When I was growing up, church was not an option. Mom and Dad had been raised that the parents of the home were responsible for their children's religious training and they took that responsibility seriously! They not only taught us about Jesus, but were examples of Jesus.

Even before children, I pledged to be that kind of a parent. I also wanted to teach about and exemplify my Lord. But, as a homeschool parent, I wanted my teaching to be more than just family devotions. One of the reasons that we began to homeschool was to bring religious training back into the school environment. One of the ways we desired to do that was by teaching the Bible as a core subject. 

It hasn't been easy. We have tried different curriculums and methods. Some we have liked, but the kids haven't. Some the kids have liked, but we didn't. We have continued to search for a curriculum that both we liked and the kids liked...until now. We have found one...Grapevine Studies!

Grapevine Studies touts itself as "a Bible study curriculum that engages the intellect while stimulating the imagination", and they are not mistaken. Dianna Wiebe, the author, calls her Bible Study Method, "Stick Figuring". Here's how it works. As you are teaching the lesson to your child, you are drawing simple stick figures on a dry erase board that go along with your lesson. No need to worry about your artistic ability, these figures are very basic and examples/instructions are included in the teacher's manuals. As you're reading the scripture and talking about the lesson, the children are also drawing on their study sheet. They can either copy the basic figures that you have drawn on the board, or make them more elaborate.

Joshua, our eight year old, worked on the Old Testament Overview. He was very basic in his drawing. He drew what was needed to complete the picture but, he was more interested in asking questions.

On the other hand, John Allen (13 yrs. old), who studied the New Testament Overview, was more content to listen and draw elaborate pictures. I was amazed, however, at what they each remembered at the end of the week, when we did a review. It seemed that this curriculum met both of their needs! Joshua's need was auditory and kinesthetic. He needed to keep his hands moving, and he needed answers to all of the questions that were spinning around in his head. John Allen is a very hands on person. He likes to do and think things through as he does them. This curriculum has it all, auditory, visual, kinesthetic - everything!

To add to the learning, they have verses and basic Bible facts (i.e. the 12 apostles or how many books in OT and NT) to memorize, and "Character/Event" cards (3x5) that are to be filled out and put in a file for later reference. More advanced students also learn how to use a Bible dictionary, concordance, and Topical Bible.

Not sure if you'll like it? Not a problem! Grapevine always has a free "eLesson" that you can download from their website. They also have over a dozen other eLessons that you can choose from for only $2.95.

Not ready to commit to a full years study? No problem either! Grapevine Studies also has smaller courses that hone in on just one or two Biblical characters or events. The TOS Crew blog has links to other crew members who reviewed Esther, The Birth of Christ, and Biblical Feasts and Holy Days.

Not sure of what you want? Still no problem! Dianna is one of the nicest people that you could ever work with. Look over what they have to offer, and then contact her with your ideas and she will work with you. We emailed back and forth several times before I finally decided on what to try with John Allen and Joshua. Please don't hesitate to contact her if you have any questions.

Not sure of the price? Their prices range form $6.95 (student book)/$8.95 teachers manual on up for the smaller studies to $15.95 or more for some of the year long courses. You can get them in either hard copies or ebooks for convenience - whichever you prefer.  They even have a "scratch and dent" sale section on their website. But, Dianna has extended a special sale for those of you who might be reading this and want to order now! Until Sept. 15, you can use the coupon code CREWS to get a 30% discount on your entire order!

So, what are you waiting for? There is really no obstacle left. For those of you that homeschool - Bible should be one of your core subjects. For those of you who don't homeschool, remember what I have said. We all are home educators whether our children go to a public/private school, or are schooled at home. What is better to educate your child in than the Bible. Still not sure? Download their free eLesson for this month. There's nothing to lose. To check out their website, just click here or on any of the highlighted links above. Take a look today! I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. 

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