If you’re a home-educating parent, first of all, hats off to you. It’s a big decision and an exciting one too! I have been home-educating Harrison, who is 13, for the past eight months, and while it’s been a learning curve for both of us, it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences. With home education becoming more popular, there are so many fantastic resources out there to help tailor learning to your child’s needs and interests. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, having a stash of great resources makes all the difference. Here are some of our favourites to help you along the way!

Online Platforms

Online platforms are absolute lifesavers when you need a little extra support or inspiration. There’s something for every age and subject. Some of our top picks:

• Twinkl – Perfect for printable worksheets, activities, and lesson plans for pretty much every subject and age group. They even have home-ed-specific resources, and free online lessons.
• BBC Bitesize – Completely free, with interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes for primary and secondary students.
• Khan Academy – If maths and science make you break out in a cold sweat, Khan Academy is your new best friend. It’s free, with clear, easy-to-follow video tutorials.
• EdPlace – A brilliant online resource for English, maths, and science. It’s perfect for tailored worksheets and assessments that track progress.
• IXL – A go-to for reinforcing core subjects with its interactive questions and instant feedback. Plus, you can target specific areas for improvement.
• Oak National Academy – Created in response to school closures, this is a brilliant free resource offering lessons for all ages and covering a wide range of subjects.

Apps for Learning on the Go

Apps are brilliant for learning on the move (or when you just need a 20-minute break with a cup of coffee!). They’re fun and interactive, which means the kids are learning without even realising it.

• Duolingo – Great for languages! Kids can pick up Welsh, French, Spanish, or even something random like Japanese, all through quick, game-like lessons.
• Mathletics – Aimed at primary school-aged children, it makes maths more enjoyable with challenges and rewards.
• Teach Your Monster to Read – This one’s a hit with younger kids. It turns phonics and reading into a fun adventure.
• Times Tables Rockstars – A super fun app to help kids master their times tables through rockstar-themed games and challenges. It’s addictive (in a good way!) and perfect for making maths practice fun!

Books and Hands-On Resources

There’s nothing quite like good old-fashioned books and hands-on learning. Whether it’s curling up with a storybook or getting stuck into a science experiment, physical resources are gold.

• National Geographic Kids Magazine – Great for budding scientists and nature lovers.
• MEL Science Kits – Monthly science experiments delivered to your door. Super hands-on and perfect for curious kids.
• Lego – who can deny the absolute versatility and fun that Lego holds? We have built balancing scales for Maths, used it for creating sets of instructions (English) and that’s just the two off the top of my head!
• CGP Books – These are a go-to for both primary and secondary subjects. CGP books cover everything from maths to English and are packed with helpful explanations, practice questions, and answers to make learning a breeze.
• The Week Junior – A brilliant magazine for older kids, packed with age-appropriate news, facts, and current events to keep them engaged with the world around them. It’s a great way to get them thinking critically about the news and their role in it.

And don’t forget the local library! It’s a treasure trove of free books, and many libraries also run workshops or storytelling sessions. We use the library at least once a week, for a change of scenery and so we have all the books to hand. Our libraries also have BorrowBox, which means we can download audiobooks and magazines to read online for free.

Social Groups and Outdoor Learning

Home education doesn’t mean learning alone. Socialisation and outdoor play are just as important as reading and writing, no matter how old. Getting out and about helps kids learn in real-life situations and meet new friends.

• Join a local home-ed group – Many areas have meet-ups for home-educating families. It’s a great way to swap ideas and let the kids make friends.
• Try forest school sessions – These are brilliant for hands-on nature learning and burning off some energy!
• Check out local sports clubs or drama groups – Extra-curricular activities help build confidence and new skills.
• Clubs like St John Cadets and any of the military service/police cadets.
• Youth clubs – in our local area we have Youth Shedz and Conwy Youth Service, which offer a massive range of activities for kids. Harrison (and Alex) have done things like forest school sessions, day trips to theme parks and local cities, crafts, film clubs, filmmaking, breakfast clubs and more.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources

It’s easy to get caught up in planning the perfect curriculum, but don’t forget to focus on mental health and wellbeing too. Happy, relaxed kids are in the best position to learn.

• Cosmic Kids Yoga – Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation are all wrapped up in fun stories. We’ve used Cosmic Kids Yoga since those distant days of COVID lockdowns, and it’s always a winner.
• GoNoodle – Movement and mindfulness videos to help kids release energy and chill out when needed.

YouTube, Podcasts, and TV Documentaries: Learning from the Screen

Let’s face it – screens are everywhere. But when used wisely, YouTube, podcasts, and documentaries can be amazing tools for home education! These resources bring learning to life with visuals, sounds, and real-world examples, which can be perfect for a more engaging experience. Here’s how we make the most of them:

• YouTube – There’s a whole world of educational content on YouTube. From historical deep dives to hands-on DIY projects, the options are endless. Channels like CrashCourse cover subjects like history, biology, and literature with a fun and quirky twist. It is also really helpful for explaining individual concepts. For example, we were struggling with simplifying fractions a couple of weeks ago but found an excellent UK teacher on YouTube who explained it really clearly. Pro tip: create playlists for different subjects to keep things organised and easy to find!
• Podcasts – Podcasts are brilliant for learning on the go (or while doing other activities like cooking or tidying). You can find educational podcasts on pretty much any topic. For science lovers, Brains On! is full of fun experiments and curious facts. For something more history-based, The History Extra Podcast offers fascinating interviews with historians. Just have a mooch through Spotify or Apple Music where they are free.
• Documentaries on TV – Sometimes there’s nothing better than watching something on the big screen. Documentaries are great for getting a real-world view of what you’re learning about. BBC iPlayer and Netflix have a ton of family-friendly documentaries. Shows like Our Planet or The Blue Planet are fantastic for exploring nature and conservation, for example.

These screen-based resources not only provide valuable educational content, but they also make learning more flexible, interesting, and interactive. Plus, it’s a great way to squeeze in some learning while getting comfy on the sofa.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home education. What works for one family might not work for another, and that’s totally fine! Mix and match, try new things, and most importantly, have fun with it.

If you’ve got any go-to resources or secret weapons for home-ed success, share them in the comments below!