40 Free Online Homeschooling Activities and Resources for 7-8 year olds to incorporate into their Homeschool Curriculum
Let’s be real – you’ve probably spent countless hours doom-scrolling through Pinterest boards of perfect homeschool rooms with $500 worth of matching organizational bins and color-coded everything. Meanwhile, your “homeschool space” is currently the kitchen table, complete with yesterday’s dried-up mac and cheese art installation.
First, take a deep breath. Now, let me tell you a secret: some of the best homeschooling resources are absolutely free, and no, I’m not talking about those sketchy “educational” YouTube channels that somehow turn a simple language arts lesson into a 20-minute video about talking unicorns. (Though if that works for your kid, no judgment here – we’re all just trying to survive!)
I’ve spent countless hours hunting down legitimate, actually useful free resources while balancing a coffee cup in one hand and redirecting my toddler from eating crayons with the other. And let me tell you, the gems I’ve found would make even the most organized homeschool mom’s perfectly labeled filing system jealous.
From homeschool activities that transform your living room into an art class, to resources you can add to your local library – there’s hope for creating an amazing education without breaking the bank.
1. The Good and the Beautiful Resources: Where Free Meets Fabulous (And Your Wallet Can Take a Nap)!
Looking for that magical unicorn of homeschooling – comprehensive AND free homeschool curriculum that doesn’t look like it was designed on a computer from 1992? The Good and the Beautiful just dropped an entire treasure trove of online resources that’ll make your teacher heart skip a beat while keeping your budget exactly where it started. We’re talking everything from Language Arts to Math, plus a Marine Biology unit that’ll transform your reluctant learner into Jacques Cousteau Jr.
Instagram: thegoodandthebeautiful
2. Epic Resource Hub: Because “Mom, I’m Bored” Is About To Meet Its Match!
Parents, grab your bookmarking finger – we’re about to turn that digital overwhelm into organized bliss! 123Homeschool4Me has been quietly hoarding the mother lode of all homeschool resources for nearly two decades (basically since flip phones were cool). We’re talking worksheets that’ll make your printer feel loved, science experiments that won’t require hazmat cleanup, and history lessons that actually make the past sound more interesting than last week’s gossip.
Website: 123Homeschool4Me
3. Storytime That Sticks! Because Bedtime Stories Shouldn’t Be the Only Time Books Come Alive!
Got a little bookworm (or a reluctant reader)? ChangeTheWorldWithKaryn.com is here to help! Our free books online kids’ book club brings stories to life with low-stimulation animations on our YouTube channel StorytimeWithKaryn, making reading a fun way to interact with literature. Plus, our website is packed with free printable worksheets to reinforce learning. And the best part? Your little artist can even send in their drawings to be featured on our homepage—because every child deserves to feel like a star!
Website: ChangeTheWorldWithKaryn.com
4. Science & Geography Wonderland: Where “Why Is The Sky Blue?” Finally Gets Its Moment!
Ever feel like your kid’s curiosity could power a small city? (Seriously, who knew one person could ask THAT many questions about volcanoes?) This free homeschool guide is about to become your new best friend – right up there with your morning coffee and noise-canceling headphones! Packed with everything from cloud formation charts that’ll make the weather science actually fascinating, to geography games that turn those random country facts your little one spouts at dinner into actual learning moments where your child learns while having fun.
Website: https://truejedis.com/
5. Twinkl: Where “I Need A Plan” Meets “I Need A Nap” (And Somehow Everyone Wins)
This isn’t just another educational website – it’s like having Mary Poppins’ bag of tricks, but in digital form and without the magical cleanup abilities (sorry, we’re still working on that feature).
Their home learning plans are more organized than that one time you color-coded your kids’ sock drawer (which lasted approximately 2.5 days before chaos reigned supreme again). From science activities that won’t require hazmat cleanup to math games that’ll actually make your kids forget they’re doing math (I know, I didn’t believe it either until I saw it with my own tired eyes)! These home school activities for 8 year olds transform learning into fun activities that’ll keep them engaged longer than their attention span for cleaning their room!
Website: https://www.twinkl.com.ph/
6. Homeschool Printables Paradise: Where Organization Meets “Oh My Goodness, They Have Everything!”
Listen up, fellow printable-loving parents (you know who you are, with that color-coded filing system you swear you’ll start using next week)! This treasure trove of free homeschool printables is like having Marie Kondo and Mary Poppins team up to organize your entire homeschool curriculum. From preschool to high school, covering all children’s ages, they’ve got more printables than you have coffee mugs in your sink right now. Pro tip: Their record-keeping sheets will make you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re currently teaching math in your pajama pants! Perfect for those “I should probably document what we did this week besides build that epic fort city” moments.
Website: Homeschool.com
Speaking of organizing your homeschool life, want to add some extra fun to your record-keeping? Our educational notebooks on Amazon are like having a mini entertainment system disguised as school supplies! Each page features hilarious jokes and fascinating facts at the top (because who says organization can’t be fun?), plus a flipbook animation in the corner that’ll make even the most reluctant writer eager to get started.
From space exploration to deep-sea adventures, and seasonal favorites like Christmas and Halloween, these notebooks turn everyday writing into an adventure. They’re perfect for those “Mom, do I have to write this down?” moments – because yes, they do, but now they’ll actually want to! Check out our full collection on our Amazon Author Page or all the different themes. Trust me, your kids will forget they’re doing schoolwork, and you’ll feel like the coolest teacher ever!
7. Abeka Academy: When Faith Meets Facts (And Your Prayer Life Includes “Please Let Them Remember Their Math Facts”)!
Looking for a curriculum that combines “Jesus Loves Me” with “Let’s Master Calculus”? Abeka’s got your back with their complete faith-based learning buffet! This isn’t your casual Sunday School lesson – we’re talking comprehensive education from counting cheerios to calculus, all wrapped in a spiritual bow. Their video lessons are like having a super-patient teacher in your living room (who doesn’t mind if your kids are still in their PJs at noon), while their textbooks give structure to even the most “creative” homeschool days. The best part? These homeschool activities let your child work at their own pace, whether they’re racing through fractions or taking extra time to master multiplication.
Website: https://www.abeka.com/Homeschool/
8. Entirely at Home: Where “Winging It” Meets “Actually Nailing It” (More Often Than You’d Think)!
Ever feel like you need a crystal ball to figure out how to teach three different grade levels while keeping the toddler from using your walls as an art gallery? This blog is like having that experienced homeschool mom friend who’s already survived the trenches (and still has her sense of humor intact)! From printables that’ll make you look like you’ve got your life together to lesson plans that actually consider your sanity levels, Entirely at Home serves up practical solutions faster than you can say “Where did all the pencils disappear to?” Pro tip: Their time management strategies work even if your current organization system consists of various piles labeled “I’ll sort this later!” They even have ideas for turning those wall masterpieces into a proper art class where your child learns without turning your home into a full-blown studio!
Website: https://entirelyathome.com/
9. Threshold Education: Where Charlotte Mason Meets Modern Mom Life (And Yes, Nature Walks Count Even If You’re Checking Your Phone)!
Oh hello, fellow parent who dreams of raising tiny philosophers while simultaneously wondering if PlayDoh counts as a sensory activity! Threshold Education is about to become your new bestie in the world of “fancy-sounding education that’s actually totally doable.” Think Charlotte Mason’s brilliant ideas mixed with “but how do I actually do this while my toddler is using my leg as a jungle gym?” solutions!
Their literature-based learning approach means you can finally justify all those Amazon book purchases to your spouse (“But honey, it’s CURRICULUM!”). These excellent resources transform ordinary reading time into extraordinary learning moments that even the busiest parent can implement!
Website: https://www.thresholdeducation.com/
10. Discovery Kids Inspires: Where “Mom, Watch This!” Meets Actual Science (Instead of Another Slime Disaster)!
Looking for ways to turn those endless “why” questions into actual learning moments that won’t require hazmat cleanup? Discovery Kids has swooped in like a superhero wearing a lab coat, armed with enough STEM activities to keep your tiny Einstein busy through multiple coffee refills! Their interactive experiments are the perfect balance of “wow, that’s so cool!” and “Thank goodness this won’t stain the ceiling” (unlike that one volcanic experiment we shall never speak of again).
From videos that’ll make science actually stick in their brains to hands-on projects that prove learning can be louder than your neighbor’s lawnmower, they’ve thought of everything.
YouTube: discoverymindblown8660
11. NASA’s Space Station Academy: Because “To Infinity and Beyond” Is More Than Just Your Toddler Jumping Off The Couch!
Houston, we have a solution for those kiddos who dream bigger than your monthly coffee budget! NASA’s free STEM resources are like having a rocket scientist in your back pocket (minus the complicated jargon that makes your head spin). Want to turn that cardboard box collection into a legitimate space engineering project? They’ve got you covered with activities that’ll make your little astronaut’s eyes sparkle brighter than the stars they’re learning about! With a clear focus on real-world applications, these projects transform ordinary household items into extraordinary learning opportunities!
Website: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-kids-club/
12. Math Playground: Where Numbers Finally Get Their Party Pants On!
Hey there, fellow parent who’s tired of hearing “but when will I ever use this in real life?” every time math homework appears! Math Playground is about to become your new best friend (right after your coffee maker, of course). This magical corner of the internet turns those dreaded math problems into games so fun, your kids might actually forget they’re learning – kind of like when we hide vegetables in their favorite smoothies!
Think arcade-style games that secretly teach multiplication, logic puzzles that’ll keep them busy longer than their attention span for cleaning their room, and word problems that don’t make YOU want to cry (we’ve all been there with those train word problems, right?).
Website: https://www.mathplayground.com/
13. Math Game Time: Because Sometimes “Fun With Numbers” Isn’t an Oxymoron (Really, I Promise)!
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your device of choice – we’re about to turn “But math is booooring!” into “Just one more game, pretty please!” Math Game Time is serving up the kind of math practice that won’t make your kids run for the hills (or under their beds, or into that secret hideout they think you don’t know about behind the couch).
From preschoolers just figuring out that numbers are a thing, to seventh graders tackling equations that look like alphabet soup, this website is dishing out games sweeter than that secret chocolate stash in your “vegetable” drawer. The best part? It’s all FREE! (I know, right? Go ahead and do your happy dance – I’ll wait.)
Website: https://www.mathgametime.com/
14. Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool: Where “Free” Meets “Freedom” (And Your Wallet Can Finally Stop Hyperventilating)!
Easy Peasy is exactly what it says on the tin – easy peasy lemon squeezy, minus the sticky fingers (those you’ll get from your regular parenting duties!).
This completely FREE Christian curriculum is like having that super-organized homeschool mom friend who’s got everything figured out, wrapped up in a website that won’t make your computer cry. We’re talking every subject, all grades, and zero pressure to be the “perfect” homeschool parent (because, honey, we all know that’s as mythical as a quiet toddler in a candy store).
Website: Easy Peasy – All In One Homeschool
15. Ambleside Online: Where “Charlotte Mason” Meets “Modern Mom Who Just Found The Last Clean Coffee Mug”!
Calling all parents who dream of a gentle, literature-rich education but are secretly wondering if reading “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” for the 47th time counts as literature! Ambleside Online is here to rescue you with their completely FREE Charlotte Mason curriculum that turns “Help, what do I teach?” into “Oh, I’ve totally got this!” (Even if you’re still wearing yesterday’s messy bun).
Think carefully curated book lists that’ll make your library card feel more loved than your favorite yoga pants and lesson plans that actually make sense (unlike your toddler’s explanation of why the cat needed a makeover).
Website: Ambleside Online
16. Mystery Science: Where “Why Is The Sky Blue?” Finally Gets An Answer (That Doesn’t Involve Making Up Something About Giant Smurfs)!
Think mind-blowing science experiments that use stuff you actually have in your house (besides that chemistry set Grandma bought that’s still in shrink wrap from 2019). We’re talking fun activities that’ll make your kids feel like they’re running their own lab, while you feel like you’ve finally mastered this whole “teaching science” thing.
Website: https://mysteryscience.com/
17. Core Knowledge Foundation: Where “Building Brains” Meets “Building Confidence” (And You Finally Get To Use That Teacher Voice You’ve Been Practicing)!
This curriculum is like having the world’s most organized teacher hand you their master binder, complete with sticky notes and everything. Their free (yes, FREE – go ahead and do a happy dance, I’ll wait!) curriculum bundle is packed tighter than your “emergency” snack drawer. With everything from reading books that actually engage reluctant students to comprehensive lesson plans, they’ve thought of everything to keep your young learners engaged and thriving!
Website: Core Knowledge
18. Freedom Homeschooling: Where “Free” Meets “Freedom From Late-Night Curriculum Hunting” (While You’re Still In Your Comfy Pants)!
Oh. My. Goodness. Grab your favorite planning notebook and that half-cold coffee you’ve reheated three times already, because Freedom Homeschooling is about to become your new late-night bestie! Think of it as your personal curriculum concierge who’s already done all the heavy lifting while you were busy referee-ing the great marker cap crisis of 2024.
This magical website is like having that super-organized homeschool mom friend who color-codes everything AND shares all her secrets – except this friend has already gathered ALL the free curriculum goodies in one place!
Website: https://freedomhomeschooling.com/
19. Scholastic’s Learning Wonderland: Where “Just One More Story” Actually Means Learning (And You Get To Feel Like The World’s Best Parent)!
Listen up, fellow reading enthusiasts and parents who’ve memorized every page of “Goodnight Moon” (including the page numbers, because let’s be real – we’ve all been there)! Scholastic just dropped a treasure chest of FREE reading and learning activities that’ll make you feel like the literacy superhero you’ve always dreamed of being!
Think engaging activities that’ll have your little bookworms actually begging for reading time (I know, right? It’s like finding out your kids voluntarily cleaned their room – it seems too good to be true, but it’s happening!). From printable activities that’ll make you look like you’ve got your teaching game on point, to interactive stories that’ll keep them entertained longer than their attention span for putting away laundry.
Website: https://scholastic.asia/
20. CrashCourse Kids: Because Bill Nye Meets Your Kid’s Attention Span (And Everyone Wins)!
Oh my stars, grab your virtual lab coats and those goggles you bought with great intentions last year because CrashCourse Kids is about to make science more exciting than that time you “accidentally” created a volcano with the entire box of baking soda! (We’ve all been there, right? No? Just me?)
These bite-sized science lessons are like having the world’s most enthusiastic science teacher trapped in your device, ready to explain everything from why your kid’s pet goldfish doesn’t need to blink to how clouds know when it’s time to rain (spoiler: it’s not because they’re having a bad day!). The videos are perfectly paced for those wiggly learners who can’t sit still longer than it takes for ice cream to melt in July!
Youtube: crashcoursekids
21. Homeschool Pop: When Dad Jokes Meet Actually Awesome Learning (And Everyone’s Actually Laughing)!
Oh my mama hearts, let me introduce you to the educational equivalent of finding an extra cookie in the package – Homeschool Pop! Picture this: A real homeschool dad named Daniel (yes, an actual human parent who understands the struggle of explaining why we can’t keep every rock we find) has created the kind of educational videos that won’t make your eyes glaze over faster than a donut at Krispy Kreme!
This daddy genius (or “Pop” as the cool kids say) serves up history, science, math, and geography videos that’ll have your kiddos actually choosing educational content over those weird unboxing videos they’re obsessed with.
Youtube: HomeschoolPop
22. SciShow Kids: Where Science Gets Squeaky Clean Fun (And Your Kitchen Only Gets Slightly Messy)!
Oh my goodness, parent friends, grab your lab coats (or that stained apron that’s seen better days) because SciShow Kids is about to become your new favorite “Mom, can we try this?” destination! Picture this: A super enthusiastic host named Jessi and her adorable robot rat buddy Squeaks (who’s probably cleaner than your actual kitchen counter right now) are here to answer all those mind-bending questions your little scientist keeps throwing at you during breakfast!
YouTube: SciShowKids
23. Khan Academy: Where “Free Education” Meets “Mom’s Sanity Saver” (And Everyone’s Brain Cells Do A Happy Dance)!
Grab your favorite beverage and that emergency chocolate bar you’ve got stashed behind the cleaning supplies because Khan Academy is about to become your new homeschool bestie! Think of it as having a super-smart tutor living in your device who never gets tired of explaining why the square root of 144 isn’t “somewhere around 10ish” (my personal guess before coffee).
Listen, fellow education warriors, this isn’t just another website – it’s the Swiss Army knife of learning platforms! We’re talking everything from “Help, I forgot how to do long division” to “Wait, how DO I explain quantum physics to my curious third grader?” The best part? It’s totally FREE (I know, I had to sit down too when I first heard that)!
YouTube: khanacademy
24. The Waldock Way: Where “Mom, I’m Bored” Meets Its Match (And Your Sanity Gets a High Five)!
Oh my gracious, grab your favorite planning notebook (you know, the pretty one you bought with great intentions but is currently collecting dust under that pile of “I’ll sort this later”), because The Waldock Way is about to become your new homeschool happy place! Think Pinterest-worthy unit studies without the Pinterest-fail aftermath – it’s like having that super-organized homeschool mom friend bottle all her secrets and share them with the class!
Their educational games are the kind that’ll make your kids forget they’re learning (sneaky mom wins!), and these unit studies? They’re easier to pull off than explaining why the dog can’t wear your daughter’s favorite tutu to the park!
Instagram: thewaldockway
25. The Handmade Homeschooler: Where Pinterest Dreams Meet Reality (And Your Printer Finally Feels Appreciated)!
Designed specifically for those energetic 8-9-year-olds (you know, the ones who can memorize every Pokemon character but mysteriously forget where their pencils go), these activities are the perfect blend of educational and “actually doable without losing your last marble.” We’re talking worksheets that won’t make your kids run for the hills and creative activities that don’t require a master’s degree in arts and crafts or a second mortgage at the craft store!
Facebook: Mandy Maltz – The Handmade Homeschooler
26. CK-12: Where “Free Education” Meets “Mom’s Secret Weapon” (And Your Kids Actually Think Learning Is Fun)!
Oh my stars and calculator buttons, grab your favorite “I survive on coffee and chaos” mug because CK-12 is about to become your new homeschool bestie! This isn’t just another educational website – it’s like having a whole team of teachers living in your device, ready to explain everything from fractions to photosynthesis without requiring you to remember anything from your own school days (thank goodness!).
Picture this: Interactive textbooks that won’t end up collecting dust under the bed (unlike that expensive science kit Grandma bought last Christmas), videos that explain concepts better than your sleep-deprived brain could ever attempt, and simulations that make learning feel more like gaming (sneaky mom win!). Plus, their FlexBooks are more flexible than your yoga pants – and we all know those have been working overtime lately!
Website: CK-12
27. BBC Bitesize Magic: Because Learning Shouldn’t Feel Like Getting a Cat into a Bath!
Attention parents of those energetic 8-9-year-olds (you know, the ones who can name every Minecraft creature but “forget” how to pick up their socks)! BBC Bitesize has crafted the holy grail of home learning plans that’ll actually keep your kiddo’s attention longer than their latest TikTok obsession. We’re talking games that sneak in math skills smoother than you hide vegetables in spaghetti sauce, English activities that’ll have them writing better stories than their detailed explanations of why they can’t go to bed yet, and science challenges that prove learning can be more exciting than watching slime videos. Their online school resources span multiple grade levels, making it perfect whether your child is racing ahead or needs a little extra practice!
Website: BBC Bitesize
28. Starfall: Where Learning to Read Meets “Mom’s Favorite Five Minutes of Peace” (And Everyone Thinks You’re a Genius)!
Oh my busy bees, grab your device and that lukewarm coffee you’ve been meaning to reheat for the last hour because Starfall is about to become your new favorite “How did I not know about this sooner?!” discovery! It’s like having a magical reading fairy living on your screen, minus the glitter cleanup that usually follows anything magical in a house with small children!
The math games? They’re sneakier than that time you convinced your toddler that frozen yogurt was “special ice cream.” And those interactive stories? They’re more captivating than your explanation of where all the missing socks go (spoiler alert: still a mystery!).
Website: https://www.starfall.com/h/
29. National Geographic Kids: Where “Educational Screen Time” Meets “Nature Documentary Without The Intense Parts” (And Everyone Thinks You Planned This Learning Moment)!
Listen up, fellow adventure seekers with sticky-fingered explorers! Time to bookmark this gem faster than your toddler can spot candy at the checkout line because National Geographic Kids is about to become your new favorite “Yes, we totally meant to learn about penguins today” resource!
Think of it as having a world-class zoo, science museum, and adventure guide all rolled into one gloriously kid-friendly package – minus the gift shop temptations and overpriced snacks! We’re talking fascinating animal facts that’ll have your little ones dropping knowledge bombs at dinner (instead of their peas), mind-blowing science experiments that won’t require a hazmat team to clean up, and geography games that’ll make your kids better traveled than that one Facebook friend who’s always on vacation!
Website: National Geographic Kids
30. FunBrain: Where “Educational Games” Meet “Mom’s Moment of Peace” (And Everyone Thinks You’re a Tech-Savvy Genius)!
Oh my tired mama hearts, pause that endless cycle of laundry for a minute because FunBrain is about to become your new favorite “Yes, I totally planned this educational moment” resource! Think of it as having a whole team of teachers hiding in your device, but way more fun and without the endless school emails about bringing snacks for the class party!
With over 100 interactive games (that’s more options than your kid has excuses for not cleaning their room!), this digital treasure trove is like striking educational gold! We’re talking math games that are more engaging than trying to find matching socks, reading activities that’ll have your bookworm begging for “just five more minutes,” and videos that actually teach something (unlike those weird unboxing videos they’re obsessed with).
Website: https://www.funbrain.com/
31. XtraMath: Where “Math Facts” Meet “Mom’s Victory Dance” (And Multiplication Tables Finally Click)!
Listen up, my fellow “Please just memorize your time’s tables” warriors! Put down that flashcard set you’ve been meaning to use since September (we’ve all been there) because XtraMath is about to become your new favorite “How did we not know about this sooner?!” resource! Think of it as your personal math coach that lives in your device – except this one doesn’t require snacks or endless schedule coordination! You know those moments when your child looks at 7 x 8 like it’s written in ancient hieroglyphics? (And you’re secretly counting on your fingers under the table because, hey, we’re all human!) XtraMath turns those deer-in-headlights moments into “Watch how fast I can do this, Mom!” victories.
Website: https://home.xtramath.org/
32. Duolingo: Where “Language Learning” Meets “Mom’s Secret Weapon Against Screen Time” (And Everyone Thinks Your Kid’s A Tiny Genius)!
Oh, my fellow “why do kids absorb everything EXCEPT what we want them to learn” warriors, grab your comfy pants and that room-temperature coffee you’ve been meaning to reheat for the last three hours because Duolingo is about to become your new favorite educational sidekick! It’s like having a magical language tutor living in your device who’s more patient than you are during the great bedtime negotiations of 2024!
Pro mom move: Let them pick their language of study – maybe Spanish, French, or even Japanese! Watch them transform from “Mom, I’m bored” to “¡Hola, Mama!” faster than you can say “Where did all these language learning apps come from when I was a kid?!” Plus, you might actually learn enough to finally pronounce those fancy coffee drinks correctly!
Website: Duo Lingo
33. Teach Your Monster to Read: Where “Learning to Read” Meets “OMG, They’re Actually Begging to Practice Phonics!” (And You Get to Feel Like a Literary Genius!)
Oh my goodness, fellow reading adventurers, stop what you’re doing (yes, even if you’re in the middle of fishing Cheerios out of the couch cushions) because I’m about to share the most magical reading resource since sliced bread learned to tell stories!
Picture this: Your little bookworm-in-training creates their very own monster (way less scary than that pile of laundry you’ve been avoiding), and together they embark on reading adventures that are more captivating than your attempts to explain why we can’t have ice cream for breakfast! This isn’t just another educational app – it’s like having a literacy expert and a fantasy game designer team up to create pure learning magic!
Website: Teach your monster to read
34. Education.com: Where “Free Resources” Meet “Mom’s Secret Weapon Against the Sunday Night Scramble”!
Oh my tired teacher-hearts, pause that endless cycle of lesson planning for a hot minute (or a lukewarm one – let’s be real about how long our coffee stays hot) because Education.com is about to become your new favorite “How did I plan tomorrow’s lessons so fast?” solution!
Listen, fellow warriors of the worksheet world, this isn’t just another educational website – it’s like having a whole team of teachers living on your computer who actually understand that sometimes your lesson planning happens at 9 PM while eating leftover chicken nuggets in your PJs! We’re talking worksheets that’ll make you look more organized than that one mom who color-codes her kids’ sock drawers (we all know one, right?).
Website: Education.com
35. Rising Stars: Where “Free Teaching Resources” Meet “Mom’s Last-Minute Lesson Planning Hero” (And Your Organization Dreams Come True)!
Hey there, my fellow “I swear I had a plan for today” champions! Put down that messy planning binder and grab your favorite planning pen (you know, the one you hide from the kids because they turn everything into abstract art), because Rising Stars is about to become your new favorite “How am I suddenly so organized?” resource!
Think of knowledge organizers that’ll make you feel more put together than the time you actually matched all the socks in the laundry basket (a rare but beautiful moment). Their sample resources are like having a master teacher slip you their best material while whispering “Here, make your life easier!”
Website: Rising Stars
36. Soft Schools: Where “Educational Resources” Meet “Mom’s Coloring Page Emergency Stash” (And Everyone Wins)!
Oh, my colored-pencil warriors, grab your favorite caffeine source and that pack of markers you’ve been hiding from the kids (we all have one, don’t we?), because Soft Schools is about to become your new favorite “I totally planned this educational moment” resource!
Pro parent move: Bookmark this site faster than you hide the holiday candy! Their resources are perfect for those “Mom, I’m done with all my work!” moments that somehow always happen at 9:17 AM when you’re still trying to remember if you started the dishwasher. Plus, the phonics resources might actually help explain why ‘though’ and ‘tough’ don’t rhyme (because English is fun like that)!
Website: Soft Schools
37. Oxford Owl: Where “Free eBooks” Meet “Mom’s Bedtime Story Savior” (And Your Library Card Gets a Well-Deserved Break)!
Picture this: A FREE digital library stuffed with more books than your kid has reasons for not going to bed! We’re talking quality reading material from ages 3-11 that’s actually engaging enough to compete with those weird YouTube videos they’re obsessed with. It’s like having a magical bookshelf that never runs out of space and doesn’t collect dust (unlike that exercise equipment you’re currently using as a clothes hanger)! It’s perfect for those “But I NEED a new book RIGHT NOW” moments that always seem to happen at bedtime.
Website: Oxford Owl
38. The Actuarial Foundation: Where “Real Math” Meets “Why Didn’t They Teach It Like This When WE Were Kids?!” (And Suddenly Tip Calculations Make Sense)!
Oh my fellow “when will we ever use this in real life?” warriors, grab your calculator and that receipt you’ve been staring at for ten minutes trying to figure out the tip because The Actuarial Foundation is about to become your new favorite “Yes, you actually WILL use this math in real life” resource! Picture this: Math problems that don’t involve trains traveling in opposite directions (finally!) but instead tackle real-world scenarios like figuring out if you have enough allowance money to buy that cool toy AND save some for later! It’s like having a financial advisor and a math teacher team up to create problems that actually matter – like calculating whether ordering pizza is cheaper than making it at home (spoiler alert: the math is fun, but nothing beats delivery on a crazy Tuesday).
Website: The Actuarial Foundation
39. National Wildlife Federation Kids: Where “Animal Facts” Meet “Mom’s Science Lesson Success” (And Everyone Forgets They’re Actually Learning)!
Oh my nature-loving friends, pause that Discovery Channel documentary and grab your explorer’s hat (or that messy mom bun – same thing), because the National Wildlife Federation’s animal science resources are about to make you look like the Steve Irwin of homeschooling!
Think of it as having a zoo field trip right at your fingertips, minus the gift shop drama and overpriced snacks! We’re talking K-6 content that’ll turn your animal-obsessed kiddo’s random fact-spewing (did you know a giraffe’s tongue is purple?) into actual structured learning! From habitat deep dives that are more organized than your junk drawer to animal behavior studies that’ll make you feel smarter than that time, you finally remembered all the dinosaur names your five-year-old taught you.
Website: National Wildlife Federation Animal Science
40. Natural Inquirer: Where “Real Science Journals” Meet “Mom’s Kitchen Laboratory” (And Your Kids Actually Want To Be Scientists)!
Oh my fellow science experiment survivors (you know who you are, still finding baking soda in unexpected places), grab your safety goggles and that scientific method worksheet that’s been staring at you since September, because Natural Inquirer is about to become your new favorite “Yes, this totally counts as both reading AND science” resource!
Perfect timing with that scientific method worksheet in your image – it’s like they knew we needed a proper way to document all those “accidental experiments” happening in our kitchens! Speaking of which, isn’t it amazing how kids can perfectly follow the scientific method when testing how long it takes ice cream to melt, but somehow can’t remember to put their shoes away? 🤔
And there you have it, fellow educational adventurers – 40 amazing FREE resources that prove you don’t need a teacher’s salary to give your kids an incredible education! From math that actually makes sense to science that won’t require a home renovation, we’ve covered everything your coffee-fueled teaching heart desires.
Remember, homeschooling isn’t about being perfect – it’s about finding those magical resources that work for YOUR family (and maybe hiding a few emergency chocolate bars in your lesson planning binder). Whether you’re teaching multiple grades while balancing a toddler on your hip, or just looking to supplement your kid’s education without breaking the bank, these resources have got your back! And sometimes, the best homeschool activities happen at your local park – where nature study and mental health breaks come together perfectly!
But hey, this is just the beginning of our educational treasure hunt! I know you’ve probably discovered some amazing free resources during your own late-night “How do I teach this tomorrow?” Google sessions. Share your favorites in the comments below! Because let’s be honest – sharing educational resources is like sharing the location of a great Target clearance sale – it’s just good karma!
And if you love these sanity-saving resources, don’t forget to check out our other posts on Global Education Secrets: 40 Brilliant Ideas From 40 Different Countries, That’ll Make You Say “Why Aren’t We Doing This?”
Until next time, keep rocking those lesson plans, embracing the beautiful chaos, and remember – some days, just keeping everyone alive and somewhat educated is a win! And if all else fails, there’s always documentary day! 😉
Want more tips, tricks, and free resources? Follow us on Instagram @ChangeTheWorldWithKaryn.com where we share daily doses of educational humor and homeschool reality checks! Because we’re all in this beautiful mess together! 💕📚✏️
Article has been written and researched by our wonderful intern Jessica Ligutan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling
Q: What free educational programs are available for homeschooling? A: There’s a wealth of free resources available! From Khan Academy’s comprehensive math and science programs to NASA’s STEM activities, BBC Bitesize’s interactive lessons, and The Good and Beautiful’s complete curriculum. Many local parks even offer educational programs and science-based scavenger hunts perfect for hands-on learning!
Q: How do I start homeschooling my children? A: Starting your homeschool journey begins with checking your local homeschool laws, choosing curriculum that matches your teaching style and your children’s learning needs, and connecting with other homeschool families. Resources like Lee Giles’ comprehensive guide for new homeschoolers can help give you hope and direction as you begin this adventure!
Q: How can I teach multiple kids of different ages at once? A: Teaching multiple age groups can be managed by combining subjects like history, science, and art where possible, while keeping math and reading skills at individual levels. Older kids can help younger siblings, and activities can be adapted up or down to meet each student’s needs.
Q: What subjects do I need to teach in homeschool? A: Core subjects typically include math, reading, writing, science, and history. Many families also incorporate music, art, physical education, and life skills. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can adapt all the information to your family’s interests and needs!
Q: How can I make sure my homeschooled kids have friends? A: Socialization opportunities are everywhere! Join local homeschool groups, participate in community programs, sign up for sports teams, and organize play dates. Many homeschool sites connect families for field trips and group activities. Your children can make friends while learning valuable social skills in the real world.
Q: Can I homeschool if I’m not a teacher? A: Absolutely! You don’t need to be a certified teacher to provide a quality education. Many parents successfully homeschool their children using available resources, curriculum guides, and online programs. Remember, nobody knows your children better than you do!
Q: How do I homeschool high school students? A: High school homeschooling can include online courses, dual enrollment at local colleges, apprenticeships, and traditional curriculum. Focus on documenting coursework, creating transcripts, and meeting college prerequisites if that’s your student’s goal.
Q: What if my kids forget what they learned? A: Regular review, hands-on activities, and real-world application help cement learning. Use games, story-based learning, and interactive projects to make subjects memorable. Remember, traditional schools deal with summer slide too – it’s normal to need refreshers!
Q: How much does homeschooling cost? A: While costs vary by family, you can homeschool on any budget! Between free online resources, library materials, and community programs, it’s possible to provide a rich education without breaking the bank. Many subjects can be taught using everyday items you already have at home.
Q: How do I know if my kids are learning enough? A: Track progress through regular assessments, portfolios, and observation. Compare their skills to grade-level standards if desired, but remember that one of homeschooling’s benefits is moving at your child’s individual pace. When kids are engaged and excited about learning, they’re usually right where they need to be!
