Comprehensive Guide To Free Educational Resources For Homeschoolers And Teachers

Educational resources can be expensive, but numerous free options are available for homeschooling families and classroom teachers. This guide compiles information about free educational materials, curriculum resources, classroom supplies, and professional development opportunities accessible at no cost. From comprehensive homeschool curricula to classroom teaching materials and continuing education for educators, these free resources can help reduce educational expenses while providing quality learning experiences.

Curriculum Freebies

Free curriculum resources are available across various subjects to support both homeschooling and traditional classroom settings. These resources provide structured learning materials without the financial burden of purchasing expensive curriculum packages.

Math Curriculum Resources

Khan Academy offers free math lessons, worksheets, and videos that cover a wide range of mathematical concepts. This platform provides comprehensive mathematics education suitable for various grade levels and learning abilities. The resources are available digitally, making them accessible to both homeschooling families and classroom teachers.

Language Arts Resources

ReadWriteThink provides free grammar exercises, writing prompts, and reading comprehension worksheets. These resources support the development of essential language skills and can be integrated into various teaching approaches. The materials are designed to be engaging and effective for students at different proficiency levels.

Science & Nature Studies

Mystery Science offers free science lesson plans, virtual field trips, and experiments. These resources make scientific concepts accessible and engaging through hands-on activities and exploration. The materials cover various scientific topics and are suitable for different age groups.

Educational Materials by Grade Level

Educational resources are available for all grade levels, from early childhood through high school. These free materials can be adapted to suit individual learning needs and educational approaches.

K-12 Core Subjects and Spanish

IXL provides free access to numerous skills across core subjects (math, language arts, science, social studies) and Spanish for all K-12 grade levels. The platform offers interactive exercises and assessments that can be used to supplement existing curriculum or as standalone learning resources.

Virtual Manipulatives

Toy Theater offers digital versions of classic math, science, and ELA manipulatives. These include geoboards, fraction/decimal/percentage strips, place value resources, scales, thermometers, Elkonin boxes, syllable builders, and more. These virtual tools help make abstract concepts concrete and are particularly useful for visual and kinesthetic learners.

STEM Resources

Homeschool.com provides free guides, activities, and lesson plans for teaching high school science, technology, engineering, and math. These resources support STEM education with structured yet flexible materials that can be adapted to different learning environments and student needs.

Special Education and Intervention Resources

Specialized resources are available for students with unique learning needs, including those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other special requirements.

Special Needs Support

Home Educator offers 50+ helpful items and freebies for homeschoolers with special needs. These include free or low-cost therapy options, apps for special needs support, and other resources tailored to support diverse learning requirements.

Dyslexia & ADHD Resources

Understood.org provides free learning tools specifically designed for students with dyslexia and ADHD. These resources focus on building effective learning strategies and accommodations that help students overcome challenges and succeed academically.

Visual Learning Charts

Do2Learn offers free visual schedules that support students with autism and other visual learners. These visual aids help students understand daily routines, expectations, and transitions, reducing anxiety and improving independence in learning environments.

Behavioral Strategy Printables

PBIS World provides free behavior management charts that support positive behavioral interventions and supports. These resources help educators implement consistent behavior management strategies that promote positive outcomes for all students.

Autism Homeschool Support

Stages Learning offers fun, free resources and subscriptions to support homeschooling families with children on the autism spectrum. These materials focus on building communication, social, and academic skills through engaging, evidence-based approaches.

Classroom Supplies and Materials for Teachers

Teachers can access various free physical materials and supplies for their classrooms through different programs and initiatives.

Educational Magazines

Teachers can request free magazines including My Big World, Let's Find Out, Scholastic News, StoryWorks, DynaMath, SuperScience, and Scholastic Art. These publications provide engaging content across various subjects and grade levels. No credit card is required to place these orders.

Teaching Tolerance Films

Teaching Tolerance offers free film kits for use in K-12 schools, schools of education, public libraries, houses of worship, and youth-serving nonprofit organizations. Current available films include An Outrage, Viva La Causa, Starting Small, Selma Bridge to the Ballot, One Survivor Remembers, and Mighty Times The Children's March. These resources support social education and awareness.

Hot Wheels Classroom Kit

Hot Wheels provides free classroom kits to select certified educators each September. These kits are available for Kindergarten classes, 4th-grade classes, and STEM/STEAM educators. Each kit includes up to 40 cars and tracks, plus pre-made lesson plans that teach physics concepts in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

Bucky's Classroom

The University of Wisconsin's Bucky's Classroom initiative provides teachers with various UW-Madison related items, including pencils, posters, bookmarks, and stickers. They also include free University of Wisconsin-Madison giveaways for teachers. These materials are available for Kindergarten through third grade teachers.

United For Human Rights Info Kit

United for Human Rights offers an information kit exclusively for teachers with students 18 years or older. Each kit includes a Story of Human Rights booklet, an award-winning educational DVD about The Story of Human Rights, and a guide to awareness and understanding of human rights. They provide one kit per teacher with free shipping.

National Institute on Drug Abuse Posters

The National Institute on Drug Abuse sends free posters to teachers through their drug abuse awareness program. Available educational posters include: - Drugs & Body (double-sided in Spanish and English) - Marijuana facts (double-sided English or Spanish) - Prescription drugs poster - Respect (Understanding how developing respect is key to healthy behaviors and relationships)

School Health Hand Sanitizer

School Health provides free hand sanitizer and dispensers to teachers upon request. These materials support health and safety in classroom environments.

Free Software and Digital Resources

Digital tools and software can enhance educational experiences without requiring financial investment.

Free Math Facts Songs & Activities

Various online platforms offer 15 songs, 12 coloring pages, and 8 activity sheets focused on mathematics. These resources can help students who struggle with math concepts by providing engaging, multi-sensory learning experiences.

Free Microsoft Software

Microsoft offers free software for educational purposes, though specific products and availability may vary. Teachers should check Microsoft's educational portal for current offerings.

Digital Citizenship and Online Safety Resources

Several organizations provide free resources to teach digital citizenship and online safety: - Interland: A free game that teaches citizenship through scenarios - Digital Passport: A free interactive game from Common Sense Media that teaches online responsibility through storytelling, available for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 - Netsmartz Kids Printables: Safety-focused activity sheets, comics, and puzzles from the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children - FBI Safe Online Surfing (SOS): Free grade-based online safety activities and games from the FBI - Cyberbullying Activity Toolkit: Free guides and videos from Stopbullying.gov to teach kids about bullying - Digital Compass: A choose-your-own-path learning experience about real online dilemmas, designed for middle schoolers (Note: This resource will be retired in June 2025) - Friendship Practice: 59 free pages to discuss and practice friendship skills, available through Canva Friendship Template Pages

Continuing Education Opportunities for Teachers

Professional development is essential for educators, and several free opportunities are available for teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Free Country Music Hall of Fame Tickets

The Country Music Hall of Fame offers free admission for all Tennessee teachers planning field trips. They also provide a 90-minute virtual field trip and webinar. Additionally, downloadable guides and resources are available to support educational visits.

Skillshare Lessons

Skillshare offers free online courses for teachers, covering topics such as classroom management, grammar, higher education, instructional design, lifestyle, student tools, English, and more. These courses can help educators develop new skills and teaching strategies.

MasterClass for Teachers

Teach For America teacher alumni and corps members can access a free All-Access Pass from MasterClass, valued at $180. This pass provides access to courses taught by expert instructors across various fields, supporting professional development and personal growth.

Stossel In The Classroom

This program provides free educational DVDs featuring John Stossel's journalism, suitable for high school classes. These materials present current events and economic principles through engaging video content.

Health and Safety Resources for Educational Settings

Maintaining health and safety in educational environments is crucial, and several resources are available to support these efforts.

Happy Teacher Revolution Starter Pack

Danna Thomas's free starter pack helps teachers implement self-care inside and outside the classroom. This resource focuses on supporting teacher well-being and creating positive educational environments.

Flu Shot Information

While awaiting the coronavirus vaccine, teachers can protect themselves by getting a flu shot. Free flu shots are available with a copay for those with health insurance. This resource supports teacher health and reduces absenteeism.

Mellow Monkey Masks

Mellow Monkey has donated KN95 face masks to local teachers for every $100 in face mask sales. Teachers can request free KN95 masks directly from the company to support health and safety in educational settings.

Conclusion

Free educational resources are widely available for both homeschooling families and classroom teachers. These materials span various subjects, grade levels, and special needs, making quality education more accessible regardless of financial constraints. From comprehensive curriculum resources to classroom supplies, digital tools, and professional development opportunities, educators can find numerous no-cost options to support their teaching and students' learning. By leveraging these resources, teachers and homeschooling parents can provide enriching educational experiences while managing educational expenses.

Sources

1. Planit Homeschool Freebies
2. MoneyPantry Free Stuff for Teachers
3. Frugal Reality Free Stuff for Teachers