeks has become adamant that he does exactly what big sister does,and with Grapevine that is so easy for ME- because he can sit in while I read the scriptures, then trace the pictures to make those connections concrete for him, although he can’t yet draw detailed pictures. My daughter is enjoying the Beginner Level and I can’t wait to see how she progresses as we continue to use Grapevine.