Top 20 Resources for Home Education (Pre-K to 6)
- Charles Albanese
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
The growing shift toward home education has given parents the freedom to design learning experiences that align with their child’s pace, interests, and family values. Yet for many families, the freedom of homeschooling also comes with its biggest challenge, choosing the right learning resources.
There are thousands of websites, apps, printables, and programs claiming to make home learning easier. But not all are created equal. Some are designed for older students, while others rely heavily on screens, offering little opportunity for real-world exploration. For parents of young children in Pre-K to Grade 6, this often leads to confusion and information overload.
To make this easier, we’ve curated a list of the 20 best resources for home education, from trusted public education websites to printable activity hubs and hands-on curriculum programs. Every resource in this guide supports developmentally aligned, inclusive, and experiential learning, helping parents create a balanced and engaging home education environment.
This guide is written especially for parents of early learners, those who want structured, high-quality materials without losing the creativity, curiosity, and joy that make learning meaningful.
TL;DR (Key Takeaways)
Strong learning happens when parents combine structured frameworks, hands-on activities, and public-resource enrichment, especially for Pre-K to Grade 6.
Look for materials that are age-aligned, secular, non-screen heavy, and that build real-world problem-solving, not just worksheets or videos.
A balanced weekly rhythm (mixing core curriculum, printables, exploration, and reflection) helps you manage time, engagement, and screen use effectively.
Why Reliable Resources Matter in Home Education
For young learners, the quality of resources can shape how they view learning itself. Reliable, age-appropriate materials help children develop curiosity and confidence while giving parents the support they need to teach consistently.
Many new homeschoolers start with free online content or mixed-grade worksheets found through social media. While these can be useful, they often lack developmental structure or progression across subjects. For example, a math activity meant for second graders may appear too abstract for a five-year-old, while a history worksheet might assume prior knowledge a younger child does not yet have.
The best resources for home education go beyond isolated worksheets or videos. They are:
Developmentally Aligned: Designed for specific age groups and stages of growth.
Hands-On and Interactive: Encouraging children to build, experiment, and create, rather than passively watch.
Inclusive and Secular: Open to families from all backgrounds and beliefs.
Comprehensive: Covering key subjects like literacy, numeracy, science, and creative arts in balanced ways.
In the early years, especially, real-world learning is far more effective than extended screen time. According to TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), children learn best when they explore ideas through storytelling, nature walks, experiments, and collaborative play. This hands-on approach not only improves retention but also helps children build essential social and problem-solving skills.
Reliable resources also reduce the stress parents feel when designing lessons. Instead of piecing together content from multiple platforms, families can use well-organised materials that already align with national standards and educational best practices.
20 Best Resources for Home Education
Parents looking for reliable home education materials can save hours of searching by starting with trusted organisations and platforms.The following list combines government-backed educational resources, interactive learning websites, hands-on printables, and curriculum-based programs that make it easy to teach confidently at home.
Group 1: Government and Public Education Resources
1. U.S. Department of Education – Learning at Home This official Department of Education page curates learning materials from multiple federal agencies. It includes links to virtual field trips, games, and printable lessons for parents, teachers, and students. Best for: General academic enrichment and national education standards.
2. NASA Kids’ Club A fun and educational platform offering space-themed games, videos from astronauts, and hands-on science experiments children can try at home. Best for: STEM and science exploration for Grades 1–6.
3. Smithsonian Learning Lab The Smithsonian’s digital library gives families free access to thousands of museum collections, 3D exhibits, and interactive learning kits across science, history, and art. Best for: Arts, culture, and history learning.
4. Library of Congress – Education Resources A powerful platform with primary source materials, reading resources, and civics-based projects to help children understand American history and government. Best for: History, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.
5. EPA Environmental Education Resources This site offers quizzes, videos, and games that teach children about recycling, sustainability, and the environment. Best for: Environmental science and sustainability education.
6. NOAA Education From ocean life to weather systems, NOAA’s education site helps children explore Earth sciences with real-time data and interactive activities. Best for: Earth science, geography, and natural studies.
7. National Gallery of Art – NGAkids Art Zone A virtual art studio where children can explore colour, shape, and design through creative play and printable art activities. Best for: Art and creativity for Pre-K to Grade 3.
Group 2: Online Learning Platforms and Apps
8. Khan Academy A free, mastery-based learning platform that offers structured lessons in math, science, grammar, and reading comprehension. The dashboard helps parents track progress easily. Best for: Structured, self-paced learning with minimal setup.
9. Prodigy Math A game-based platform that helps children strengthen math skills while earning rewards and completing adventures. Parents can set goals and review progress through their accounts. Best for: Making math practice engaging for Grades 1–6.
10. Duolingo A popular app for language learning with gamified lessons in Spanish, French, Japanese, and more. Kids earn points and streaks, keeping motivation high. Best for: Early exposure to new languages.
11. PBS Kids Home to beloved characters and educational series, PBS Kids offers videos, games, and printable activities that reinforce early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Best for: Interactive learning for Pre-K to Grade 3.
12. Starfall An early-learning platform focused on reading, phonics, and math basics through colourful, story-based lessons. Best for: Kindergarten and early elementary reading practice.
13. National Geographic Kids Filled with videos, quizzes, and fun facts, this site makes science and geography exciting for young learners. Best for: Nature, animals, and global learning projects.
14. Time4Learning An all-in-one homeschooling tool that offers virtual lessons, printable worksheets, and planning support for parents. It covers multiple subjects and grade levels. Best for: Parents who want structured online lessons with flexibility.
Group 3: Hands-On and Printable Resource Hubs
While digital platforms are useful, hands-on learning remains essential for young learners. These printables and activity hubs let children explore, build, and create using real-world materials, aligning perfectly with TSHA’s non-screen approach.
15. ClayMaze.com A collection of free printable worksheets and craft templates designed for children under Grade 5. It includes math puzzles, creative art projects, and simple science experiments. Best for: Quick, printable activities that reinforce basic concepts.
16. Scholastic Learn at Home Scholastic provides daily lessons, book-based activities, and worksheets that connect reading with real-world topics. The “Learn at Home” hub includes themed weeks covering animals, weather, and community helpers. Best for: Reading comprehension and thematic learning.
17. Twinkl Free Resources A teacher-created platform offering free and premium printable packs, covering phonics, handwriting, math, and classroom management tools. Parents can easily filter by grade and subject. Best for: Ready-to-print lesson packs and structured worksheets.
18. Education.com Worksheets Education.com features thousands of printable worksheets, games, and activity ideas across every subject. The visual and interactive designs make learning engaging for younger students. Best for: Subject-specific practice and early learning reinforcement.
19. Project Gutenberg – Children’s Books Collection A digital library offering over 70,000 free e-books, including children’s classics, fables, and illustrated reading materials. Perfect for integrating literature into weekly lessons. Best for: Free reading resources for story time or independent reading.
20. KidsThinkDesign A creative hub where children can explore design thinking through projects in architecture, fashion, and graphic design. It encourages visual problem-solving and imagination. Best for: Integrating design, art, and creativity into learning.
Group 4: Complete Curriculum and Support Programs
For parents who prefer a cohesive program instead of assembling separate resources, these curriculum-based options offer structure, assessment tools, and ongoing support.
21. The School House Anywhere (TSHA) TSHA provides the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), a developmentally aligned, secular, hands-on curriculum for Pre-K to Grade 6. Parents receive lesson plans, films, and printables designed for offline learning. With tools like Transparent Classroom, families can track progress and manage portfolios easily. The program also includes live educator sessions and 24/7 support. Best for: Parents seeking a complete, structured, non-screen home education system.
22. Oak Meadow A flexible, print-based homeschool curriculum for Grades K–12, with an emphasis on creativity and independent learning. While faith-neutral, it shares TSHA’s commitment to experiential education. Best for: Families who want guided, project-driven homeschooling.
23. Outschool A platform offering thousands of live, teacher-led classes for children. It allows parents to supplement their curriculum with interactive group sessions on topics ranging from art to coding. Best for: Enrichment classes and peer learning.
24. K12 Online School An accredited online education provider that offers both tuition-free and private options. It includes certified teachers, progress tracking, and structured courses across all grades. Best for: Families looking for a more traditional online school experience.
How to Combine These Resources into a Weekly Plan
With so many resources available, the key to successful home education is finding balance. Parents can mix structured lessons with exploratory learning, ensuring that each week feels both consistent and engaging.
Here’s an example of how to build a weekly rhythm for younger learners (Pre-K–Grade 3):
Day | Focus Area | Suggested Resources |
Monday | Reading and Writing | Scholastic Learn at Home, Project Gutenberg |
Tuesday | Math and Logic | Prodigy Math, Education.com Worksheets |
Wednesday | Science and Discovery | NASA Kids’ Club, NOAA Education |
Thursday | Art and Creativity | NGAkids Art Zone, KidsThinkDesign |
Friday | Social Studies and Nature | Smithsonian Learning Lab, TSHA AEC Project Guide |
Weekend | Reflection and Portfolio | Transparent Classroom (TSHA), Family Discussion |
A weekly plan like this keeps learning varied and sustainable. It alternates between online and offline tasks, ensuring that children stay engaged without becoming dependent on screens.
Parents can also adapt this model by theme, for example, “The Garden Around Us,” “Our Solar System,” or “Community Helpers.” Each theme can draw from both public resources (NASA, Smithsonian, EPA) and TSHA’s AEC modules, which provide lesson structure and reflective wrap-ups.
How TSHA Complements These Resources
Even with so many valuable resources available, many parents find themselves juggling multiple platforms, printables, and lesson plans every week. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially when trying to maintain consistency and track progress.
This is where The School House Anywhere (TSHA) becomes a true partner for parents. TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) brings structure and support to everything else you use.
Here’s how it fits naturally with other resources:
Central Structure for Learning: While resources like NASA Kids or Khan Academy provide excellent standalone content, TSHA’s AEC gives these lessons context. It connects subjects through projects, storytelling, and real-world exploration, helping children see how topics relate to one another.
Progress Tracking: With Transparent Classroom, parents can document activities, monitor academic milestones, and maintain compliance with homeschool requirements without spreadsheets or guesswork.
Non-Screen Learning: Unlike most digital platforms, TSHA’s AEC prioritises tangible, experiential learning, crafts, experiments, and journaling, to build curiosity and independence.
Community Support: Through weekly educator sessions, live office hours, and 24/7 assistance, TSHA ensures that parents never have to navigate homeschooling alone.
Balanced Curriculum Delivery: TSHA’s resources, printables, and films complement other materials seamlessly. For example, a parent might use a Smithsonian science activity as an extension to an AEC lesson on “The World Around Us.”
By combining TSHA’s structured program with diverse external resources, parents can offer their children a rich, engaging education that blends academic depth with real-world discovery.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The best home education experiences are built on balance. While online platforms and printable resources provide variety, a structured program like TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum ensures everything connects in a meaningful, developmentally sound way.
By blending curated public resources with TSHA’s guided curriculum and progress-tracking tools, parents can transform daily lessons into joyful, consistent learning experiences. Children not only gain knowledge but also learn to think critically, explore creatively, and connect learning to life.
For parents ready to simplify their homeschooling journey and focus on what truly matters, their child’s curiosity and growth, TSHA offers everything in one place: curriculum, printables, guidance, and community.
Explore the TSHA Program for Parents to discover how the American Emergent Curriculum can help your family create a rich, flexible, and hands-on home education experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best free resources for home education?
Some of the most trusted free options include Khan Academy, PBS Kids, NASA Kids’ Club, and the Library of Congress Education Portal. These provide developmentally appropriate materials without any subscription fees.
2. How can I make home learning more hands-on and less screen-heavy?
Use printables from ClayMaze, Twinkl, or Education.com, and plan offline projects inspired by Smithsonian Learning Lab or National Geographic Kids. TSHA’s AEC also offers hands-on modules designed for minimal screen use.
3. Are these resources suitable for secular home education?
Yes. All the platforms listed in this guide are secular and inclusive, making them suitable for families of any background or belief system.
4. How do I track my child’s learning progress at home?
Parents can use digital tools like Transparent Classroom (available through TSHA) or create a simple portfolio with dated worksheets, reading logs, and project notes. Progress tracking helps maintain structure and accountability.
5. How does TSHA’s curriculum fit with other homeschooling tools?
TSHA’s AEC curriculum can act as the backbone of your homeschooling plan. Parents can integrate external resources, such as Prodigy for math or PBS Kids for literacy, within TSHA’s developmental framework to maintain continuity and variety.