Homeschooling Companion: Learning Through History is a new bi-monthly magazine described by its editor as a magazine “for homeschooling families passionate about history.” That is a good description - but after going through a sample issue, and visiting their extensive web site (which is a free bonus to subscribers), I would say that it is a perfect tool for any homeschooling family that wants creative ideas, accurate information and innovtive learniing opportunities for each one their children.

Each issue is theme-based. The one I have, Ancient Egypt, has 21 feature articles divided nicely by reading levels. Reading Level 1 is for ages 7 and up; Reading Level 2, Ages 9 and up, and Reading Level 3 is for ages 11 and up. Each includes a high-interest article or story, illustrations, discussion questions, activities, research ideas and web links. There are three additional sections in the magazine: Arts & Crafts includes two art projects; Literature Study Guides includes two book study units (books not included); and Preschool which is an entire unit dedicated to the very youngest historical sleuths.

If you enjoy surfing the web and clicking your heart out on links which transport you to interesting and exotic places, you’ll love their web site. I can’t verify the exact number, but I have no reason to doubt the publishers when they say subscribers will have access “to over 1,000 full-text history articles from current leading periodicals.” Being the more bookish sort I was impressed with the site’s bookstore which works in conjunction with the ever present Amazon.com. The first book that showed up on their web site in the books section at the time of my search, just happened to be one of my favorites - a resource used many times in researching unit studies for my own kids, the classic “Timetables of History.” So I was pleased to see that old friend.

Another goal of the publishers and editors (who also happen to be homeschooling parents) is conveyed in their mission statement: “The underlying mission of the magazine is to do the work of finding, creating and organizing history material for homeschoolers - affordably - so they can spend more time learning as a family.” - If you’ve read the article on “time” in this issue - then you’ll see how fast I’ll agree with their philosophy on saving busy parents time.

The quality of the magazine is professional grade. The features are packed with very appealing stories, factual information and child-tested activities. For example, in the article A Guided Tour Through Ancient Thebes, tourists are briefed about the local traditions and laws and reminded to have their identification handy before embarking on a tour of the ancient city. Guided visits include the Temple of Amon at Karnak, Residential District, Business District, Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles, with a final stop at the Royal Palace. Accompanied by illustrations, the article also recommends books for more reading and videos worth watching.

Other feature articles (and there are so many!) give details about Mummy making with an activity idea that includes rolling part of yourself up really tightly with toilet paper (gives a new meaning to T-P-ing) and web sites where you and your children can find additional informaion about mummy-making. Or your family can plan an Egyptian feast (simple or deluxe recipes included), learn the hieroglyphic alphabet and then make an Egyptian scroll.

I enjoy magazines like these because, like a good reference book, the investment lasts for years. They will never lose their usefulness and with the bonus of a continually updated web site, the lessons will grow with your children.
To take a tour of the magazine and look at the additional materials and offers, visit their website: www.homeschoolingcompanion.comWhle you’re there, sign up for their free newsletter (you don’t have to subscribe to the magazine for this). Then you can test the quality of the material for yourself.

For six 64-large-page-format issues the subscription price is $29.95. That includes access to their impressive subscriber section of the web site and curently they are also offering two free eBooks for new subscribers. Web Site: http://www.homeschoolingcompanion.com OR to subscribe by
telephone:1-888-852-1751
or mail: Homeschooling Companion
Learning Through History Magazine
PO Box 110129, Naples, FL 34108

Reviewed by Jane Boswell