God's World News ~ A Review

God's World News provided a subscription to Top Story for the purpose of this TOS Schoolhouse Crew review.

When I was expecting my first daughter, I stopped watching the news. Hormonal already, videos of local grave robbings gave me nightmares. Fast forward 16 years. As a homeschooling mom, I want my children to have a healthy understanding of current events but not be afraid of the situations in the news. Current world events can be scary at times, but I love how the focus is redirected in each of the God's World News articles to the Creator of our world.

lunch time reading

My children looked online at all of the subscription options of God's World News. We considered News Flash for 3rd and 4th graders which is right at my son's level. We also considered Trak for high schoolers. My middle child often works with both her older and younger siblings, and this time being in the middle was just the right choice for everyone. Top Story is designed for middle school, and we found that is is a great choice for all three of my children who are in 4th, 8th, and 10th grades. A one year subscription is currently $28.00. 

I don't often gush about products I review, but I want you to understand how much I like these magazines. This is one of my favorite reviews all year; even my sister and my mom have listened to me share about it. If they had not provided a year subscription, I would be purchasing it now. So far we have received 3 issues plus online access which I'll share more about later.

One article in the August issue: Big Data, Big Problem? shared a one page understandable summary about our government's access to online data. The information reminded me of the "big brother is watching" in the news when I was a child. I loved how the story was redirected to the bigger picture at the end:

"Christians need not fear. They should always remember that God is in control. Kings, presidents, and governments are all in the Lord's hand (Proverbs 21:1)." 

Each September issue includes a world map poster. Since we spent all last year learning about different countries and cultures, these articles about our world are a wonderful continuation of those lessons. Often when a country is mentioned in an article in Top Story, coordinates are provided so the kids can find the place on the map. In addition to the printed wall map, a downloadable map is also provided online.

These stories are provided with a clearly Biblical worldview. Quizzes are included with all except for the summer issues. As a parent (or teacher) I receive a weekly newsletter which includes answers to the quizzes an other news of interest. The information is also available by logging into their website. When logged in, we have access to a wealth of information. Past issues are also available to view. I found the website easy to navigate with my iPad.

I've never been a satire fan, and the only part of the magazine I didn't rave about are the political cartoons at the end of each feature. Other components are well balanced with truth and facts as well as opinions.

Another additional online feature is the biographies. These include facts about historical people, their time period, a quiz, and a teaching guide. Though each 32 page issue is filled with topics that my whole family is enjoying, the online components add even more to the subscription. 

I recommend a subscription to Top Story or one of the other five publications from God's World News at your child's age level to every Christian homeschooling family. Check out their free sample and see if you agree with me.

God's World News has now joined with World Magazine and we have received two issues of that which are geared to adult readers.

   

 

 See what other crew members shared in their reviews here.

 

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 FTC regulations.