Do you need to learn how to change the blades on your lawnmower? YouTube. Want to learn how to make homemade candles? YouTube. Oh, what about learning how to contour your makeup? Yep, YouTube. In today’s informational society, we can find a video tutorial on just about anything on the social media platform of YouTube. This is why it’s so easy to show you how to use YouTube in your homeschool.
How to organize your homeschool
After being in the homeschool community for 13 years, I can tell you firsthand that organization is key. You can get some great organizational tips, tricks, and ideas from YouTube from the homeschooling community. These parents have been in the trenches and know what works and what doesn’t. Like anything else, you have to find what works best for you, but I guarantee that there are some great ideas on YouTube.
How do I create lesson plans for my homeschool?
Creating lesson plans for your homeschool can seem like a very daunting process, especially if you have never done it before. YouTube can be beneficial in this process. My suggestion is to start with some sort of lesson book; this can be as simple as a five-subject notebook (my favorite) or an actual lesson plan book. I am currently using a TUL Notebook System, and I really like it. I have all my notes and calendar in one place. Once you have your planner and decide on which subjects you are going to teach for the semester.
Next, look through your curriculum to see what skills are being taught. Then head on over to YouTube and find correlating videos to supplement your lessons. You may be able to find videos that will actually teach the whole lesson for you ( see below).
Morning Routines for homeschools
Having a morning routine will set the tone for the school day and give everyone a sense of what to expect. YouTube is great for finding routines that would work well for different family dynamics. Maybe you have a large family with some younger children who aren’t quite ready to be schooled yet; find a routine that works well for you. Or maybe you have elementary kids who need a schedule to stay on track. Whatever the situation, I’m sure YouTube can help you out. Do a search for Morning Routines for Homeschools, and you will find multiples videos that you can spend some time watching while you sip your favorite beverage.
Finding Curriculum on YouTube
YouTube has a plethora of videos that will help you teach your child(ren) or supplement any lessons you have put together for them.
Math
Here are several Math Channels you may want to visit:
- Khan Academy – This channel offers videos in multiple disciplines, but I would dare to say that MATH is the most widely used by parents and teachers alike. The videos they offer are interactive and user-friendly. These step-by-step videos will surely help your child with any math skill they are working on.
- Mathematics – Not only does Mathantics have a great YouTube channel, but they also have a website with videos. Sidenote, if you have some extra money in your curriculum budget, you can get their paid subscription with additional resources. It’s $20 a year, and I will say that it’s WORTH it!!!!
- Math Tv – Have you heard of XYZ textbooks? This is the channel that goes along with those books. Again, Math TV has a website, MathTV.com has over 10,000 videos to help students learn everything from basic math through calculus. More than one person works on each problem to help students understand the material. We all know that sometimes our children don’t get what we are trying to say, but then someone else says the same thing, and that light bulb goes off.
- MashUp Math – Math help for teaching and learning mathematics in elementary, middle, and high school.
Science
Science Channels :
- SciShow Kids -SciShow Kids answers lots of “why” science questions
- Minute Physics – the description on their about page says it all, “Simply put: cool physics and other sweet science.”
- Crash Course Kids -This series is beginning with 5th-grade science, so their videos are geared towards Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Geography, Engineering, and Astronomy.
- Mr. DeMaio- Follow Mr. DeMaio as he teaches all kinds of things ranging from multiplication to the planets in our solar system.
English & Reading
Here are a few Language Arts channels that you could use to supplement your lessons:
- Flocabulary – O.M.G. I love this channel and so do my students! This uses educational hip-hop to engage students in learning certain skills. While not all of the videos are on the YouTube channel, many are, and they are loads of fun.
- Cool School – Stories, crafts, and DIY’s all set with superheroes and villains.
- Book Box Inc – This channel has animated storybooks!
- Grammmaropolis – Straight from the about page, “Hailed as a Schoolhouse Rock for the 21st Century, Grammaropolis uses the parts of speech as animated characters starring in books, songs, videos, and interactive games.”
History
These channels will help you supplement your history curriculum or can teach a subject matter independently.
- National Geographic – Post different topics 6 days a week: Sunday: History & Culture Monday: Nature Tuesday: Environment Wednesday: Exploration Thursday: Science Friday: Fun Facts Saturday: Travel & Adventure.
- Liberty Kids -Two teenage reporters cover the events from Colonial America.
- Hip Hughes -HipHughes History is a series of upbeat, personable, and educational lectures designed for students and lifelong learners.
- You Will Love History – Taught by two history teachers. These videos are taught in the “flipped classroom” method.
General Education Homeschool Videos
Here is a list of general education videos that can be used in your homeschool. Many of these provide excellent resources and educational information for your child.
- Crash Course – various subjects ( I find this is for older students as the videos are fast-paced)
- Rock ‘N Learn (toddler – 5th grade)
- Homeschool pop (early elementary curriculum for Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade students.)
- PBS Kids ( younger children)
- Free School ( all ages) – access to famous art, classical music, children’s literature, and natural science in engaging, age-appropriate ways.
- It’s Okay to Be Smart
- Mr. Demaio – worth mentioning again!!!
A word of caution, as with anything on the internet, please monitor and preview any videos before showing them to your children. I have these channels posted here as a guide, but I have not personally watched every video. Use your parental judgment when deciding if a video is appropriate for your child in or out of the homeschool classroom.
Subscriptions
You can subscribe to many different YouTube channels. I found this video on YouTube to show you how easy it is… See what I’ve done here? 😉
Playlist
Creating a playlist is a good way to keep track of videos you want to watch in the future.
- Sign in to YouTube
- Search for your video
- Under the video, click SAVE
- When the Save to box opens click “create new playlist”
There are so many more great videos to supplement your homeschool with. You can spend your morning time finding a few and adding to your new playlist. Make sure you pin this for reference later. Be sure to check out my post on How to Use Instagram in Your Homeschool as well. Happy searching and happy homeschooling!