GrapeVine Study (Old Testament Basics) - A Review

Product: Old Testament Basics – Learn the Facts of the Old Testament using a Question/Answer Format

Company: GrapeVine Studies – Stick Figuring through the Bible

Price: Ranging from approximately $10 - $45

Old Testament Basics Teacher Edition $25/Student Edition $20

Old Testament Basics E-book Teacher Ed. $20/Student Ed. $20

Where to Buy: GrapeVine Studies

Brief Overview: GrapeVine Studies is an innovative Bible study program. The company has several different products to choose from, both from the Old and the New Testament, for ages 5 - Adult. I chose the Old Testament Basics. It is easy to teach, easy to learn, and easy to remember…using a catechism style of questions and answers. And it adds a bit of fun and creativity into the mix by adding stick figure drawing.

In-Depth Look: I had been struggling for over a year, wanting a Bible study program for my daughters with more “meat” to it. I had tried several children devotionals over the years. But lately I felt like it just wasn’t enough. It seemed we were putting more emphasis on the cute little stories and not enough emphasis on learning the facts of the Bible. So when the opportunity came along to review a new program, I was very eager to give it a try. I chose the Old Testament Basics because of its catechism style. The question/answer style was completely focused on the facts. 225 facts, to be more exact. Dianna of Grapevine sent a Teacher’s handbook for me and a Student’s handbook for both of my school-age daughters (10 and 7).

Each lesson contains a question, a Bible passage (for most), an answer, and a stick figure drawing. At the beginning of the lesson, we have chosen to have a sort of review…I go through all the previous questions and let my girls take turns answering the questions. Of course, there are 225 questions, so I haven’t decided how we will handle our reviews once we get farther into the book. But for now, it is working great for us. And my daughters take great pride in recalling the answers. Then we start the lesson for that day, usually doing 2 questions. I read the question and any applicable Bible verses. Then I write the answer on the marker board for my girls to copy. My 10 year old doesn’t need this, but it helps my 7 year old. This study is recommended for ages 7 and up. Some of the longer answers frustrate my 7yo since it is difficult for her to copy them and keep the writing tiny enough to fit into the provided space. But this is rarely the case, as most answers so far have been just a few words in length. Then I draw the stick figure on the marker board to give them an idea of what to draw. My 7 year old likes to draw the one suggested. But my 10 year old enjoys adding a “creative touch” to the drawings. Both love showing their drawings to other family members, even showing them off to their grandma on a recent vacation to Mississippi. To date, my daughters have memorized several Biblical facts…I have even learned a thing or to, such as the original languages of the Old and New Testament. In case you are curious, the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.

I am very pleased with the study and look forward to continuing the lessons. My daughters are also enjoying it, often asking to do another question so that they can draw another picture. And did I mention that the pictures are all stick figures? So, no artistic talent is required. Just copy the figures from the book onto a marker board and let your children copy it from there into their workbooks.

A break-down of the available GrapeVine Bible studies might be helpful to you.

Beginner Ages 5-7 Pre-K- K
These fun and engaging books are designed with small children in mind. Take a look at how you can effectively teach young children even when they have the wiggles!

Level 1 Ages 6-8 Grades 1-2
Take a step beyond the Beginner. Teachers will introduce Bible timelines and teach more in-depth lessons. Your students will never complain about being bored again!

Level 2 Ages 8-10 Grades 3-4
Level 2 students will continue to learn the Bible timeline and memorize important biblical facts that every believer would benefit from knowing. Students will love drawing the Bible!

Level 3 Ages 10-13 Grades 5-8
Bible geography sets this level apart. Not only will students learn the major characters and events of the Bible they will also know where these events take place.

Level 4 Teen-Adult Grades 9-Adult
Students will master the Bible timeline, be introduced to Bible study tools, and practice using a Bible Dictionary, Concordance, and Topical Bible.

Level 5 Teen-Adult Independent
Mature believers will enjoy these self-directed Bible studies. Students will practice inductive study skills, answer critical thinking questions, do hands-on projects, and choose research projects.

Multi-Level Ages 7 and up
Do you need to teach several age groups at one time? These studies will help you effectively teach each age while maintaining the interest of all students.

What I Like: The books arrived packaged with a special touch. The books are so colorful, with "confetti" design scattered all over the covers. This study is easy to use, no prep work necessary. The only other supplies needed for this particular study are a marker board with markers for the teacher and some pencils and colored pencils for the students. It truly seems to work; my daughters are learning and remembering Bible facts. It is available in paperback and e-book format, depending on your preference.

What I Don’t Like: The cost might be prohibitive to some that would otherwise enjoy the program. For the Old Testament Basics, it would have cost $65 for my teacher’s book and 2 student books for my children. The e-book format would cost $60.

But I have great news! Until September 30^th, you can save 30% on your book order by using the following coupon code: crew9