Surprising Results With Stick Figures

Posted by Chris | 0 comments

Hearing it through the Grapevine: Drawing stick figures can have surprising results

Just a few weeks ago, Rick Leatherwood, a missionary who previously served in Iran and who is now working in Liberia, spoke at our church. Rick gives our congregation periodic updates, which are always fascinating. He spoke this time about the Bible school he is starting in Liberia. Only 20 percent of the people there can read, so having a printed Bible is of little use to them. Rick and his colleagues are recording oral Bibles in native languages and teaching people how to tell Bible stories to others in an effective way.

I was reminded of what Rick is doing when we were given the chance to review a Bible curriculum by Grapevine Studies (www.grapevinestudies.com). Since my son is a kinesthetic and tactile learner, I knew this would be a hit. I was not disappointed. The curriculum reinforces Bible stories by having children draw stick figure illustrations – author Dianna Wiebe calls it “stick figuring through the Bible.” It is simple, but very effective and my son was all over it from the first day.

We chose the New Testament Overview, Level 3, which is recommended for ages 10 – 13. A variety of programs are available for ages 5 – adult, including studies of Esther, the birth of Jesus and Biblical feasts and holy days. Each program consists of a teacher guide and a student workbook. In addition, you will need a Bible (but you already have that, right?) and a small whiteboard with several colors of dry erase markers. (Teachers illustrate the stick figure drawing on the whiteboard. I am only teaching one child, so I have not found this step to be critical, but I can see where it would be a huge help for those working with multiple children.) For older levels, you will also need a concordance and a Bible dictionary.

Our study began with a New Testament timeline – it is a bit of a preview of the lessons to come in the study. My son loved it from the very beginning. The lessons are not time consuming, but provide the perfect reinforcement for my child who wants to get his hands in whatever he is learning.

This has been one of the most pleasant surprises I have found in a homeschool curriculum – and it’s one that I think will cause the Word to be hidden in an effective, lifelong way.

Grapevine Studies are available in printed format and e-books. Prices vary by study. You will need a teacher’s guide and a student workbook. Through Aug. 30, a 30 percent discount on all books is available by using the code “acrew” on www.grapevinestudies.com. I recommend signing up for Grapvine’s e-newsletter – it includes a free lesson.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com