Week 1 of the 2013-2014 school year has come and gone, and we are off to a great start. I'm very pleased with our curriculum choices so far (most are a continuation of what we used last year), but I just ordered some additional things for my Kindergartner. I think she'll enjoy some extra challenge. :)
If you have read this blog or followed me on Facebook for any length of time, you've probably heard about one of my favorite things: Grapevine Bible Studies. This is our second year to use them, and I'm still very happy. In the picture above, you see yesterday's lesson on Jesus Calming the Storm (from the Beginner Level of New Testament Overview). The children each have a page on which they draw the same pictures (using colored pencils, crayons, or just pencil).
Here are some of the things I love about it:
1. Simple to prepare, and simple to teach. I didn't make up those drawings. They are shown in the teacher's book along with instructions on how to teach the lesson.
2. Scripture references for everything. With the exception of stories that cover a really long passage, I start by reading straight out of the Bible. Then I can explain and answer questions.
3. It's strictly Bible - no doctrinal "issues." I think this would be equally suitable for Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Church of Christ, etc. You, the parent, can add in additional information and context as you see fit.
4. It's fast. Although I usually try to get some sort of discussion going, the lesson could be taught in about 10 minutes in a pinch.
5. Works well for multiple ages. As I mentioned, we are finishing up the Beginner Level. (We did the Old Testament Overview last year and part of the New Testament Overview.) After that, we're going to start on the Level 1 Old Testament Overview (for my 2nd grader) along with the Traceables version of the same (for the Kindergartner). I anticipate that we will spread those lessons over two days each.
Obviously, we use these as part of our homeschool day, but they could be used at home by any parent as a devotional time. I believe they would also work well in a classroom setting (at church or a private school). There is also a Spanish version available! While we may switch to something else when the children are several years older, I love that they are getting a strong background in basic Bible passages.
The New Testament studies have recently gone through a revision, and there's a 30% off sale on all of the NT books and e-books. (I recommend the e-books if you have more than one child. You can choose a family license or a classroom license. Then you can print the pages as needed.)
Additionally, I have a special code for my blog readers! Use the code AUGBLOG to get 20% off of any item not already on sale. Still not convinced? You can check out a free e-lesson here.
Laura
Note: I have not been compensated for my review of Grapevine Studies, but this post does contain affiliate links. If you're going to buy anyway, I'd be delighted if you entered through this blog. :)
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