Literature-based, Unit Study Curriculum for Private and Cottage Schools

 

How do I use Epi Kardia in my classroom?

I only have so much time for literature, science, history etc.; how do I fit it all in?

Will my students learn enough if we are spending time reading whole books?

How do I fill in gaps of material not covered by whole books?

Can my school afford the books needed for this curriculum?

How will I evaluate my students?

How will my parents respond to this curriculum?

How do Epi Kardia students do on standardized testing?

The above are all very valid questions that teachers have asked me when we assist them in using Epi Kardia curriculum in their classrooms. Having been a teacher for 8+ years prior to home schooling, I understand the challenges faced when you want to incorporate the best curriculum but need it to work within a classroom environment. I used a whole book approach in various classroom grades, and still do, including high school. As with all good lessons, it takes some planning and some flexibility, but once you get into the habit, you’ll find it’s a joyfully interactive way to teach. Your students and your parents will respond with praise, as well.

Using Epi Kardia in a classroom allows:

	Your students to read and respond to great literature.
	You to integrate subject areas in order to teach more in a shorter period of time.
	For immersion into subject matter which leads to stronger comprehension and a higher retention rate.
	For students to learn to think rather than simply read and regurgitate facts.
	You to create a room full of kids who love to read and love to learn.

Practical ways to utilize Epi Kardia in your classroom and your school:

	You read aloud to your students.
	Older students 'visit' to read aloud to your students.
	Students rotate through stations (examples: listen to a book chapter on tape, work on mini-books to create lapbooks, maps/timelines/historically related assignments, writing assignments related to the book or time period)
	Develop study groups and project groups.
	Have students orally narrate as they read.
	Students working in pairs can design reports, reviews, etc., on various books and subjects.
	Assign each student a different mini--research topic to cover those that are not directly addressed in the whole books.
	Work with other teachers, on the same or different grade levels, to create time period or other theme projects (Renaissance or other historical festivals, reenactments, subject-related thematic events, etc.)
	Get parents involved by having parent/student teams work on reading books together and making presentations.

What makes Epi Kardia a superior curriculum choice?

The emphasis on Biblical values, valuable literature, concrete science concepts,  varied learning styles, strong writing skills, and fine arts is attractive and satisfying to teachers, administrators and parents alike.  Students love the switch to whole books and varied activies, leaving uninteresting texts and evaluations readily behind them!  

For more detailed information (and the answers to all the questions at the top of the page!) please see our article How Does Epi Kardia Fit into a Classroom Setting? .  To find out more about using Epi Kardia in private/cottage schools, please contact us at epikardia@bellsouth.net  or 843-216-0090. 

Read what others are saying about Epi Kardia in private and cottage schools!       

 "I love the Creation to Modern in one year approach!  The kids seem to be getting so much and really have remembered a lot from last year (Kindergarten) to this.  Thank you so much for all of y'alls time, help and words of wisdom!"      --Rhonda, mom and administrator, Lowcountry Christian Community School, SC

"My name is Blythe R. and I recently moved here to Florida. Last year I taught 2nd grade at [private Christian school in SC] and LOVED using your curriculum! The students really enjoyed the books and the hands on activities! I told my new school administrator about [Epi Kardia] and she is very interested about using it here!"       --Blythe, teacher at private Christian school, FL