Resources
Teaching with Videos
Video can be one of the most powerful tools in a homeschool, or one of the biggest time-wasters. The resources and tips below will help you use it with intention: finding quality channels, keeping lessons focused, and making sure what your students watch actually sticks.
Recommended video resources
These are the channels, platforms, and guides that homeschool families return to most often when adding video to their school day. All have been selected for quality, age-appropriateness, and educational value.
A carefully curated list of the best educational YouTube channels for homeschool families, covering science, history, math, language arts, and more. A practical starting point for any family looking to add quality video content to their school day.
Visit siteThousands of free, mastery-based video lessons covering every subject from kindergarten through college. One of the most trusted free video resources in homeschooling, use it as a primary spine, a supplement, or a gap-filler at any grade level.
Visit siteEngaging, fast-paced video series covering history, science, literature, philosophy, and more. Produced by John and Hank Green, Crash Course is especially popular with middle and high school students who learn well from dynamic, conversational teaching.
Visit siteAn affordable streaming library of thousands of documentary films covering history, science, nature, and technology. A wonderful supplement for visual learners and a great source of family movie-night learning at any age.
Visit siteShort, fascinating videos about numbers, patterns, and mathematical ideas — presented by mathematicians who genuinely love their subject. Perfect for sparking curiosity in students who think they do not like math.
Visit siteBeautifully animated short lessons on a huge range of topics — science, history, literature, philosophy, and more. TED-Ed videos are ideal for sparking discussion and introducing new subjects in a memorable, visually engaging way.
Visit siteFree documentary clips and full episodes from the Smithsonian Channel covering American history, natural history, science, and culture. A trusted, high-quality source for visual learners studying history or science.
Visit siteLive and recorded video courses taught by experienced homeschool educators, covering a wide range of subjects for middle and high school students. A strong option for families who want structured, teacher-led video instruction without enrolling in a traditional school.
Visit siteTips for using video well
Video is a tool, not a curriculum. These simple practices will help you get the most out of it.
Use video to introduce, not replace
Video works best as a hook or a supplement, but not as the entire lesson. Watch together, then discuss, narrate, or follow up with a hands-on activity or written response.
Keep it short
For younger students, 10–15 minutes is plenty. Even for high schoolers, shorter focused videos tend to be more effective than long lectures. Pause and discuss as you go.
Preview before you play
Even trusted channels occasionally include content that does not fit your family's values. A quick preview, especially for YouTube, saves surprises and keeps the school day on track.
Pair video with narration
After watching, ask your student to tell back what they learned in their own words. This simple Charlotte Mason practice dramatically improves retention and comprehension.