Suddenly Homeschooling? Free Resources to Help You Get Started

Homeschooling due to school closure

Thousands of American families find themselves suddenly homeschooling due to COVID 19-related school closures.  In addition to running a successful small business, our family has been homeschooling our four children since 2005. We have curated a comprehensive list of free homeschooling, educational and recreational resources for K-12 students. Whether you need help explaining an Algebra problem to your high schooler, phonics practice for your second grader or science videos for your middle schooler, there is a site below to help you.

 

FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

123 Homeschool for Me

https://www.123homeschool4me.com/home-school-free-printables/

Free printable worksheets and educational activities to help to make learning fun. Resources arranged by grade or subject.

 

ActivEd, Inc

http://info.activedinc.com/covid

Walkabouts, web-based lessons for pre-K to second-grade students that integrate movement with language arts, math, and reading content

 

Actively Learn

https://www.activelylearn.com/post/remote-learning

Actively Learn is a web-based reading platform that helps students read deeply and think critically, with thousands of texts and associated instruction in ELA, Science, and Social Studies.

 

Age of Learning (ABCMouse, Adventure Academy, ReadingIQ)

https://www.ageoflearning.com/schools

 

All Kids Network

https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/

Free educational resources, worksheets, writing prompts, themed coloring pages, craft and snack ideas for parents, teachers & caregivers.

 

American Panorama

https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/

Digital Atlas of America uses online GIS to explore and visualize data with maps.

 

Arcademics

https://www.arcademics.com/

Boost student engagement & fact fluency with our free multiplayer educational games, math games, language arts games, and more!

 

Artrageous with Nate

www.youtube.com/artrageouswithnate

Interactive videos meant to stimulate creativity and hands-on activities at home.

 

Ascend Math

https://ascendmath.com/coronavirus-offer/

K to 12 math instructional resource Ascend Math offers award-winning math instruction that provides an individual study plan for each student. Ascend Math’s study plans are unique to each student, prescriptive, adaptive, and automatically assigned.

 

Biology Simulations

www.biologysimulations.com

Simulations and virtual labs for biology topics including evolution, ecology, and cellular energetics

 

BrainPop

https://educators.brainpop.com/2020/02/19/free-brainpop-access-for-schools-affected-by-the-corona-virus/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=coronavirus&utm_content=free-access

BrainPop features engaging learning games, animated movies and activities.

 

Brave Writer

https://blog.bravewriter.com/2020/03/13/needing-support-due-to-covid-19/

Free writing resources.

 

Breakout

https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome

Collection of digital games

 

CanFigureIt Geometry

https://www.canfigureit.com/

Easy-to-use workspace where students can practice proofs while exercising their deductive reasoning muscles

 

CaroneLearning

https://caronelearning.com/covid-19/

K-12 Health and Physical Education courses

 

Centervention

https://www.centervention.com/

We offer game-based interventions that focus on improving social and emotional skills in K-8 students

 

CheckMath

http://www.checkmath.eu

CheckMath tells you where you made a mistake.

 

CircleTime Fun

https://circletimefun.com/

Learn and bond with your 1- 6-year-old.

 

Classroom Cereal

https://www.classroomcereal.com/

Grammar practice in free, printable short stories.

 

Club SciKidz MD

http://www.clubscikidzmd.com/blog/

Daily free science or cooking experiment to do at home.

 

Collisons Chemistry

https://www.playmadagames.com/

System of digital games, grounded in the rules of chemistry, that can be used to introduce, teach, and review key concepts in chemistry.

 

CommonLit

https://www.commonlit.org/

Reading passages for grades 3-12, with reading comprehension and discussion questions

 

Conjugemos

https://conjuguemos.com/

“Use without account” option has vocabulary, grammar, listening activities and games in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Korean, and Latin.

 

Creating a Masterpiece

https://creatingamasterpiece.com/product/drawing-program-2/

Fine art training program for students ages 5 and up. Drawing Program is free with the code: Corona2020

 

Curriculum Associates

https://www.curriculumassociates.com/supporting-students-away-from-school

Free printable K-8 Reading and Math activity packs (available in English and Spanish)

 

DeltaMath

https://deltamath.com/overview

Free website for teachers and students covering a wide range of math content from middle school through AP Calculus.

Digital Theatre Plus

https://www.digitaltheatreplus.com/education

Access to some of the world’s finest productions, unique backstage insights, practitioner interviews and written analysis.

 

Discovery K12

http://discoveryk12.com/dk12/

Complete online curriculum for pre-k to 12th grade. All main subjects are covered, plus extra curriculum courses.

 

DreamBox Learning Math

www.dreambox.com/at-home

K-8 online math program that looks at how a student is solving problems to adjust accordingly and build a unique learning path for them.

 

EBLI

https://eblireads.com/non-fiction-read-alouds/

Non-Fiction Read Alouds for PreK-12th Graders

 

Everydae SAT Prep

https://everydae.com/?utm_source=resource_sheet&utm_medium=spreadsheet&utm_campaign=school_closures

Everydae is an online SAT math prep program that uses 10-minute micro lessons to match busy schedules. Use code HOMEPREP when you sign up through this link: http://bit.ly/2xrVchc

 

ExploreLearning Reflex

https://www.reflexmath.com/trial

Adaptive and individualized for grades 2-6, Reflex is the most effective system for mastering basic math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Free 30-day trial.

 

ExploreLearning Science4Us

https://www.science4us.com/trial/

covers Inquiry, Physical Science, Life Science and Earth & Space Science with lessons specifically designed for K-2 students. Free 30-day trial.

 

Facts4Me

https://www.facts4me.com

A safe research site for elementary-level readers.

 

Fluency & Fitness

https://fluencyandfitness.com/register/school-closures/

Provides educational brain breaks to help burn off extra energy. Ages 4-8.

 

Freckle

https://www.freckle.com/

Multiple subjects with differentiation for K-12.

 

GoNoodle

https://www.gonoodle.com/

Movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts.

 

Handwriting Heroes

https://appytherapy.com/handwriting-heroes/

Multisensory handwriting program that teaches children how to form their letters through animations, stories and song.

 

HippoCampus

https://hippocampus.org/

Explore over 7,000 free videos in 13 subject areas

 

i-Ready

https://www.curriculumassociates.com/supporting-students-away-from-school

free printable K-8 Math and Reading packets for students

 

IXL

https://www.ixl.com/membership/teachers/trial/closure

Comprehensive K-12 curriculum.

 

Izzit

Izzit.org

FREE, high-quality educational materials

 

K-5 Math Teaching Resources

https://www.k-5mathteachingresources.com

K-5 math resources clearly sorted by grade and standard that are easy to download and print at home.

 

Khan Academy

https://www.khanacademy.org/about/blog/post/611770255064350720/remote-learning-with-khan-academy-during-school

Free, award-winning online education program.

 

Kids Discover Online

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8FeuVh5AwwY5S5gkSN7Dw_tWpRneVdq1FhGyYvCO1N83cug/viewform?vero_id=kdo1880662&vero_conv=DkrC-H3AHXmsRWwMpvELoS067gYxZI3gCO2Am6Tx-g30eb3QJC5zS57pJ5UxI_RMPRKPShL2NkZRP0avfhAK4LV0J5ZwSgb0jQ%3D%3D

Award-winning library of science and social studies materials.

 

LearnAwesome

https://learnawesome.org

A repository of links to learning resources organized by topics and formats.

 

Little Twisters Yoga & Emotional Wellness

https://littletwistersyoga.com/online-store/

Free at-home kids yoga lesson plans

 

Magic Spell by Brainbox Games

https://brainbox.games/

Magic Spell is a carefully crafted spelling adventure

 

Marco Learning

https://marcolearning.com/

Free full-length practice tests, free lesson plans, and free study guides for AP students.

 

Massolit

https://www.massolit.io/

Over 2,800 short curriculum relevant video lectures designed and delivered by top university academics covering English Literature, History, Classics, Psychology, Philosophy, and Government and Politics.

 

MathCelebrity

https://www.mathcelebrity.com/online-math-tutor.php

Automated online math tutor. Enter your math problem or search term, press the button, and see the step-by-step work and answer instantly. 2nd grade through college.

 

Math Playground

https://www.mathplayground.com

Provides hundreds of math games, logic puzzles and educational resources.

 

Minecraft: Education Edition

https://education.minecraft.net/

Game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in an immersive digital environment.

 

MobyMax

https://www.mobymax.com

Find and fix learning gaps.

 

Music Theory

https://www.musictheory.net/

Introductory and intermediate music theory lessons, exercises, ear trainers, and calculators.

 

Mystery Science

https://mysteryscience.com/school-closure-planning

Free, easy science lessons for remote learning.

 

New American History

https://www.newamericanhistory.org/

Digital learning resources and tools developed by Dr. Ed Ayers for American History/Geography/Current Events.

 

Nitro Type

https://www.nitrotype.com/

Students improve the foundational skill of typing by competing in fast-paced races against users from around the world.

 

NoRedInk

https://www.noredink.com/

Develop better writers. Includes diagnostic tools and assessments, targeted skills practice, a writing platform that guides students through the drafting and revision process, and instructional resources for teachers.

 

Novel Effect

https://noveleffect.com/

As you read out loud from print books (or ebooks!) music, sound effects and character voices play at just the right moment, adjusting and responding to your voice.

 

Olive Book

https://www.olive-book.com/pages/the-olive-book-home

SAT and ACT test prep for visual learners – no screen scribble, no tripod teachers, comprehensive content.

 

ParagraphPunch

http://paragraphpunch.com

Teaches students how to write a paragraph online

 

PBS Learning Media

https://kera.pbslearningmedia.org/

Free, PreK-12 digital media service featuring 30,000 learning materials aligned to state and national standards, including 25,000+ videos, interactive lesson plans, media galleries and more.

PebbleGo by Capstone

https://pebblego.com/free-pebblego-capstone-interactive-access-school-closures?fbclid=IwAR0ldr6TT3grhEDzJ_fEpYvNGG13kqYo5ogwEqYneW7QBkX8L4u7cEIS0nE

Curricular content hub specifically designed for K-3 students. Packed with informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy supports for students of all abilities, it boosts engagement and fosters independent learning in core subject areas.

 

Phonics Hero

https://www.phonicshero.com/

Phonics Hero teaches school-aged children to read and spell with systematic phonics. Using a step-by-step approach, the 850 games teach children the 44 sounds, the reading and spelling of words, and how to conquer sentences. Available on tablets and computers.

 

Pinna

https://pinna.fm/

Screen-free, ad-free audio streaming service custom-made for kids 3-12, featuring podcasts, audiobooks and music. Use the promo code PINNA4KIDS  To activate, create an account and enter the code in step 2 of the signup process. Two months for free.

 

Positive Physics

https://www.positivephysics.org/home

An online physics problem and video bank designed for conceptual, standard, honors or AP1 physics.

 

Prodigy

https://www.prodigygame.com

Prodigy is a curriculum-aligned math game for grades 1-8.

 

Readers 4SC

readers4sc.org

A critical thinking activity that incorporates novels and famous books, argumentation, and key themes together. Lesson plan, suggest topics per book, and publishing students’ work on the website are all free.

 

ReadWorks

https://www.readworks.org/

Online resource of reading passages and lesson plans for students of all levels K-12.

 

Red T Media

https://marketplace.mythinkscape.com/store/redtkids

Critical Thinking resources for K-6 students

 

Rock Hall EDU

https://edu.rockhall.com/

Free resources like videos, playlists, essays, lesson plans, writing prompts, and digitized materials from our Library & Archives.

 

SelfCad

https://www.selfcad.com/

3D CAD web application.

 

Shurley English

https://www.shurley.com/

The Shurley English program for grades K-8 provides a clear, logical, and concrete approach to language arts. The Shurley English Digital Edition will be offered to teachers and students for free. This offer includes complete video instruction for each lesson through our Shurley English Digital Assistant: SEDA. No code required.

 

Sight Reading Factory

https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/

SightReadingFactory.com makes practicing the important skill of sight-reading easy, effective and fun! This cloud-based service allows you to customize and generate unlimited sight reading examples instantly, on-demand for music educators, students and hobbyists of all ages and abilities. Free through June 30, 2020.

 

Smore Magazine

https://www.smoremagazine.com/product/smore-magazine-subscription-digital/

STEM magazine for ages 9+. Offering a Free Annual Subscription to Smore Digital (6 issues) until March 31st, 2020 with the use of code FREESMORE.

 

Spelling City

https://www.spellingcity.com

Spellingcity.com is free right now with code VSCFree90

 

Starfall

https://www.starfall.com/h/

Provides hours of engaging educational content for pre-school and grade school kids. It uses animation and sound to engage children in the learning process.

Storyboard That

https://www.storyboardthat.com

Powerful visual communication made easy

 

Storyline Online

https://www.storylineonline.net

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books.

 

Sworkit

https://app.sworkit.com/collections/kids-workouts

Kid-friendly workouts — choose from Strength for Kids, Agility for Kids, Flexibility and Balance for Kids, Warm-Up for Kids, Cooldown for Kids, Stand Up and Move.

 

Teaching Textbooks

https://www.teachingtextbooks.com

Math program for grades 3-12. First 16 lessons free with free trial.

 

Turnitin

https://www.turnitin.com/static/revision-assistant-walkthrough/

An online writing tool that you can access for FREE to help mitigate any gaps in your writing instruction and practice. 60-day free trial can be accessed here: https://go.turnitin.com/l/45292/2018-08-07/bgyfwq

 

Twig Education

https://www.go.twigeducation.com/covid19-us

Twig Science Tools is an award-winning supplemental resource with short videos in English and Spanish, visuals, and hands-on investigative activities.

Typing Club

https://www.typingclub.com/

Learn to type.

Typing.com

https://www.typing.com

Learn to type.

Vidcode

https://about.vidcode.com/lovemyvidcode/2020/3/9/in-support-of-schools-facing-health-related-closure?fbclid=IwAR0BvW4KVBRN6rb4tTC4F-poF61Uco1hBlttmme6A2m7uBtMEqXIhBls_CM

Teens learn to code.

Writing Legends

https://www.writinglegends.com/

Teach writing with the benefit of technology. Free of charge through July 31, 2020.

Wonderopolis

Wonderopolis.org

Short videos and readings that answers various burning questions for students. There are vocabulary challenges and comprehension questions.

Zearn

https://www.zearn.org/

Top-rated K-5 curriculum builds deep understanding and a love of learning math for all students.

PREPARE FOR HOMESCHOOLING SUCCESS

Your basic homeschooling kit should include internet access, a computer or tablet, a printer with plenty of ink, printer paper, colored pencils, markers or crayons, spiral notebooks and pens. To minimize frustration and delays, consider printing lessons or packets for a week at a time the weekend prior.

Special thanks to the companies above for generously sharing their programs, resources, materials and intellectual property during this unprecedented time of crisis.