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A Beginner’s Guide to Unit Studies for Homeschoolers

By Nancy ~
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When I first began homeschooling, the term “unit study” kept popping up, and I had no clue what it meant. I kept wondering, Is it a curriculum? A workbook? Something expensive? It wasn’t until I dug in, asked other homeschooling moms, and eventually tried one for myself that I truly understood the beauty of unit studies. If you’re new to homeschooling or looking for a fresh way to engage your kids, this beginner’s guide to unit studies will walk you through what they are, why they work, how to start one, and where to find ideas and resources. I’m sharing everything I wish I knew when I first started—because once you try a unit study, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with this method too. 🌿 What Is a Unit Study? A unit study is a homeschool approach where you center all (or most) subjects around a single theme or topic. Instead of learning math, science, reading, and history separately with unrelated materials, a unit study ties them all together through one central ide...
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Top 5 Educational YouTube Channels for Kids You Need to Know About

By Nancy ~

As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to keep my kids engaged while learning something meaningful. And let’s be honest—there are just those days when you need a break, or you need to finish the dishes, or gasp drink your coffee while it’s still warm! That’s where educational YouTube channels come in like little lifesavers.

Not all screen time is bad, especially when it supports what your child is already learning or sparks a new curiosity. I’ve come across many wonderful channels over the years, but there are a few that truly stand out for both their quality content and kid-friendly vibe. Whether you're a fellow homeschool parent or just looking for fun, educational videos for your child, here are my top 5 must-know educational YouTube channels for kids. These are channels I genuinely recommend and even enjoy watching with my own kids!

1. National Geographic Kids

Why we love it:
National Geographic Kids is perfect for sparking curiosity about the world around us. From animal facts and fascinating science experiments to culture and history, this channel brings the natural world to life in ways that kids can easily understand and enjoy.

What they offer:

  • Amazing animal videos

  • Fun science facts

  • Earth and space exploration

  • Kid-friendly explainers on history and geography

Best for: Ages 6 and up, but even younger kids love the visuals!

My take:
My 12-year-old son loves their animal videos, and they’ve actually inspired some of our mini unit studies. One video on volcanoes led to an entire week of us learning about natural disasters—complete with homemade eruptions in our kitchen!

2. Cosmic Kids Yoga

Why we love it:
This channel is a beautiful blend of movement, mindfulness, and storytelling. Cosmic Kids Yoga offers themed yoga adventures that not only get your child moving but also teach emotional regulation, focus, and calm.

What they offer:

  • Yoga sessions with storytelling

  • Mindfulness and breathing exercises

  • Relaxation videos (great for wind-down time or before bed)

Best for: Ages 3–9, but even I’ve joined in a few times!

My take:
This has become part of our morning routine, especially on those restless days. My 6-year-old daughter looks forward to “Yoga Time with Jaime” and has even learned to take deep breaths when she's feeling frustrated—thank you, Cosmic Kids!

3. SciShow Kids

Why we love it:
SciShow Kids makes science approachable, visual, and super fun. Their host, Jessi, has a warm and enthusiastic presence that makes even complex topics understandable for young learners.

What they offer:

  • Engaging science topics

  • Hands-on experiments

  • Clear explanations of how the world works

Best for: Ages 5–10, but older kids may enjoy revisiting the basics in a fun way.

My take:
My son often starts asking “why” questions after watching these videos—and I love that! From the water cycle to why cats purr, this channel supports both science learning and everyday curiosity.

4. Khan Academy Kids (via App + YouTube)

Why we love it:
Khan Academy Kids is well-known for their app, but their YouTube channel is a gem too. The videos cover early learning subjects with a gentle, playful tone that keeps preschoolers and early elementary kids engaged.

What they offer:

  • Alphabet and phonics

  • Basic math concepts

  • Storytime and songs

  • Critical thinking and emotional development

Best for: Preschool to 2nd grade.

My take:
When we first started homeschooling, this channel was a huge help while I got my bearings. It’s especially helpful for little ones just beginning to learn their letters or practice counting. It also gave me confidence as a teacher-mom to see how learning could be fun and interactive.

5. Art for Kids Hub

Why we love it:
This one is hands-down a favorite in our house, even my husband joins! Art for Kids Hub offers easy-to-follow drawing tutorials for kids of all ages. The best part? It’s usually a dad drawing with one of his kids, which makes it super relatable and heartwarming.

What they offer:

  • Drawing tutorials

  • Holiday crafts

  • Step-by-step how-tos for all skill levels

Best for: Ages 4–12 and even adults who want to join in!

My take:
We’ve used Art for Kids Hub as part of our weekly art time, and it’s been a great bonding experience too. My daughter is proud of her drawings, and my son loves trying the more advanced ones. Plus, it’s screen time that results in actual creativity!

Final Thoughts: Learning Can Be Screen Time Too

One of the biggest takeaways I’ve had as a homeschool mom is that learning doesn’t have to look traditional to be effective. These YouTube channels have helped me balance teaching multiple ages while also encouraging independence and exploration. They’re also a great tool for road trips, sick days, or those “I need a minute” moments we all have.

Tips for Using Educational YouTube Channels:

  • Preview the content first. Even kid-friendly channels might have ads or topics you're not ready to explore yet.

  • Make it intentional. Pair a video with a hands-on activity, journaling, or drawing session.

  • Create a YouTube playlist. This helps you avoid the rabbit hole of suggested videos and keep things focused.

  • Watch together when you can. Some of our best conversations have started after a 5-minute video!

If you’re homeschooling or just looking to add more meaningful content to your child's screen time, I highly recommend checking out these channels. They’ve become trusted resources in our home—and I hope they bless yours too.

What about you?
Do you have a favorite educational YouTube channel for your kids? Have you tried any of the ones I mentioned?
Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and add more ideas to our watch list!

Related Posts You Might Like:

Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.

~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️

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