Grapevine Studies is a hands-on Bible curriculum designed for homeschool families. It uses stick figures to help kids learn biblical stories in a fun and engaging way.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is grapevine studies?
Grapevine Studies is a Bible curriculum made for homeschooling. A husband-and-wife team with over 20 years of experience created it. Their motto, "Stick Figuring Through the Bible," sums up their unique method. Teachers draw simple stick figures of biblical characters and events while teaching. Kids copy these drawings as they listen. They fill out worksheets that look like comic strips, using stick figures to illustrate the stories. No art skills are needed! This hands-on method keeps kids engaged, making lessons fun for all ages and learning styles.
How it works
Each lesson has a clear structure. The teacher reads a Bible story and draws stick figures on a whiteboard or large paper. Students listen and draw their own figures in their workbooks. The teacher manual has pre-drawn figures, so even parents who aren't artists can teach confidently. The lessons include reviews to help kids remember what they've learned. By listening, seeing, and drawing, kids create visual aids that boost their memory. Parents say this hands-on approach really helps keep even active kids focused.
Studies offered
Grapevine Studies offers both full and short studies. You can choose from the Old Testament Overview (180 lessons for a whole school year) or the New Testament Overview (also 180 lessons). There are also shorter studies, like the 9-lesson book of Esther. You can get materials as digital downloads or physical books. The age range includes traceable books for kids aged 3-6 and regular multi-level books for ages 7 and up, where they draw their own figures.
What parents say
Parents love Grapevine Studies. They report great retention, with kids remembering details thanks to the repetitive and visual approach. The program is designed for all ages. Even 3-year-olds can join in with traceable books while older siblings work on their own. Families find the lessons fun and interactive, sparking great discussions about familiar stories. The program is non-denominational, focusing on facts while leaving interpretation up to the parents. Some minor issues include the teacher book layout and missing maps in a few cases.
The bottom line
Grapevine Studies stands out in Bible curriculum. It offers hands-on learning without needing art skills. The stick-figure method makes lessons memorable for all ages and learning styles. If you find it hard to keep kids interested during Bible time, or if you need a multi-age solution, Grapevine is worth considering. Its non-denominational approach means all Christian families can use it while adding their own teachings. It’s won several Practical Homeschooling Reader's Choice Awards and is a Cathy Duffy Top Pick.
