Hi sweet friends! 💛
I’m so happy you’re here. Today I’m sharing something very close to my heart: the tools, books, and resources that have truly transformed our homeschool days with my 12-year-old and 6-year-old. This isn’t just a “favorites list” — it’s a thoughtfully curated collection of things that consistently work, help solve common homeschooling struggles, bring joy, and actually get used day after day.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by choices online, unsure where to start, or just tired of products that look good but don’t deliver — this post is for you. I want you to walk away with practical options you can order today, ease your decision fatigue, and — most importantly — feel confident in what you bring into your learning spaces.
So let’s dive in!
Why We Choose What We Do
Before we get into specific products, I want to share our guiding philosophy when choosing homeschool resources:
1. It has to be purposeful.
Does it help build a skill, understanding, or habit?
2. It must engage, not just occupy.
Busy work is out — meaningful work is in.
3. It needs to be age-appropriate but flexible.
My 12-year-old and 6-year-old are at different stages, but many tools work for both with simple tweaks.
4. It actually gets used.
A curriculum might look beautiful — but beauty without use is wasted money.
All the items I share below check those boxes for us.
Core Curriculum & Essential Learning
Math
1. Singapore Math Workbooks (Primary & Intermediate)
We love Singapore Math because it builds deep understanding rather than memorizing tricks.
This has been a game-changer for both my 6-year-old (early concepts) and my 12-year-old (higher-level thinking).
Why it solves a problem: Many curriculums rush kids through steps. Singapore Math slows down in a smart way, ensuring kids truly get what they’re doing.
Language Arts
2. All-About-Learning Press Language Arts Kits
These are structured, multi-sensory, and perfect for both early readers and strengthening older readers’ skills.
What we love:
Bonus: It grows with your child — a huge plus for families with mixed ages.
History & Geography
3. Beautiful Feet Books + Companion Guides
These world history storybooks bring subjects to life with rich narrative instead of dry facts.
We pair them with map work and timeline activities that deepen retention.
Why it matters: Real stories stick — and Beautiful Feet makes history human and relatable.
Science That Sparks Curiosity
Hands-on science = my kids’ favorite part of the day.
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Earth science
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Human body
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Physics experiments
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Nature exploration
These kits build curiosity and confidence — not frustration.
Real learning happens when kids do, not just watch.
This book is beautifully illustrated, easy to navigate, and accessible for a wide age range — perfect for shared reading or independent exploration.
Creative & Enrichment Tools
Kids need balance — and joy — in their days.
Music & Art
6. Ukulele Starter Kit (Amazon)
A small instrument that is simple for both young and older kids to start learning music on.
7. Prismacolor Colored Pencils + Sketch Pads
High-quality art supplies help transform a blank page into something magical — and they last.
These tools solve the common homeschool problem of “my child’s bored” in gentle, developmental ways.
Gamified & Play-Based Learning
8. Educational Board Games
Play = meaning + memory.
Organization Essentials (So You Don’t Lose Your Mind)
Homeschool productivity starts with simple systems.
9. Homeschool Planner (Physical)
We use a daily written planner for:
Even with digital calendars, nothing beats a written plan for clarity and memory.
Clear caddies keep pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and markers in one place — no more “missing” school supplies in the middle of lessons.
Pro Tip: Labeling everything saves time and frustration for you and your kids.
Book Favorites That Teach & Inspire
Here are a few non-curriculum reads that have changed our homeschool seasons:
⭐ For All Ages
✨ For My 12-Year-Old
💛 For My 6-Year-Old
Books are the heart of our homeschool. They build comprehension, empathy, and imagination — the kinds of skills that stick for life.
Tech Tools We Use (Purposefully — Not Excessively)
Technology is a tool — not a teacher. But used with intention, it supports growth in powerful ways.
11. Khan Academy (Free, Online)
We use this for structured math practice, videos that explain, and progress tracking.
Best for: Reinforcement + independent practice
12. Audible + Audio Books
Listening to books while drawing or relaxing makes literature more accessible, especially for my 6-year-old.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Not every lesson happens at the table. Here’s how we bring learning into the world:
Nature Walk Kits
A small magnifying glass, nature guidebooks, and a pocket field journal make outdoor time meaningful and educational.
Kitchen Science + Cooking
Measuring, fractions, following directions, and chemistry — all in your own kitchen.
My kids learn math, science, and life skills with every recipe.
Emotional + Habit Tools
Homeschooling isn’t just academics — it’s growing humans.
13. Calm Down Tools
For those tough moments (we all have them), we use:
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Calm sensory bottles
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Breathing cards
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Emotion flashcards
These help kids self-regulate — and that makes the learning possible.
14. Morning & Evening Routines
Routine isn’t rigid — it’s predictable comfort.
We use simple charts and checklists to support independence and rhythm.
Real Talk: What We Had to Stop Using
Because your time & money matter, I want to be honest about a few things we ditched:
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Worksheets that felt busy but weren’t meaningful.
Pretty pages are pointless if kids zone out.
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Curriculums that were too rigid.
When we feel boxed in, learning stops.
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Flashcards without context.
Isolated facts aren’t sticky — stories are.
How We Use These Tools in a Typical Week
Here’s a sample rhythm to help you visualize how everything fits together:
Morning
✔️ Morning routine + calendar talk
✔️ Math block (Singapore or Khan video + workbook)
✔️ Independent reading (book choice)
Midday
✔️ History read-aloud + discussion
✔️ Science exploration or experiment
✔️ Break / snack / outside time
Afternoon
✔️ Language arts (phonics, essays, journaling)
✔️ Art or music time
✔️ Game-based learning or project time
End of Day
✔️ Reflection / gratitude journaling
✔️ Read-aloud as a family
This rhythm keeps learning intentional but light.
Tips for Choosing What Works for Your Family
Here are a few questions to ask before buying something:
✨ Does it solve a problem we actually have?
(Not “looks fun,” but helps us grow.)
✨ Is it flexible for multiple ages?
✨ Can it be reused or adapted?
✨ Does it delight my child — or just entertain them?
Products should support your homeschool vision — not overwhelm it.
🧡 You’re Not Alone
Homeschooling isn’t always easy — but it is rewarding. The right tools make space for you to be teacher, guide, encourager, and joyful learner all in one.
If you walk away with one thing today, I hope it’s this:
You don’t need perfection — you need a system that fits your family, supports learning, and brings joy.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear from you!
What tools have transformed your homeschool days?
What questions do you still have?
Drop a comment below — your experience might help someone else too!
👇 Leave a comment and let’s grow this joyful, supportive community together! 👇
📚 Explore More Helpful Amazon Finds
👉 Best Educational Books for Kids (Amazon)
👉 Top Learning Toys for Kids (Amazon)
👉 Learning Toys for Kids Ages 12+ (Amazon)
👉 Homeschool Supplies for Every Grade (Amazon)
👉 Preschool Learning Tools & Activities (Amazon)
👉 Hands-On STEM Kits & Projects (Amazon)
👉 Arts & Crafts Supplies for Kids (Amazon)
👉 Kids’ Activity Books & Workbooks (Amazon)
👉 Mom Organization Tools & Planners (Amazon)
👉 Family Games & Fun Activities (Amazon)
👉 Self-Care + Motivation Favorites for Moms (Amazon) Related Posts You Might Enjoy:
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.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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