Explore Educational Resources for Preschool to Grade 5!
As parents, we always want to be a part of their educational lives. After all, we’re their first teachers. Showing them how to walk, talk, and identify colors. So of course, as they get older, we want to continue being a part of that. But where do you start? Don’t worry! After with 5 kids, I’ve found a lot of things that truly work for all kinds of kids, and trust me, all five of my kids are different. So I can attest that the educational resources I’m sharing offer something for everyone.
All links featured here are independently selected by me. I have and do use all of these products and links. I do recommend them. However, when you buy some things through my retail links (they are noted next to the link if it’s an affiliate), I may earn an affiliate commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate Disclaimer
As parents, we always want to be a part of their educational lives. After all, we’re their first teachers. Showing them how to walk, talk, and identify colors. So of course, as they get older, we want to continue being a part of that. But where do you start? Don’t worry! After with 5 kids, I’ve found a lot of things that truly work for all kinds of kids, and trust me, all five of my kids are different. So I can attest that the educational resources I’m sharing offer something for everyone.
Most Recent Update/revisions:
- (12/5/2022) I have changed this to a list of items great for anyone looking for educational resources for grades Preschool (K3) to 5th Grade instead of just for homeschoolers.
A Little Background
This post started as a way to help people homeschool their kids with educational resources and educational items specifically for homeschooling. Of course, as with everything, this post is ever-evolving and has grown and changed to help everyone.
The beginning-Homeschooling
I started homeschooling my children in 2014. My oh my, how the time has flown. Back then I used a cheap tablet with a keyboard to type my blog posts (really as a hobby) in between school and meal prep.
Other things have changed since then as well. My family has grown, to a total of 7 people (5 kids), with only my 3-year-old at home with me. My blog is no longer Smith Country, talking about life on a farm and we moved from Dane County up to La Crosse, WI.
Moving away from homeschooling
The choice to homeschool my two oldest worked out really well for them, I was able to really work with them, and help them through things. However, sending them back to school in their older years has given them the opportunity to get to know other kids, and different people (not just family), and learn how to deal with change and obstacles that may come their way.
The Pandemic
Once the pandemic hit in 2020 homeschooling became something that we were so grateful we had done before. It prepared us for virtual learning in a way I had no idea would be such an asset. My Older two need to be able to focus on class work, and not be bothered, even though they were home. My youngest children needed to understand they couldn’t just walk into their older siblings’ rooms to play and say “Hi!” because they were usually on camera and couldn’t be interrupted. So I set out to find things that would educate and keep my younger ones busy as my older ones were doing school.
With all the different ages I have and the changes we have gone through, I have been able to narrow down what I do to a few helpful educational resources that I truly love. The entire point of this post is to offer all of you a little extra to what you and your kids are already doing.
The List
Finding ways to keep kids educated in a fun way can be hard. This list of educational resources is here to help make your search a little easier. Because not one size fits all, there are physical products (like workbooks), apps for your tablets/phones, and links for activities to print or do on the computer.
1. Physical Products
Sometimes it’s fun to get stuff in the mail! All of these resources are ordered and delivered to your home directly from the site. Some items can be ordered on Amazon (this link gives a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime to new members)!
Highlights
Highlights Subscription Boxes (Amazon Affiliate) I love these 15-minute-a-day-for-success subscription boxes for my youngest kids! It’s low-stress, the girls love getting the boxes every month, and they make it easy for me to help them. They offer Preschool thru 1st grade. I found these boxes to be really helpful. they even sent fun items as well like sticker books and card games! Click the product you’re interested in to get 50% off the first box.
But Highlights offers all kinds of great activities for your kids, so check them all out! I like to order them through Amazon because I have Prime so shipping is free and canceling is easier, honestly.
A and J Books
A and J Books (link is an Amazon Affiliate)was created by two moms. They offer all kinds of Educational Resources. From activity books, journals, & planners for families to have a creative outlet at home or on the go.
My girls love the activity books and my 7-year-old has really enjoyed writing in her journal.
A and J Books are constantly adding to their collection as well. They recently added these Scribble and Sketch Notebooks. Check out this Instagram post from them on the new books.
They are 8×10″ 90-page matte paperback notebooks. At the beginning of each book, there are examples of how to use each page style. The page styles are blank, dotted, graph, and quadrant) After that, your kids have the freedom to choose how they want to be creative.
Don’t worry about your kids getting stumped. They came up with 30+ fun drawing prompts so you don’t have to! Some of the prompts are even used for art therapy! Just scan the QR code in the book to access the prompts and spark their imagination!
Max Letters
These are not Educational Resources per se. But reading is always a great addition. Fans of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and/or The Hobbit will love this epic fantasy adventure set in a land of legends, elves, wizards, and talking beasts. This is a story sent a few pages at a time via snail mail! They also e-mail you prompts to talk about the story with your reader! So it’s great for homeschoolers looking for a good reading and comprehension option. Of course, every child is different, but as a general note, they suggest these letters for ages 8-14 years. You get 2 letters a month for an entire year! The cost is as follows:
- Monthly $12.99/month
- Pre-pay $129/year and save 17% (that’s $10.75/month).
Here’s one of the letters my son (age 14 when this blog post was written) received. He really enjoys the stories.
2. Websites
Not everyone wants to get things mailed to them. So here are some easy go-to sites for finding printable educational resources even easier.
WorksheetsWorks.com
I LOVE this site for creating worksheets. I use the Handwriting Practice for the kids’ extra practice “spelling word practice” sheets. I’ve also done this for my son who had spelling lists from school.
Teachers Pay Teachers
This site has a lot of fun activities (especially for younger students) and tons of resources for you. Fun fact if your kids go to school (private OR public), their teacher is likely using this site.
You can get a free login and a lot of the worksheets and activities are offered for free. You can buy some too. Think of it like Etsy and Pinterest combined for Printable School Work and projects.
The Math Worksheet Site
I still have my older kids do 5-minute math tests over the summer to keep their skills sharp. This site offers some great options for that with the answer key. Worksheets Works.com also has some nice Math worksheets as well, but I like this site for the 5-minute math tests.
3. Apps
I know, I know, screen time is something everyone wants to limit. but if your kids are going to be on a device, isn’t it nice when it’s educational?
ABC Mouse (Affiliate Link)
I use ABC Mouse as an addition to what I do with the girls. The best part is that the girls just think they’re playing games, in fact, Jo often chooses to play ABC Mouse, outside of school time. They earn prizes throughout their “Journey” and there are tons of additional apps you can download for writing, science, and math, that all go with your one login. If you click the link below you can get the first month free!
Khan Academy
This is great for adding a little extra to your child’s schooling. Whether you want to keep them sharp over the summer or they need a little extra practice on a subject. This is a non-profit organization that provides free, education (and tools) for anyone, anywhere. My son’s 5th-grade math teacher used this during the pandemic as their Math work so she could follow their progress. I sat with him on a few things and the videos were very helpful, even for me to be able to help with homework.
This App is Available on:
- Google Play
- Apple App Store (Apple Services Affiliate Link-You will not be charged for downloading this link at all.)
Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is amazing and FREE. We started using it in 2019 with our then 4-year-old and she really did gain a lot from it. There’s a big focus in the younger years on reading, and we really noticed a difference as she used it. And, if you have more than one child you can create multiple profiles for each child. They offer the app for
This App is Available on:
- Google Play
- Apple App Store (Apple Services Affiliate Link-You will not be charged for downloading this link at all.)
- Amazon App Store (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Need More?
Check out 5 Tips To Homeschool/Virtual Learn with Your Child. You can also check out my list of School Must Haves From Amazon for products that can help you as well.
Bonus!
Podcasts for Parents
I was contacted by someone that works for Michigan Virtual to check out this podcast. I did, and have to say that I enjoyed listening to it. They’re quick listeners and full of positive vibes. If you’re looking for something positive to listen to and maybe help you through your school, this podcast is a great starter.
Do you have suggestions for products, sites, or apps that you use?
Comment below with your favorite educational resources! I’ll check them out and might even add them to the list. Don’t worry, if I update my list and add them, I always credit you.
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