Beth Teaching Local Classes

Using Epi Kardia Curriculum!

If you are in the greater Charleston, SC area and are interested in your student taking classes from Beth Hempton, please check out her class offerings below!

Beth Hempton’s Classes for 2009-2010   

Important Notes

• All students must have home access to a computer with WORD software and the Internet to take these courses. 
• Students may utilize a laptop in class and most students find them highly beneficial but they are not required to do so. 
• Where applicable, parents are required to purchase Epi Kardia curriculum (at a discount) for student use in class and for reference at home. 

• Most classes require a minimum of eight students. No class will have more than 15 students while some courses, such as Public Speaking, will be limited to a smaller number due to other course restraints.

• If you would like more information or would like to register your student(s), please contact Beth at info@epikardia.com .

Location 

• Classes will meet on line at a forum set up for that purpose 

 Class Descriptions

High School Writing Prep

(7 ^th-8^th grade students; 6^th grade students evaluated individually by the instructor for admission – all students will be required to submit a written sample and parents will be asked to offer some additional academic information, as needed)

Based on the errors that Beth regularly notes in her high school students' writing, this course focuses on writing basics that seem to be overlooked or not practiced often enough prior to high school. The course will not be based on specific writing types such as essays or research papers, but rather, it will include assignments to promote strong overall writing. Sentence and paragraph structure, avoiding the most common writing errors, using strong vocabulary, and self-evaluation will be the areas most emphasized. Along with class assignments, students will be evaluated individually to target problem areas that need to be addressed and corrected. This is not your typical middle school writing course. Students will be expected to handle constructive criticism, follow very specific instructions and complete all assignments in the appropriate time frame. Ideally, a student would take this course no earlier than 1-2 years prior to starting high school courses. There is no honors option for this course.

Essay Styles

(Ideal as a Freshman English course!)

This course uses Epi Kardia’s Essay Styles as its text. It is an introduction to the most common essay styles: narrative, expository, persuasive, descriptive and comparison/contrast.  Students will be instructed on the distinctive features of each style, as well as the common basics for any essay writing including:  topic selection, outlining, note taking, organizational skills, introductions and conclusions, paragraph structure, outlining, self-editing and final completion.  Multiple drafts will be required for all students.  A strong emphasis will be placed on self-editing and evaluation.  On an individual basis, student writing will be evaluated for technical abilities, grammar skills and vocabulary. There will be an honors option for this course.

Public Speaking

(High School)

This course utilizes Epi Kardia’s The Art of Public Speaking. It is designed to take students through the steps of speaking in front of others on a serious level.  Beginning with topic selection, students learn about writing speeches including the basic components of the written speech and organizational patterns when writing for speaking purposes.  Delivery modes, successful delivery techniques, overcoming the fear of public speaking, and reading your audience are also taught.  More advanced techniques such as utilizing visual aids, tonal qualities and evaluating other speakers are covered, but only required to be demonstrated by honors students.  Four different types of speeches are addressed and demonstrated: impromptu, expository, persuasive and apologetic.  Students are required to give impromptu speeches regularly with only a few minutes notice, while all of other types require written and oral preparation. Each speech is given in front of classmates, with an optional selected speech presented to parents and other guests at the conclusion of the course. There will be an honors option for this course.

British Literature

(High School)

This literature based course utilizes whole books to study great English writers from many different time periods. It integrates literature along with written assignments with the philosophy that solid writing skills are partially developed by examination of excellent models. The sampling of British Literature includes historical fiction, at least one novel, poetry and at least one play.  Projects and written assignments are varied depending on the literary concepts taught including, but not limited to: themes, plot, characterization, setting, poetic style, symbolism and irony as well as the distinctive qualities related to British writing. Students will complete various writing assignments incorporating selected essay writing styles.  On an individual basis, student writing will be evaluated for technical abilities, grammar skills and vocabulary.  Ideally, a student will have previously taken Essay Styles or a similar course, or will be taking the courses concurrently. This course is currently in production and the booklist will be available by May 15, 2009. There will be an honors option for this course.

American History I

( High School – covering Early Colonies through the Civil War)

This literature based course utilizes whole books to examine specific aspects of this portion of American History in detail. Other pertinent topics will be researched less intensively to provide an overview of the time period, as well. Students will be expected to make brief oral presentations, complete research, written assignments and hands-on projects. Ideally, a student will have previously taken Essay Styles or a similar course, or will be taking the courses concurrently. This course is currently in production and the booklist will be available by May 15, 2009. There will be an honors option for this course.

American History  II

(High School – covering Immigration to Present day)

This literature based course utilizes whole books to examine specific aspects of this portion of American History in detail. Other pertinent topics will be researched less intensively to provide an overview of the time period, as well. Students will be expected to make brief oral presentations, complete research, written assignments and hands-on projects. Ideally, a student will have previously taken Essay Styles or a similar course, or will be taking the courses concurrently. This course is currently in production and the booklist will be available by May 15, 2009. There will be an honors option for this course.

Current Events from a Biblical Worldview 

(High School)

This course revolves primarily around discussion and evaluation of current international and national events in the light of God’s Word. It will focus more on research, note taking, verbal communication and reading evaluation with less emphasis on formalized writing; only occasional, short written assignments will be given. It will qualify as an academic elective or in some cases, a social studies credit. No honors option is available with this course.

For more information or to register your student(s), please contact Beth at info@epikardia.com .