As a Christian it is very important to me that my kids have a good understanding and knowledge of the Bible. Though we are active in our church and the kids participate in its kids’ Olympian program, they do not get to learn the Bible in chronological order. As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew we are given the privilege of reviewing products from various vendors. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to review Grapevine Studies’ materials.

I have tried many devotional materials and Bible studies and we have not found one that we have enjoyed as much as the ones by Grapevine Studies. They have many studies and materials available and we chose to review the Old Testament Overview (level 1 and level 3).

With both of these student books we were also given the Teacher book which is for levels 3 and 4 though it also can be used with level 1.  They also have a multilevel study that can be purchased as well.

What is unique about their studies is their hands on approach in which the  student does  a timeline to go along with each lesson. Initially this study begins with the students creating a timeline which covers Genesis to the 400 silent years.  Each Biblical event and character gets represented by stick figures and/or symbols that your child draws to go on the timeline. Bible books and chapters can are also placed on the timeline so that it becomes a good reference for each child as they go through the study.   After the timeline overview is completed, the student starts into the individual lessons.  The students learn more about each character/event in the individual lessons through more stick figuring, memory verses, and questions.  Also the student creates a character/event card which highlights the current lesson.   I chose to have my kids use an index card for this part of the study and allowed them to draw their own picture on it with their interpretation of what was being studied.   We placed these index cards in their own index card boxes so that they will always have a reference to return to and review even beyond  the completion of this study.  Each lesson also contains a review so that the students reinforce what they are learning.

Since my kids learn better when creativity can be incorporated into lessons, the Old Testament Overview by Grapevine Studies works very well for them.

I loved that the timeline gets created before you begin doing a detailed lesson. You get a general overview of what you will be studying then go to the first lesson where you get into more detail. I plan on having the kids take their timelines and include them in their history notebooks so that they can also incorporate it into the rest of our social studies. This is what has been missing from our history lessons and I am looking forward to making Grapevine Studies an integral part of our study of  history.  Doing so will make it truly His story.

The teacher guide that goes along with the student books includes a lesson schedule that can either be daily or weekly depending upon your needs. It also has information to help you as a teacher prepare for each lesson. This way you are not left figuring out things on your own. We took the suggestion of using a whiteboard and working along with our children by discussing the lessons then drawing or writing what the child needs to be doing in their own books. This helped to reinforce the lessons and helps to make it easier for younger and older children to work together simultaneously. Since I have a 6 and 11 year old this was very important to me because we already have some subjects which we have to do separately from each other.

You can get a full description of all the products at Grapevine Studies. The studies can be purchased as e-books or as hard copies. I personally  received the products as an e-book which gives the advantage of being able to print off the pages as you use them or to print it off completely. I chose to send it to a print shop and have them bound but I also printed off individual pages so that we could do a separate timeline that we included in our history binders.

I would definitely recommend Grapevine Studies’ products to anyone. As a family we intend on purchasing more products from them for us in the future.

Cost varies depending on the study you choose as well as whether it is an e-book or hard copy. For the Overview study I reviewed, the cost was $25.95 (for Level 1 Old Testament Overview Student book), $28.95 (for Level 3 Old Testament Overview Student book) and $45.95 (for Level 3-4 Old Testament Overview Teacher Manual). I would personally check out their website for current prices and specials. At the end of this review I have also included a coupon code for 30% off your order for a limited time.

In my opinion it is well worth the cost.    If you are considering purchasing any of their materials,  please visit their website to see all that they have to offer.  Just for my readers through September 15, 2009, Grapevine Studies has graciously provided a 30% discount on your order.  Use the  coupon code crews to get this special offer.

While at their site, be sure to sign up for their eNewsletter and make sure you check out any additional promotions they might be offering.

Filed under: Home, TOS Crew by Barbara
No Comments »