The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Since I'm in my 15th year of homeschooling, I tend to think I've seen/heard/read most of what's out there.  After being asked to review The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, I've realized there is always something new to learn.  Insight and encouragement abound in this 120 page publication.

Even the cover brings new ideas to mind!  The January issue of The Old Schoolhouse shows a picture of an old schoolhouse on the front, and inside asks it's readers to submit photos of other old schoolhouses.  Well, we happen to have one right here in town!  I think a field trip with cameras is in order soon.  I recently tried to give the kids a photo essay project and they weren't able to complete it on their own.  Maybe we should start smaller and go shoot the schoolhouse and then compare photos on the computer and discuss light, perspective, etc.  See what I mean?  All this, from a little cover explanation.

The articles contained were quite varied.  It seemed there was a little bit of every area of curriculum addressed, although math and drama were heavily represented in this issue.  Also included were brief comparisons of several different math programs, articles on art, drama, foreign languages, math, the Constitution, transportation, and so on.  In addition, there were articles on many other things such as homeschooling expenses, family stories, and Christian life.  There was something written about every phase of homeschooling, from preschool to high school.

The article on the cost of homeschooling was a timely one for me, as just last week, I started listing all the materials I want to use next year, and researching costs for each.  There are times when I wish we could do this enrichment or get that bonus game/fun hands on learning item, but this article reminded me that the amount you spend on homeschooling does not equate to the quality of the results.

Another thing I appreciated was being encouraged in my Christian walk.  One quote I particularly took to heart was "If you're not ready to forgive someone, bake them a cake."  --meaning, do it whether you want to or not.  So many times I'm driven by my feelings, and I need to just obey.  Easier said than done!

The advertisements were interesting and relevant.  I found myself clicking a couple of them out of curiosity.  I found companies I had never heard of.

One of the pieces was about planes and flight.  Eli happens to be obsessed with aircraft these days, so I picked up a couple ideas for him to research from that.

I'm grateful for the chance to participate with the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I feel the time I spent reading The Old Schoolhouse Magazine was worthwhile, and left me refreshed as a homeschooling mom.  For those who prefer a print version, the annual print issue is available here:  http://schoolhouseteachers.com/print-issue/

Since The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is not only FREE, but also available as a FREE app at www.TOSApps.com, I encourage every homeschool family to check out this publication and see if it inspires you, too.  



Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.