What subjects do we cover?

Subject Descriptions for our Christian Literature-based Homeschooling Curriculum

At Epi Kardia, we have specific philosophies about the different subject areas included homeschooling curriculum.  We encourage parents and teachers to examine these subject descriptions to ensure understanding of the goals of Epi Kardia. We teach most subjects using Charlotte Mason methods.

BIBLE:  At Epi Kardia, we feel strongly about using the real words of the Bible when teaching history (actually, HIS -story). In our Christian homeschooling curricula we refer to Biblical events as Bible 'accounts,' rather than Bible 'stories.'

Our homeschooling curricula includes Bible reading plans within.  As well, we offer a one year Bible reading plan online. We recommend Bible Scripture as a significant part of weekly memorization.

Additionally, in our Daily Lesson Plans we use the Bible to teach Creation, and in our World History I course for high school students, which covers the Ancients through the Renaissance & Reformation,  we read significant portions of the Old and New Testaments.

HISTORY/READING: Epi Kardia uses whole, living books as recommmended by Charlotte Mason to teach the subjects of reading, history, science and fine arts. Timeline, globe and map activities, as well as projects for individuals and groups are suggested for each historical unit using the books listed and round out the subjects included in our curricula. Our  book selections are based on the quality of literary value, Biblical relevance, the historical correctness and depth, and/or outstanding illustrations. Our homeschooling curricula utilizes what we consider the best of the best of available children's books. One or more of the authors of this homeschooling curricula has read each book recommended in our programs and high school courses.

To see the subjects covered in our Daily Lesson Plans, view our scope and sequences for each grade level of our plans.  

SCIENCE: Science topics are integrated into the history focus, but not forced. For example - for science during the Ancients unit, we study Creation Science, the Desert (where much of the action takes place in history), and Science in the Ancient World. During the Middle Ages unit, we study Plants and Herbs, Herbal Medicine, and Forests/Trees - all part of daily life during that time period. Where ever possible, the topics relate to the core reading.

We read non-fiction science-based books as well as ones that include hands-on experiments, projects and other science-related activities. The books in our programs are recommended and selected based on strong concepts, excellent graphics and examples, and/or valuable experiments. Like Charlotte Mason, we encourage parents to spend time out doors in nature observation as well as inside reading.

To read more about the subjects covered in our Daily Lesson Plans, view our scope and sequences for each of the grade levels of our Daily Lesson Plans on this page.

ENGLISH/PHONICS: Copy work and dictation integrate history, literature and science with grammar studies and other language arts. Copy work is provided in the Kindergarten Program and in our Daily Lesson Plans and is taken directly from history and science reading and from Scripture. Our manuals and our daily lesson plans include detailed instructions for parents in teaching phonics, spelling, grammar, punctuation and handwriting. In addition, spelling, grammar and handwriting checklists are provided in our Complete Programs to assist parents in selecting copy work. Writing skills beyond copying are established beginning in the intermediate grades. Memorization of poetry and excerpts from literature are also part of the language arts design.

  FINE ARTS: Music and art from each time period is studied not only to give students a clearer picture of the historical period, but also to develop a love of the gifts that God has given to His children. Materials selected for these subject areas were based on developing a desire to learn more about the arts without exposing children to more "worldly" materials.

Also note the links to art museums around the world on our Helpful Links page.

Our Daily Lesson Plans include regular picture study, music study as well as a look at architectural innovations during the different periods of history.

 For more information on how we view the teaching of the fine arts, please see our blog post, How Fine are the Fine Arts?