It’s a great time to homeschool. Blogs, books, podcasts, Instagram accounts, Facebook groups, online curriculum and memberships. There are a million homeschooling resources at our fingertips. Well meaning as they are, they can be overwhelming. I believe less really is more when it comes to the resources we use for school at home. Today I’m sharing my top, simple homeschooling resources. Although these are geared towards families doing school at home this year, many of these resources are great for all parents.
Homeschooling Resources
Books
This. Teaching from rest. Sarah Mackenzie has great encouragement in this book and it’s delightfully short. It’s a great weekend read before the big first day.
A parenting book, but my favorite one. I read this at least once a year and always come away with a renewed motivation for simplicity in terms of our family life. It’s a must read.
Another one by Sarah Mackenzie. This book will inspire you to grab a stack of books, gather your kids, and enjoy some stories together.
On my To Be Read List
I am currently devouring this book. It’s better than I anticipated. Wild and Free is an online community and one I’m interested in learning more about.
This may be more of a parenting book, but one I can see homeschoolers dive into. I’m excited to read this one.
Websites
Becky is a homeschooling mom of four who taught public and private school before kids. She has her Masters in Elementary Reading and shares incredible resources on her site. I use many resources from This Reading Mama for my preschool curriculum.
Anna has her Masters in Education and is mom to six kiddos. I use her Alphabet pages when I’m teaching a preschooler and they are all free if you click on the individual letter.
Yes, I use this site. There are so many great resources created by teachers. I have found both free resources and inexpensive ones to supplement skills my kids are learning.
Podcasts
Hosted by Sarah Mackenzie, this podcast talks all things books and homeschooling. You will be inspired and come away with practical things in every episode.
I was introduced to Sally Clarkson by my dear friend, Lydia, of the Joy Filled Table. Sally is a beloved mentor to the homeschool community. She has homeschooled, raised four exceptional kids, and has a beautiful philosophy on making the home a creative and inspiring learning environment. She has written several encouraging books, both with her kids and husband. Each one I have read, I have loved. Awaking Wonder is her newest book and I am excited to dive into this one soon.
I recently discovered this podcast and Cait and Kara are so life giving. My first listen was The Gift of Simplicity with Kim John Payne, author of Simplicity Parenting. This is a new favorite of mine!
Instagram Accounts
Liz is a homeschooling mom of four and shares about her motherhood journey. She has a few saved stories on homeschooling, so be sure to check them out. Liz also writes The Quick Journey blog.
Bri is a homeschooling mom who shares biblical encouragement and beautiful pictures of her everyday. She also has a blog you can find here.
Sometimes I find some great resources following a hashtag. #homeschoolcollective is a great one to follow to see inspiration from all kinds of moms schooling differently.
Kid Resources
Do you want your kids to love drawing? Art Hub is a great resource for them to learn how to draw everything and anything. Rob, Mrs. Hubs and their four kiddos are upbeat, fun, and super positive when it comes to drawing and ‘doing your best’. Check them out!
We used Starfall at our school when I was teaching 1st grade. My students loved it. It is a site housing reading and math games for Pre-K to 3rd grade. There are free games to play, but if you want access to all games, it’s $35 a year for a home membership.
Audible or your public library’s app
Audible or checking out e-books and audio books from your library’s app are great resources for your kids (and you). An Audible membership has allowed us to own classic audio books we can listen and re-listen to together. Titles like: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, and My Father’s Dragon.
A quick tip: Use Audible for classic stories you know your kids will want to come back to. Use your library app for stories that may only last a listen or two.
It is such a blessing to have so many resources at our fingertips. However, I believe utilizing a few resources fully is a simpler way to find inspiration, tools, and materials to assist with school at home. Tell me: what are your favorite homeschooling resources?