Screens and earbuds don’t have to be the enemy. Used well, a good show, YouTube channel or audiobook can spark a rabbit trail, review something you’ve already taught, or carry part of the day when you need a break.
These are the channels, shows and audio we actually use in our homeschool, sorted by subject so you can find what you need quickly. I’ll keep adding to this page as we find new favorites.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend resources I’ve personally used and trust. Full disclosures.
When you need something to hand off
Some seasons are just hard. A new baby, sickness, a move, grief, or a week where you’re running on empty. In those seasons it’s okay to lean on good resources. Learning still happens while your kids listen to an audio drama or watch Wild Kratts as you rest or take care of what needs you.
My go-to picks for hard days:
- Turn on an audio drama or audiobook (see Audio below). It’s screen-free, and kids can color or build while they listen.
- Pick one show from the Science or History lists and let it count as school for the day.
- Let the little ones move with Jack Hartmann, PE Bowman or Little Sports.
Need more help for hard days? Grab my free Bad Day Box printables. And remember, you are not an island.
Educational YouTube channels
YouTube is a great free resource, but not every channel is safe or well done. These are the ones we keep coming back to.
Our YouTube Channel Library
Every channel we use in our homeschool, all in one place:
- Sorted by subject, from preschool to high school
- My rating on every channel
- Suggested ages and a faith label on each one
- Search, filters and a save-for-later list
Watch: 10 more of our favorite channels
Educational shows
These are the shows we use to supplement our homeschool, from classic PBS favorites to newer finds.
Our Educational Shows Library
Every show we use in our homeschool, all in one place:
- Sorted by subject, from preschool to high school
- My rating on every show
- Where to watch: YouTube, PBS, Amazon or your library
- Suggested ages and a faith label on each one
Watch: 30 of our favorite shows and how I decide what’s worth our screen time
Family-friendly podcasts
Podcasts are one of our favorite ways to sneak in learning on the go: car rides, quiet time, folding laundry.
Our Podcast Library
Every podcast we listen to as a family, all in one place:
- Sorted by subject, with episode lengths
- My rating on every podcast, plus the ones on my listening list
- Suggested ages and a faith label on each one
- Search, filters and a save-for-later list
Watch: 15 of our favorite podcasts for kids
Audio we love
Audio is one of our favorite tools, especially for our kids with dyslexia. We use audiobooks every day, and we load audio onto simple MP3 players so the kids can listen on their own during quiet time, in the car, or on hard days.
Our Audio Library
The audio dramas, audiobooks and music we love, all in one place:
- Audio dramas, audiobooks and music, sorted by subject
- My rating on every pick, plus my listening list
- Suggested ages and a faith label on each one
- Where we get audiobooks: Libby, Everand, Audible and more
Watch: how we use MP3 players and 10 things we put on them
Learning apps we use
Apps are a handy way to add practice and review, especially on busy days or in waiting rooms. These are the ones we actually use, from reading and math practice to Christian audio and safe videos.
Our Learning Apps Library
The learning apps and websites we actually use, all in one place:
- Reading, spelling, math, geography and more, sorted by subject
- What each app costs, with a filter for the free ones
- Suggested ages and a faith label on each one
- My notes from using them in our homeschool
Watch: 5 educational apps that are actually worth it
Games we love
Board games are one of our favorite ways to learn without it feeling like school. These are the games we play, from toddler games to strategy games for teens, and many work for kids who struggle with reading.
Our Games Library
The board, card and travel games we play in our homeschool, all in one place:
- Math, word, logic, science, geography and Bible games
- A filter for games that need little or no reading
- Suggested ages and a faith label on each one
- My notes on how we play them
Watch: the best board games for homeschoolers
Get A Whole Subject In Your Inbox
Pick a subject and we’ll email you every YouTube channel, show, podcast and audio pick we love for it, all in one list.
Curriculum with audio or video built in
Some of our favorite curriculum already comes with audio or video, which makes independent work (and hard seasons) so much easier. You can read more about each one on Our Favorite Curriculum.
- Story of the World – history, with audiobook versions read by Jim Weiss
- Apologia Science – audio versions of the textbooks for independent listening
- Grammar Galaxy – grammar and language arts we put on our MP3 players
- Teaching Textbooks – math lessons taught on screen
- IEW – video-taught writing lessons
- BiblioPlan – classical history and literature, with audio
- Grammar-Land – a classic story that teaches grammar, available as an audiobook
- Notgrass – history, with audio for some (but not all) books
Looking for more? Visit the Resources page for all of my resource hubs and free printables.