History Fun with Mysteries in Time (& Giveaway)

Ad – Gifted

There are many wonderful subscription services out there to cater for a wide range of needs and interests, one that I have spotted a couple of times and that has taken my interest is the Mysteries in Time History Subscription Box, and I am thrilled that the children were sent the first box, all about Ancient Egypt, to try out. In line with my disclosure policy, this post is marked as an Ad as we were given the item to review, but all words and opinion are mine.

What is Mysteries in Time?

Mysteries in Time is a history-themed subscription box that is sent each month. It takes a different theme each month and presents it ins a fun and engaging way. It is aimed at ages 7-11 and my older two (6 and 7) really enjoyed the box and H at almost four enjoyed the story and some of the activities that he could join in with.

There are a whole host of themes that a year-long subscription would work through including Elizabethans, Stuarts, Aztecs, Ancient China and more! There are a range of subscription options including 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. There are also two levels to choose from; the classic or the bumper box. The classic box is around £7.95 and the bumper £12.95

What’s in the Box?

We were sent the bumper box which includes:

• A fun story
• History magazine (which includes puzzles, colouring sheets and packed with information)
• Bookmark
• Stickers
• Craft activity
• History Gift

The classic box doesn’t include the craft activity or history gift.

The first box also includes a world map and timeline so you can see where in the world your mystery is, and where in time it is, in relation to now (and other mysteries)

What did we think?

I really liked this subscription box. When I first opened it is struck me that there is a lot included in it. Most subscription boxes that include an activity have a short booklet that is four sides of A5. This one, however, is an A4 colour booklet with stacks of information and colouring and activity sheets. There is a wide range of activities including word puzzles, wordsearches, drawing challenges and spot the differences.

There is also a short book (I think it’s around 45-50 pages long) that introduces the period in time and the two characters, Max and Katie, go off to solve a mystery. I read this aloud to the children whilst they coloured in some of the sheets, but they soon came to sit next to me as the story progressed. The story is well written and has some lovely illustrations in. It’s well written and age-appropriate in terms of complexity of language.

Once we had read the story we stuck our stickers onto the world map then the children set to work on the puzzles in the magazine whilst I read the information from it aloud. I did copy these activities so the children had one each (and it would be good if there was an option to include an additional magazine for households using this with more than one child).

Ancient Egypt isn’t a period we have done in any great detail, although it is on my list to explore with them since D demonstrated his impressive knowledge a few months back!

The puzzles were a good mix and some challenged them more than others, but all do a great job of consolidating the things they’ve learnt through the story and the magazine.

Extending the Learning

This box is perfect for sparking interest in important historical periods and the addition of a book to guide the children through the time periods (with all the best gruesome bits!) acts as a real hook to get them involved.

We have been continuing the learning my making Egyptian head dresses and collars and we will use the craft included in the box to make amulets this week too. For the older two I have some bits planned on mummification and we might mummify one of their teddies this week and pretend to prepare it in the same way as the Egyptians.

I’m really impressed with this box and you do get a lot for your money with this. I’m going to subscribe for the remaining year and look forward to the next one arriving soon.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a three month subscription to Mysteries in Time, please complete the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions
1. The competition is open to residents of the UK only aged (18) and over.
2. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered.
3. To enter, please use the widget above, complete any mandatory entries and any optional entries you would like.
4. The winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
5. The winners will win a copy of each of the books featured in this post.

6. The closing date for entries is 11.59pm GMT on 24 May 2020
7. The winner will be informed by email within 7 days of the closing date.
8. The winner will be asked to provide a full UK postal address with postcode for delivery purposes.
9. The winner’s name will be available on request.
10. Entry to this giveaway confirms that participants have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.