My grandma subscribed to a LOT of magazines. From the time I was a child until she died, I loved sitting down in front of my grandma’s coffee table, assured of all her latest magazines being there for me to thumb through. One of my favorites was Reminisce. In fact, after my grandma passed away, I ended up with all of her Reminisce magazines! Knowing that Isaac would be studying modern history this year, I brought several copies back with me from the US.
If you’re not familiar with Reminisce, I’ll tell you just a bit (no, I’m not being paid to advertise or review this publication). Reminisce is a Reiman Publications magazine that focuses on the “good old days.” True-life stories and photos are submitted by readers. The stories take place between 1900-1980. You can read more about this magazine at their website Reminisce.com.
I love the idea of using first-hand, true stories in history, whether it’s about a historical event or person, or whether it gives an idea of what life was like “back then,” I believe these stories are gifts to our children. If you write down stories from your own childhood and stories told by your parents and grandparents, so much the better for your children! But even the stories told in this magazine are worth a great deal.
I read through the magazines I brought back and marked any stories I thought Isaac would enjoy reading as part of his history studies. I was right. Isaac DID enjoy reading those stories! I even caught him thumbing through a Reminisce magazine this morning (I think he had discovered an old-time comic strip in one).
Here are some examples of how I have used Reminisce in Isaac’s history: After studying the Russian Revolution, Isaac read a story in Reminisce about the author’s parents fleeing Russia with their prized samovar (January/February 2002 issue). A February 2002 issue of Reminisce Extra had a collection of stories called “We Fought WWII on the Home Front.” Here, he was able to get an idea of what life was like for American children who had to deal with rationing and shortages during the war. 
When studying the Great Depression, a story about a teen’s first job as an iceman (delivering ice) was fun to read (July/August 2002 issue). This boy didn’t take the job for selfish reasons—he did it to help his parents feed the family. That’s why I love these stories—they tell about responsibility, honor, commitment, respect, and hard work. The same issue also had a humorous story about a Model T.
I just wish I had brought back more of these magazines! Someday, when I’m living in the US again, I would love to subscribe.
Do you have a favorite magazine you use in homeschool? What interesting sources do you use to make history come alive?
