It’s back to school, but this year, school is looking VERY different for many. (That might be the understatement of the year.) Plenty of schools are doing virtual learning or some kind of hybrid version of that, and many parents are deciding to homeschool. Whatever your school year looks like, I want to share with you some resources to make this year a little less stressful, and a little more fun.

While I have very strong feelings about children sitting in front of screens all day, I do think they can be useful. You’ll find I include websites as well as apps and hard copy resources to help you. I truly believe learning happens through genuine engage which is very hard to do through a screen. At the end of the day one of the best things you can to for you children is to foster of love of reading and learning through books, freedom to create and explore, and engaging them in meaningful experiences they can connect to.

Khan Academy

If you haven’t heard of Khan Academy, you’re about to meet your new best friend. This is a free online learning resource that has tons of lessons on everything from math and science to literature and art. I’ve used Khan Academy as a teacher, and it is truly a great help!

Teachers Pay Teachers

Teacher pay teachers is an online store filled with tons of resources created by teachers, for teachers. There are plenty of home schooling resources available too. (I have lots of writing and even some science resources for sale at my store.)

Crash Course

The YouTube Series Hosted by John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars), his brother, and others, these brief videos on YouTube cover many so many subjects from history to science to everything in between. They’re fun and funny, and quickly covers subjects that apply to middle grade and teens. I used this all the time in my classroom.

Explode the Code

Explode the Code is another home school curriculum, this time for reading. Hard copy and online resources are available and a great for children learning to read.

Purdue Online Writing Lab

This is my favorite online resource for all of the picky English grammar and writing rules. Its like an online English textbook and it’s regularly updated.

Hoopla

Reading aloud is so important for children, especially young ones. But when you have several children at home and you’re trying to balance everyone’s schooling, it can be really hard to find the time. Hoopla is one of my favorite apps for audio books, and they have plenty of book options for kids.

ABC Mouse

ABC Mouse is another online learning program for children ages 2-8. You do have to pay for a subscription, but it has plenty of age-appropriate lessons and materials.

IXL

IXL is another online learning website that has so many tools, lessons, and skill building for Prek-12. It’s a great tool to keep in you toolbelt for schooling

Don’t let this wacky school year stress you out. Let me know how this list helps you! Do you have any favorites I didn’t include?