Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Suzy McCullough
Homeschooling. What us? I have always wanted to homeschool our son at primary level. My husband has never been up for it, though. But he,y it looks like we’ve been thrown in at the deep end. While I’m not overly concerned he will be missing out on a formal education, as he’s already doing really well, I would like to take this opportunity to give him some real one-on-one time. There are quite a few things I’d like to concentrate on, such as basic maths, his handwriting and also his general knowledge. For now that is going to be my main focus.
He was supposed to be doing his SATs this year, so I have bought him some exercise books that focus on that. Amazon and The Works are great places to purchase these kinds of resources. I’ve also bought in other fun activity books with crosswords, dot-to-dots and other puzzles. These are in a box in the lounge so that he can pick them up whenever he fancies.
I have shared our daily timetable in this post – Home School Diary Week 1. We aren’t always going to stick by it. We certainly haven’t for the past 2 days, as he has seemed tired and more keen to chill out and just play. So we’ve gone with that for now, and we will focus on projects and more learning again next week.
Our Favourite Home Schooling Resources
One week into homeschooling, and the following are the resources that we’ve been enjoying the most. They are the ones that are certainly worth seeing if your child likes them and enjoys them. I will add to this list whenever there is something that we have enjoyed or have found to be of interest. I am also hoping to start a post about easy ideas at home that don’t involve too many resources.
Twinkl
Online printables – learning resources up to GCSEs. There is a HUGE number of activities to print out. Some are sitting down at the table type activities, others get you up and about around the house.
Bitesize
Online – From primary right through to 16+. Plenty of learning-based activities, including language videos, maths videos and more
Phonics Play
Online – A site packed with interactive phonics games, phonics planning, assessment ideas and many teaching ideas and resources to help children learn.
Prodigy Maths
Online – Free maths exercises from 6+ (they have this at my son’s school)
Times Table rock stars
App – Our school is subscribed to this, so it’s free for us. But it’s only £6 for a year. For 6+
Khan Academy
Online – FREE resources for 4-18 years
Wake-up and Shake-up – GoNoodle
YouTube – Just search for it, and there are lots of fun videos for kids (and you) to join in with to start the day. Our favourite is GoNoodle.
Cosmic Yoga
YouTube – Yoga for kids. I’ve seen this recommended a lot today. We will be giving it a go soon
Earn Blue Peter Badges
Kids can earn a free Blue Peter badge by sending in something they’ve created, like a drawing, story, poem or review. Along with a short note explaining why they’re proud of it.
Reading Eggs
App – Kids can earn rewards through Reading Eggs by completing lessons, quizzes and reading challenges that encourage regular practice and build confidence as they learn to read.
Activity Village
Online printables – They have FREE packs available to download, such as packs for Easter and colouring packs for older kids.
DuoLingo
Online or App – You can spend just a few minutes a day learning 30+ languages online with bite-sized lessons. We are working our way through the French course. My son is 6, and without my understanding of French, I think he would struggle. But together we are working our way through it, and he’s already learnt a lot.
CITV Free games
Online – These online games aren’t all educational, but they are fre,e and our son loves them, especially Danger Mouse and Nightfall (they can play with their friends). They also have quizzes and puzzles.
Top Marks Maths
Online – This is a range of free educational games for children from KS1 through to higher education. Most online activities are tablet-friendly.
Oxford Owl
Online – Free resources to support learning at home, online and in the form of printables. Advice and support for parents, educational activities and games. Plus free eBook library for 3 to 11-year-olds.
NatGeoKids
Online – Including games (mostly quiz-based) and primary resources via printables. Find engaging and curriculum-led teaching ideas and accompanying resource sheets aligned with the National Curriculum and the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. You just need to register (it’s free) to access their resources.
Epic
Online or App – Epic! is the #1 children’s digital library for kids 12 and under, offering access to over 35,000 high-quality books for kids, learning videos, reading quizzes and more. We are lucky that his school has signed up for a subscription. If your school can’t do this, the first 30 days are currently free and $7.99 after.
White Rose Maths
Online Printables – TWhite Rose Maths is a free online resource that offers structured lessons, worksheets and videos to help children build confidence in maths at home or in school.
TTS Group
Online Printables – The TTS Group has created a curriculum-focused independent learning resource with over 40 home learning activities, all planned and all prepared. (There are almost 100 pages of activities in the KS1 activity pack alone)
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