Biblical Principle Approach » The Curriculum Choice

It Just Couldn’t Happen

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Hands On No Responses »

Nov 112011

What an exciting new product! As a home-schooling family, this has just taken it’s place in our standard curriculum! Want to address those tougher questions about biblical vs scientific subjects typically taught in schools? This is fantastic for that, too! The book is easy to read, geared for all ages as it is well written, and has fantastic pictures to captivate.

It Just Couldn’t Happen outlines the points of view in easy to digest segments, providing not only “facts” but a means for you to discover and understand how science comes to its conclusions as well. They encourage learning more, seeking your own answers and going further. (perfect for library visits or building further for older children). The “Just for Fun” area is a fantastic addition to the book as well. At the end of each chapter they place fun, fanciful questions (such as: if you could live on any plant, what would it be an why?) and hands-on experiments. These engage minds and hands, bringing the subjects to a new level of imagination and interaction; a perfect way to retain knowledge and fuel further passions for learning!

I also love that the book takes both science and bible verses to guide you on the learning journey; something so other books so often fail to do. It’s a delight to see that science CAN be merged with Biblical wisdom and rather seamlessly as well. Overall, the book was a delight. I received this as an e-book to review from Book Sneeze, but honestly, I may go out and buy the tangible paper version – I see this being a beloved portion of our curriculum for years to come.

PROS:

Beautifully written, easy to read and understand concepts
Stunning pictures that really captivate the mind and the imagination
Fun experiments and questions to further enrich concepts

CONS:

For us, it was only that the book ended too soon; we had a blast with this book!

Pictures of Table of Contents and an except from inside the book.

Epi Kardia

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Charlotte Mason, Elementary, Hands On, High School, History, Middle School, Phonics, Reading, Science, Unit study resources, Writing 4 Responses »

Jul 152011

Epi Kardia.

In Greek, it means “at the heart.”

To me, this curriculum gets right to the heart of what we want homeschooling to be in our family – a Christ-centered relationship and discipleship between parents and their children.

My Family’s Story

I’m continuously searching for the “best” curriculum for our needs, which are ever-changing. Unfortunately, my small town leaves a lot desired when it comes to curriculum availability. And, because I’m an incredibly visual and hands-on person, it’s hard for me to commit to buying things that I can’t thumb through.

I was recently given the chance to take a sneak peak at the Epi Kardia curriculum by the company. It, along with a few others, had been bookmarked in my “check out later” file – so when the chance came along, I was giddy. No lie.

Epi Kardia is a literature based Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling. What does that mean? Well, Epi Kardia uses the Bible to take your student through history. But, wait. If you think your student is just going to be memorizing passages, you are so wrong. The folks at Epi Kardia have broken down a structured learning plan for each grade. For example, if you choose the first set in the 1st Grade plan, you’re child will be learning about: The Ancients, Middle Ages, Renaissance & Reformation.

With each topic, the Bible along with a variety of other christian and non-christian (but approved by Epi Kardia) books are used to help teach your child more about the subject he or she is supposed to be learning. Because of it’s Charlotte Mason approach, Epi Kardia also includes a lot of copy-work and handwriting exercises. It’s so impressive to see how they’ve really brought a myriad of important subjects (Bible, History/Reading, Science, English/Phonics, Arts) together in a wonderful education plan.

Quick Breakdown

The Pros-

Teaches Bible, History/Reading, Science, English/Phonics, Arts (some programs similar to this one do not teach science)
Included is a book list, complete with ISBN numbers
The plans leave plenty of time for “projects”
Costs about the same as its competitors’ programs ($250 for printed, $200 for CD)
Requires little planning as it’s all done for you!

The Cons-

It’s a Charlotte Mason approach, so if your child doesn’t learn well with this method, it may not be right for them. (Although, if you’ve never tried it, I’d recommend it!)
It didn’t have quite as many projects as I’d like – I’m VERY hands on and project-oriented, as is my oldest. But, this is easily remedied, and an extra project or two can be added to our schedule. However, for those of you who aren’t insane about crafting and projects the way I am, they have the perfect amount. Enough to teach a point without being overbearing for your schedule.
You’re actually going to have to go to the library or amazon.com to get the books. Everything you need is not included in these plans (meaning, you’ll have to buy or borrow books from their book-lists).
The website can be a little confusing (navigation and figuring out which package entails what).

Would I use it?

Yes, yes I would.

Learn More:

To learn more, you can visit their website, check out their scope and sequence, or view a sample.

Written by Ashley. Find more of Ashley’s writings and reflections on motherhood, marriage and life on her blog.

Answers for Preschoolers

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Mathematics, Preschool, Science No Responses »

Jul 052011

Stop, drop and roll; numbers, matching, science, music, math, cutting and pasting, coloring, calendar and pattern practice, weather and seasons, holidays, physical education, Bible verse memory work and Biblical world view. Definitely a “Complete multi-subject curriculum for preschoolers” ~ Answers in Genesis

And, look! Right at the top of each page – plenty of practice in name writing.

Here’s an example of a quick Answers for Preschoolers science lesson my preschooler enjoyed when she was four:

She was to take the magnifying glass and find some dust. To go to the spot where the most dust collected in the house.

Well, I directed her to the corner of the foyer where there was plenty of dust at the time. But she remembered that her favorite stuffed animals harbor dust mites. So she wanted to take a peek up close. Of course, she couldn’t actually see the dust mites but she had fun finding plenty of dusty specimens around the house. Then drawing the dust samples afterwards.

Features:

Biblically-based: Starting at the beginning, in Genesis, children learn Biblical truths with God at the beginning of all things.
Soft bound: (easy to tote around the house. Easy for a preschooler to run and fetch from the shelf!)
180 lessons: 90 lessons per volume
Colorful: full color pages and illustrations throughout.

What is preschool without music and singing? Accompanying CD – 17 fun songs. Perfect for morning room time or to pop on in the car. See the list of songs and hear samples by clicking over to the Answers in Genesis site.

For the teacher: For an additional cost, teacher Guides are available for both volumes. Minimal preparation. Any supplies needed can be gathered from household items. However, an accompanying resource packet is also available: “It contains 284 pages of full-color teaching aids to help teach letters, colors, shapes, numbers, seasons, time, Bible memory verses, and more!” ~ AiG site

In our family: we bought one volume of Answers for Preschoolers and used it a few days a week. Two volumes are available. We mix things up. Some days we enjoy an activity from Answers for Preschoolers, another day maybe an idea from Slow and Steady Get Me Ready (skills, large and small motor) or a Five in a Row selection (wonderful list of books!) and an accompanying activity. Some days our preschoolers join in a Tapestry of Grace (classical history unit study) family activity. It just depends. But being purposeful in my preschool planning and having these resources on hand sure helps with the age range.
It is fun! Which is, of course, the main criteria for your preschooler. We’ve really had fun with Answers for Preschoolers.

It was easily adaptable for the youngest children: Little brother, age 2 at the time of this photo. He liked to be included in the cutting and pasting.

Available as a kit or as individual purchases: To view both volumes, the teacher guide, the resource packet and the accompanying CD, see the curriculum section of the Answers in Genesis (AiG) site.

We love all the AiG curriculum in our house. We use Answers for Kids for morning quiet time. And, after lunch, we push back the dishes and enjoy a science lesson with God’s Design for Science. Preschoolers are always part of the action!

~Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. She contributes a blend of writing at parenting and homeschool sites as well as her own daily Hodgepodge.

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My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Elementary, Mom Helps, Uncategorized 4 Responses »

Jun 162011

I’m always looking for new and different resources to use for our morning Bible time around the breakfast table. I first heard about My ABC Bible Verses on a Christian radio broadcast and placed it on my wishlist. I recently purchased it and am so glad that I did. We are almost to the end of it now and have been incredibly blessed by it. Not only does this book provide morning devotional material for us, but it is also a valuable tool for memorizing Scripture.

The author, Susan Hunt, has chosen one Bible verse for each letter of the alphabet. Accompanying each verse is a short story that demonstrates how the Scripture is applicable in daily, real life situations that are common to children. Each of these twenty-six stories follows the everyday childhood joys and trials of Missy and Bill, a brother and sister whose parents continually show them how God wants to use His Word to make them more like Jesus.

Here is the layout of each day’s reading:

the verse for the day
a short (two or three sentence) explanation of the verse
the story
a “Let’s Talk” section with two or three questions you can discuss with your child, which help to cement the truth and application of that day’s Scripture
a prompt to say the day’s verse three times in order to memorize it
a built-in review of a few of the verses that have already been memorized (This has helped us to retain so much Scripture!)
a “Let’s Pray” section that serves as a reminder to ask God for help in applying the day’s verse to your life

Although this book is said to be written for children ages three to seven, my nine-year old looks forward to and thoroughly enjoys each day’s story, as do his five and seven-year old sisters. When we finish this book, we will have twenty-six Bible verses hidden in our hearts, and we will have learned how to apply these Scriptures in our daily lives.

If you try out My ABC Bible Verses, I pray that you will be as blessed by it as our family has been!

Written by Shannon, who can be found blogging about her family’s homeschool adventures at Song of My Heart.

The Mystery of History

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Charlotte Mason, Classical, Elementary, Hands On, High School, History, Middle School, Uncategorized, Unit study resources 2 Responses »

Nov 122010

Whether you study history chronologically or, like we do, in whatever order that strikes our fancy, The Mystery of History is a curriculum worth considering.

It is a complete, chronological history of the world, which combines secular and Biblical history. The hardback textbook is written in a conversational style that holds the reader’s attention.

The Companion Guide, which is used in conjunction with the hardback reader, contains:

•28 weeks worth of learning activities for younger, middle, and older students

•Memory cards

•Hands-on projects

•Field trip suggestions

•Review games

•Informative articles for the teacher

•Form for recording grades

•Outline maps

•Geography activities

•Supplemental book list

•Pretests, quizzes, and answer keys

•Timeline helps

The curriculum can be used with grades K-8th, but the author states in her letter to teachers that she has provided “tracks to run on that best match Middle Students, those from about 4th to 8th grades”. The activities can be adapted to fit the needs of younger and older students as well.

Pros:

God is placed at the center of the world’s history. The reader can see how His hand has shaped human events.
Mrs. Hobar’s writing style is much more interesting than that of most dry, traditional textbooks.
The Student Reader is a beautiful, colorful, hardback volume.
The activities and helps in the Companion Guide are fun and hands-on, helping to make the history lesson come alive.
The curriculum is written in a way that simplifies multi-level teaching, especially if you use the Companion Guide.
Students are encouraged to keep a history notebook in which they place their completed activities. I think it’s nice to have a keepsake like this for reviewing material.
Even if you don’t teach history chronologically, this is a wonderful resource for studying a specific time period.
Traces world events chronologically, lining them up with Biblical history. (For example, the reader learns what was going on in the rest of the world when King David was on the throne of Israel.) Obviously, the events of Volume 3 take place after Bible times.
Encourages the use of and gives instructions for making a timeline, which is a wonderful tool for helping students to visualize the unfolding of historical events.

Cons:

The only drawback I could find to The Mystery of History was the fact that the textbook did not hold the attention of my 5 and 7 year old. My 9 year old, however, listened and enjoyed it as a read aloud. My youngers could easily be included in many of the Companion Guide activities though.

To see a video explaining more about The Mystery of History and to view prices for the textbook, companion guide, and supplementary products, visit Bright Ideas Press.

Written by Shannon, who blogs about her family’s hands-on history studies and other homeschool adventures at Song of My Heart.

Answers in Genesis: God’s Design for Science

Biblical Principle Approach, Science, Unit study resources 6 Responses »

Oct 292010

Gone are the days of buying separate science curriculum for various levels. Focusing on different topics in multiple grades. For me, as homeschool parent, I no longer have to set aside time to “do science” with each child. Everyone is learning together. A unit study approach for the whole family.

Four years worth of units for grades 1-8. Each with 3 units

God’s Design for Science Curriculum (Grades 1–8)

God’s Design for Chemistry & Ecology (6 softcovers & CD-ROM)

Properties of Matter, Properties of Atoms and Molecules and Properties of Ecosystems

God’s Design for the Physical World (6 softcovers & CD-ROM)

Heat and Energy, Machines and Motion, Inventions and Technology

God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (6 softcovers & CD-ROM)

Our Planet, Our Universe, Our Weather and Water

God’s Design for Life (6 softcovers & CD-ROM)

The World of Plants, The World of Animals, The Human Body

Presentation: Each chapter begins with a separate “Beginner” section.

(1^st-2^nd grade): Just a few paragraphs of the Beginner section, key words, the chance to join in on experiments and projects and worksheets, if directed by the teacher.

(3^rd-5^th grade): skip the beginner section and start right into the regular portion of the lesson. These students progress through the accompanying activities.

(6^th-8^th): in-depth studies, special features on scientists, historians or current events, learning “additional interesting information.”

Quizzes and final tests are also included in the curriculum.

Solid Biblical Foundation: Creation based – special icons alert the teacher and students to explain how “the information in the lessons fit into the Seven C’s of History: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation.”

For the parent: Minimal preparation. An accompanying CD provides printable activities, accompanying questions for further study, graphs, questions to prompt review or specific work on a unit project.

For all students: reading some excerpts aloud reaches my auditory learners, the activities for further study reach my students that love hands on learning, while my older students like reading the special features for further study on their own.

Unit projects: For example in God’s Design for Life, the student keeps an animal notebook while studying that unit, adding a new animal “page” or two per chapter. Some experiments could easily be a science project for a homeschool group’s science fair.

See for yourself: View sample pdf files of each year.

What does it cost?

The entire set – four years worth of science texts (24 softcovers and 4 CD-ROMS $299.00)

Each year’s worth of study: (6 softcovers and CD-ROM $89.00)

Our family owns God’s Design for Life and God’s Design for Heaven and Earth. In fact, last Christmas eldest boy asked for a book on space. Rather than spend the money on one book, we decided to go ahead and purchase the Heaven and Earth set for him because we knew that, eventually, the whole family would benefit and that it was Biblically based.

How it works for our family:

The joy for our family has been how we turn to these texts when studying nature. Honestly, our nature studies drive our science studies. This is how it works.

Rather than having a hard stop. “Time to do science!” I read the lesson during lunch. In the spring, we were studying weather:

We discussed the Christian view of weather:

•Who designed the weather patterns on earth?

•What is one way that rain and sunshine work together to help people?

•What major event in the Bible greatly changed the weather on earth?

…also how “God sends the rain, withholds the rain, controls storms, but most importantly, God created the earth and everything in it. He set up how the weather operates… if we recognize these things when we study weather, we will see God’s hand and understand Him more clearly.”

What about the older grades? Sometimes I put the assignments for further study into a workbox. This works well with my two middle schoolers. Or sometimes we read the basic lesson together, then the younger ones get down to go play. The older ones stay while we discuss the more in-depth topics.

Eldest girl will be an eighth grader next year. I’ve been thinking ahead on what to do for high school. I’ve checked and Answers in Genesis offers rich studies for the high school level. Building Blocks of Life Science, Biology 101 DVD set, and many more. Just scroll down to Homeschool Curricula.

Conclusion: This curriculum is written by homeschool authors Richard and Debbie Lawrence. In addition it has received awards from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and Practical Homeschooling. I often call the Answers God’s Design curriculum the Tapestry of science. That is simply because Tapestry of Grace works well for our large, multi-level family for history. The same principles apply for science with God’s Design. Everyone is learning together. Less work for mom, more fun together as a family. Plus, the learning is gentle and joy-filled.

Fun Fact from God’s Design for Heaven and Earth: Our Weather & Water: The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is more than 1,250 miles long. It is the largest structure on earth built by living sea creatures. It is larger than anything built by man including the Great Wall of China, and it is visible from the moon.

A recent experiment we enjoyed from Our Universe: The Sky is Falling
Review of God’s Design for Life – Plants

~Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. She contributes a blend of writing at parenting and homeschool sites as well as her own daily Hodgepodge.

Little House in the Big Woods Notebooking Study

Biblical Principle Approach, Literature No Responses »

Sep 032010

I can’t remember how I stumbled upon September West’s 4RPress, but I was immediately drawn to her beautiful notebook pages for a few of my favorite books, Hans Brinker, The Apple and the Arrow, and Heidi.

When her Little House in the Big Woods study was published, I added it to my wish list. A few days later, September offered me a free copy in exchange for a review. I was thrilled!

I printed it out, put it in a nice binder, and have been hauling it around to show all of my homeschooling friends. It even has the stamp of approval from a local, Principle Approach, master teacher.

This Little House in the Big Woods study is divided into two parts.

The first part contains 48 detailed lesson plans for the teacher. The second part is the wonderful notebooking pages for the student.

The 52 notebooking pages include:

a timeline
a map
a letter from Laura Ingalls Wilder to children
gorgeous, black and white illustrations
charts and lines for taking notes
spaces for student drawing

48 lessons may seem like a lot, but this is the only book my little ones will really study for a whole semester. (We’ll still have numerous read alouds.)

There is so much to be learned by going through one book slowly.

We’ll examine the five elements of literature: characterization, plot, setting, theme, and style. We’ll have time to be immersed in the story and all the ideas presented. When we are finished, we plan to celebrate a “Little House Day” with friends.

If you are looking for an excellent introduction to notebooking or the Principle Approach, this would be a great, affordable place to start.

This study is geared towards elementary students, but I’m tempted to join in the coloring and simple note taking.

Little House in the Big Woods Notebooking Study by 4RPress can be previewed and purchased at CurrClick.

Written by Renae Deckard, Biblical Principled mother of 3. Find Renae’s reflections about homeschool and family life at Life Nurturing Education.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy in exchange for a review, as stated above.

Choosing Literature

Biblical Principle Approach, Literature 3 Responses »

Jul 092010

Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all. ~Henry David Thoreau.

As busy home educating mothers, we all know the truth of this statement only too well. But how do we know which are the best books for our children to read?

photo credit: komunews

As a young mother, I was blessed to be mentored by a Principle Approach® mom who introduced me to the 4R method of study. Using Webster’s 1828 Dictionary and the Bible, I was amazed to discover that I could research any subject to discern its origin and the basic principles governing it. One of my earliest studies on the subject of Literature has guided my reading choices ever since. Realizing that literature is friendship with books, I keep these principles in mind when selecting reading material for my children:

What we read permeates our minds and hearts, and manifests itself in our words and actions (Proverbs 16:23, James 3:13). Do the books’ characters exhibit qualities worthy of emulating? Do character vices result in undesirable consequences that would prevent us from imitating them?
Words affect our emotions and alter our worldview (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). Will this book edify my children, building their hope, faith and virtue, or cause them to despair and embrace man-centered philosophies?
Good literature will help us learn how to reason and communicate (Psalm 19:14). Does the book convey godly or worldly wisdom? Will the author’s choice of words and style help to improve my children’s vocabulary, comprehension, grammar and writing?
Literature must be maturity-level appropriate and chosen in an orderly progression (Hebrews 5:14). Does my child possess the necessary discernment to relate to the book’s theme? Will it help him to grow mentally and spiritually, or cause him to wrestle with issues that would be better suited for another season of life?
Since books fill our thoughts, Philippians 4:8 presents a list of qualities to look for in a book: Truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, virtue, excellence, praiseworthiness.

These principles help me to decide the kind of book “friends” my children need; the next step is finding them. Amidst the sea of available books, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To help refine my choices, I often refer to the booklists of some of my favorite homeschool publishers:

While simply being on one of these booklists does not automatically mean a book is right for our family, the lists are a valuable tool in the selection process. By reading the book’s description, I can deduce its reading level and theme. These two elements help me to decide:

Which of my children it would be appropriate for
Which of our other subject studies it would coincide with
If it is one of the “best” choices for our limited reading time

Our time is precious; the time with our children is invaluable. Help make that time as rich as possible by introducing your children to some of the best friends they’ll ever have.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

September West is the happy wife of Jeff and the blessed mother of seven. She loves teaching her children at home, learning and growing along with them each day. Mentoring other homeschool mothers, developing literature studies, and creating notebooking pages are some of her passions. Her Bible studies on Literature and Education are available for free download on her 4R Press publisher page through CurrClick.

Chore Buster

Biblical Principle Approach, Organization 7 Responses »

May 202010

The resource I’m sharing this month isn’t actually curriculum, but it is helping me with the home part of homeschooling.

I’ve tried various chore charts, including one with tabs and tokens and hooks. It was a good idea, but it was so complicated I quickly tired of it. Then set up a filing box divided by task frequency: daily, weekly, monthly. That, too, worked for awhile.

photo credit: spinneraf

Lately, I’ve used the free-for-all method. Basically, that means dust accumulation hides the color my furniture and my feet stick to the kitchen floor. When I can’t stand that anymore, I finally clean.

Some people are fine with this arrangement. Some of these care-free, happy people even live in my house. I wish I was more like them, but my perfectionist tendencies run deep.

I’ve relaxed tremendously, but I can concentrate on the school part of homeschool when I know the floor will get washed and the bills will get paid. Not having to think about when those tasks will be squeezed in between distractions is bliss.

Chore Buster is perfect! The free online chore chart generator has many unique features that make it ideal for my family.

First, I entered each individual in my household and attached a percentage of chore assignments to them. For instance, my husband works all day, so he has only 25% of chores. (To view in detail, please click on the photo.)

Then I began listing the jobs. Each chore can be assigned a difficulty rating and frequency. Here’s a partial list of what I entered to get you started:

As I was entered in chores, I discovered one of the best options. Chores can be set for specific people. Thus, I added menu planing and paying bills which are specific to me. My children easily see they are not the only ones with chores, and I don’t have to write out my to do list every day.

Chores are randomized based on the factors entered. (To view in detail, please click on the photo.)

Various option for printing are available. I print out one week of chores for our entire family on one sheet of paper. It’s very utilitarian and plain, so I draw lines with my daughters’ colored markers to separate family members. As chores are completed, we mark them off and at the end of the day a sticker appears as a small reward.

If you want to calculate points for a reward system, it is easy to do with Chore Buster, as well. As you add chores, insert a point value and then at the end of the week you can “Calculate Rewards.” That option is underneath the “My Schedule” tab.

The best part of this system is that once it is in place it’s automatic and easily tweaked. Now if I could find a computer application to actually complete the chores…That wouldn’t build character though, would it?

Written by Renae Deckard, Biblical Principled mother of 3. Find Renae’s reflections about homeschool and family life at Life Nurturing Education.

Epi Kardia Curriculum

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Charlotte Mason, Elementary, Hands On, High School, History, Lapbooks, Literature, Living books, Philosophies, Science, Vocabulary, Writing 14 Responses »

Apr 162010

I had my eye on the Epi Kardia curriculum from the moment I heard of it. I was caught immediately by their name alone as it conveyed exactly the type of homeschooling theology in our home! Imagine my delight when I was offered a 1st grade set to review! We couldn’t wait for it to arrive!

Epi Kardia is a “historically structured, literature-based curriculum using Charlotte Mason methods” available for grades Kindergarten through High School. So why Epi Kardia as the curriculum name?…

(from their website) “The Greek words “Epi Kardia” mean at the heart. At Epi Kardia, we feel the heart of home education is the Christ-centered mentoring and discipleship relationship between parents and their children.”

This completely embodies our goals for our homeschool so I just had to try it out.

The day the box came in we were so excited! I had to rip the box open and dig right in!

(Epi Kardia right as we ripped in the box) (Zander is happily showing off a peanut stuck to his nose)

My kids were so excited and I was even more pleased with the packaging: eco-friendly packing peanuts! I joyfully packaged those up for crafts at a later date! (As frugal homeschooling mom, I never miss a moment to reuse and recycle!)

I enjoy the way that the curriculum is broken down into three books so they were not cumbersome to use and their packaging was really pretty! (LOL)

I received the Epi Kardia 1st grade “Lesson Plans” set. This choice is laid out in a daily lesson plan format that outlines each subject for each day, including hands-on ideas, lapbooking suggestions, arts, crafts and more; so you can really just jump in and go!

Epi Kardia offers two different types of curriculum:

1. Complete Programs — their most cost-effective option, Complete Programs can be used for three years each following our methodology. Using unit overviews, history, science and music/fine arts book-lists divided by topic, along with the suggested projects and activities, you write your own lesson plans.

2. Daily Lesson Plans — Love homeschooling (or want to homeschool) but you know you are not a planner, organized or you have a hard time following through? The Daily Lesson Plans are already-planned-in-advance and are written for specific grade levels. They include weekly goals and objectives for each subject and daily lessons planned integrating the studies of history, science (K-8), language arts and projects.

Features of Epi Kardia Curriculum

Based on Charlotte Mason methodologies include reading whole, living books, short lessons, oral narration, using copy work and dictation to teach grammar and composition, and more!
All books listed in the curriculum have been read and evaluated from an evangelical Christian worldview by at least one of the authors
Integrates the subjects of history, science, language arts (including reading, grammar, composition, phonics, poetry, literature studies, spelling) and fine arts
Activities, books and projects recommended for each learning style
Provided in their complete program, components are historical overviews of each time period for teachers/older students, as well as a customizable CD with teaching tools and helpful forms
The 100+ page teacher’s manuals include abundant information about teaching covered subjects and as well as curriculum related material
The 6th – 12th grade manual includes an extensive section regarding teaching high school writing.

Epi Kardia is a living book based curriculum, so books are an integral part of it. In each set there is an outline of books that will be used for that quarter. Although the books are not offered as part of the curriculum purchase, I have found that most are easily found online for free, at your local library, or available used online. (They even offer the books via links to amazon on their website, to save you time and energy).

Being the frugal family that we are, I’ve elected to procure the books from our local library and online at the free books sites (as listed in my listing of free curriculum). So far, the books have been fun and fairly easy to get. We love going to the library!

I look forward to finding new books that we may have never been exposed to! Like others in living book style curricula, I fully expect to find some books my kids will adore so much they won’t want to return them.

In my humble opinion, Epi Kardia compares nicely with other, more known curriculum such as Sonlight, My Father’s World, or Tapestry of Grace. Of course, each of these curriculum offer their own perspective, features and lesson plans, which makes each one unique and tailored to each families personal needs. However, I think the Sullivan family has joyfully found our core curricula of choice!

Prices for the curriculum varies according to your curriculum style choice and media. You can elect to buy the spiral bound books (like pictured above) or a CD. Prices start at $75.00 for a full curriculum book or, you can choose to try their lesson plans, you may purchase the first unit (The Ancients–six weeks of plans) for only $25. Epi Kardia is so sure you are going to love them, they even offer a full credit if you choose to buy the full set after purchasing the trial.