Grapevine Studies is a hands-on Bible curriculum that teaches Scripture through a unique stick-figure drawing method, engaging auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners simultaneously.
What is Grapevine Studies?
Grapevine Studies is a homeschool Bible curriculum created by a husband-and-wife team with over 20 years of homeschooling experience. Their tagline, "Stick Figuring Through the Bible," captures the program's distinctive approach: teachers draw simple stick figures representing biblical characters and events while teaching, and children copy these drawings while listening. Students use worksheets resembling comic strips, filling boxes with stick figures that illustrate the story. No artistic ability is required. This multisensory approach keeps hands busy while minds stay engaged, making lessons accessible to learners of all styles and ages.
Key Takeaways
- Unique stick-figure drawing method engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners
- Covers preschool through high school with age-appropriate materials
- Non-denominational approach teaches biblical narrative without doctrinal interpretation
- Minimal prep required with open-and-go lessons
- Multi-age friendly, allowing entire families to learn together
How It Works
Each lesson follows a consistent pattern: the teacher reads the biblical narrative while drawing stick figures on a whiteboard or large paper. Students listen and follow along, drawing their own stick figures in workbook-style lesson pages. The teacher manual includes pre-drawn figures as guides, so even non-artistic parents can teach confidently. Lessons include thorough review built in for better retention. Students simultaneously hear, see, and draw the lesson, creating visual memory aids that help them remember details exceptionally well. Parents consistently report that the hands-on aspect keeps even wiggly students engaged.
Studies Offered
Grapevine offers both comprehensive overviews and topic-specific studies: Old Testament Overview (180 lessons, full school year), New Testament Overview (180 lessons, full school year), and shorter topic studies like the 9-lesson book of Esther. Materials are available in both digital download format (printable for the entire family) and physical books. Age levels include traceable student books for ages 3-6 (with light grey outlines for tracing) and regular multi-level books for ages 7 and up where students draw their own figures.
What Parents Say
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Parents report excellent retention, with children remembering details due to thorough repetition and the visual/kinesthetic approach. The multi-age design allows even 3-year-olds to participate with traceable versions while older siblings work independently. Families describe lessons as fun and interactive, with great conversations and new perspectives on familiar stories. The non-denominational approach teaches facts only, leaving doctrinal interpretation to parents. Minor criticisms include occasional confusion navigating the teacher book layout and a few instances where referenced maps aren't included.
The Bottom Line
Grapevine Studies offers something genuinely different in Bible curriculum: hands-on engagement that doesn't require artistic ability. The stick-figure method creates memorable lessons that work across age groups and learning styles. If you've struggled to keep kids engaged during Bible time, or want a multi-age solution for your family, Grapevine deserves serious consideration. The non-denominational approach means all Christian families can use it while adding their own doctrinal teaching. Winner of multiple Practical Homeschooling Reader's Choice Awards and selected as a Cathy Duffy Top Pick.
