This summer, the kids and I began our homeschooling lessons a little earlier than most (aren't I horrible?), and what better way to begin than with the Bible? And how better to begin our Bible class than with the Old Testament (a.k.a. The First Testament, around here)?
We began with the GrapeVine Studies program called Old Testament Basics - a Catechism ($19.95 for the student or teacher e-book, which is what we used). At first, I was uncertain - the title made me think of Catholicism, which is not our particular preference. However, when I sought answers to my question "what is 'catechism'?" I was pleasantly surprised to find that it simply means using questions to teach. Isn't that what I am doing anyway? Okay, sold!
The Teacher Edition begins with what the program is, why it was developed, and how the creators intended it to be used. The Student Edition is just that: the pages the students will use while working through the study (written question, then space for drawing and space for a written answer). There are 225 questions and answers, along with Bible verses and drawings for each one to concrete the discussion for the student (and teacher!). There are also review questions to help the parent/teacher further understand what the student remembers about what s/he learned.
I used to be a Children's Church teacher for a multi-level group in a small church, and I wish I had this study to use back then! I wasted precious time rifling through books, searching on the internet, and photocopying coloring pages. I have learned so much right along with my children using the GrapeVine Studies method, and it is so easy to use with multiple age groups. I am elated about this unit and cannot wait to begin a new one!
I would have to say that my favorite part of this Bible Study was watching my son, a.k.a. "I CAN'T!," get excited after a few lessons because he now knows that HE CAN!! It is also simple enough that the "I CAN'T!" in YOU will be confident in your ability to demonstrate the drawings for your kids. I mean, really, can you draw a purple triangle? Then you can draw God! Can you draw a stick figure person? Then you can teach your child the Old Testament using GrapeVine Studies' stick figure learning system! 
And you never know, you may learn a little bit of the Old Testament yourself!
Check out what other TOS Crewmembers have to say about GrapeVine Studies Bible Curriculum here.
We began with the GrapeVine Studies program called Old Testament Basics - a Catechism ($19.95 for the student or teacher e-book, which is what we used). At first, I was uncertain - the title made me think of Catholicism, which is not our particular preference. However, when I sought answers to my question "what is 'catechism'?" I was pleasantly surprised to find that it simply means using questions to teach. Isn't that what I am doing anyway? Okay, sold!The Teacher Edition begins with what the program is, why it was developed, and how the creators intended it to be used. The Student Edition is just that: the pages the students will use while working through the study (written question, then space for drawing and space for a written answer). There are 225 questions and answers, along with Bible verses and drawings for each one to concrete the discussion for the student (and teacher!). There are also review questions to help the parent/teacher further understand what the student remembers about what s/he learned.
I used to be a Children's Church teacher for a multi-level group in a small church, and I wish I had this study to use back then! I wasted precious time rifling through books, searching on the internet, and photocopying coloring pages. I have learned so much right along with my children using the GrapeVine Studies method, and it is so easy to use with multiple age groups. I am elated about this unit and cannot wait to begin a new one!
I would have to say that my favorite part of this Bible Study was watching my son, a.k.a. "I CAN'T!," get excited after a few lessons because he now knows that HE CAN!! It is also simple enough that the "I CAN'T!" in YOU will be confident in your ability to demonstrate the drawings for your kids. I mean, really, can you draw a purple triangle? Then you can draw God! Can you draw a stick figure person? Then you can teach your child the Old Testament using GrapeVine Studies' stick figure learning system! 
And you never know, you may learn a little bit of the Old Testament yourself!Check out what other TOS Crewmembers have to say about GrapeVine Studies Bible Curriculum here.
Hi, nice post. I have been pondering this topic,so thanks for writing. I will probably be coming back to your site. Keep up great writing.
ReplyDeleteHi. I was wondering what the difference was between the Old Testamnaet Overview and the Old Testament Basics Catechism was. Thanks for the review. I didn't really know what it was myself.
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