🎒Your One-Stop Hub for Engaging, Accessible Lesson Planning

Whether I’m knee-deep in homeschool chaos, or just staring down one of those surprise learning gaps that pop up like mystery stains on a toddler’s shirt—I need resources that get it. So I pulled together a list of my go-to sites that make planning feel less like a soul-sucking spreadsheet and more like a choose-your-own-adventure story. A lot of these sites I used in my classroom when I was a teacher for learning stations, and extra practice.

We’re talking visual learning, hands-on play, and cross-curricular magic that actually sparks joy (and maybe even a little peace and quiet). If you’re craving structure with wiggle room, creativity with purpose, and student-centered tools that don’t require a PhD in Pinterest navigation—this guide’s for you.

Here’s my personal stash of planning gold: creative, flexible, and built for real-life learners (and the grown-ups who love them).

🔬 Math & Science That Spark Curiosity

Explore platforms where numbers come alive and science feels like a wonder-filled quest:

• https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/index.html

• https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/math/index.html: Animated, kid-friendly concepts in math and science.

• Zearn: Perfect for personalized math journeys with scaffolded support.

• CK-12: Dive deep into science with simulations and adaptive practice.

• Prodigy: Gamified math that feels more like play than work.

• Nearpod: Interactive science/math lessons for dynamic classrooms.

• Khanmigo Tools: Teaching assistants powered by AI to guide learners.

• Scholastic ScienceFlix: Your gateway to real-world science and exploration.

• NASA Kids' Club: Cosmic discovery and STEM fun straight from NASA.

• Science Kids: Experiments, facts, quizzes—oh my!

• PhET Simulations: Interactive science/math simulations from CU Boulder.

• Desmos: Graphing tools that transform abstract into visual.

• Nat Geo Kids: Animals, facts, and global curiosity for budding scientists.

• Science Made Simple: Simple explanations, big discoveries.

• Switch Zoo: Play and learn with animal hybrids!

• YouCubed Tasks: Project-based math with a splash of creativity.

• https://mrnussbaum.com/science-games#google_vignette : Interactive Science Games

• https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/games : Interactive Science Games

• https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html : More science games

• https://teacher.classbank.com/sign-up : Financial Literacy

📚 Reading + Social Studies That Go Beyond the Page

These resources build critical thinking and historical awareness with interactive flair:

• ReadWorks: Engaging texts and comprehension questions for all grade levels.

• PBS Social Studies: Lessons backed by media-rich tools.

• iCivics: Game your way to civic understanding.

• Digital History: A deep dive into America’s story.

• Smithsonian: Primary sources and virtual exhibits.

• Library of Congress: Research tools and historical archives.

• Google Arts & Culture – Black History: Stunning visual narratives and historical context.

• Ducksters: Bite-sized history lessons.

• ReadTheory: Adaptive reading that meets every learner where they are.

• https://api.rif.org/literacy-central/collections/lesson-planning-resources - very robust reading resources for higher order thinking!

🔄 Cross-Curricular Powerhouses

When a little bit of everything is exactly what you need:

• IXL: Sharpen skills across all subjects (ten free daily questions).

• PBS LearningMedia: Videos and lesson plans across subjects.

• Nat Geo Games: Learning through fun and play.

• Freckle: Student-driven learning that adapts in real time. (free adaptive practice!)

• Anton: All-in-one learning, global flair!

• GoNoodle: Movement + mindfulness = classroom magic.

• https://wayground.com/ : Formerly known as Quizziz. (This is free-ish)

• https://amplify.com/ (free-ish/ Sign up as teacher to assign free activities. I created a class with just my homeschoolers and gave them their logins)

• https://www.kiddoworksheets.com/ : generate free worksheets.

• https://www.peardeck.com/ (free test prep and assessments / sign up as a teacher then click homeschool as your school to use for free!)

• https://www.carsondellosa.com/free-resources/ - free printables

• https://superstarworksheets.com/ - free worksheet printables

• https://pixelthoughts.co/ - Mindfulness and mental health

• https://mrnussbaum.com/ Free games for all subjects!!

💻 Digital Citizenship & Computer Science

Raise a generation of responsible tech users and budding coders:

• Common Sense Education: Ready-made lessons for digital awareness.

• Code.org: Learn programming through creativity and play.

• ClassDojo: Build community, character, and connection.

• Zigazoo: A kid-safe, moderated social space for creative sharing.

• https://www.typingclub.com/ : Free typing practice

  
  

🧸 Play-Based Learning That Works

Because learning should be fun:

• Blooket

• FunBrain

• Nick Jr.

• Cool Math Games

• Gimkit – perfect for mini-group gamification!

• https://www.amnh.org/content/search?SearchText=games - search games

• https://sciencetrek.org/

📝 Free Curriculum Planning Tools

Get started, organized, and ahead without spending a dime:

• Core Knowledge

• The Good and The Beautiful

• Discovery K12

• Fishtank Learning

• Khan Academy

• https://freedomhomeschooling.com/

• https://www.amblesideonline.org/

• https://www.sherlockhomeschooling.com/freecompletecurriculum

• https://underthehome.org/

• https://kidshealth.org/classroom/cc/GetMoving.pdf

• https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/Health%20Education%20Digital%20Notebook%20Sept%201%2C%202022.pdf (Curriculum from Maine! I don't know how I stumbled across this because it's amazing!)

💡Final Thoughts

Teaching is tough—but planning doesn’t have to be. This list is designed to do the legwork for me, helping transform my lessons into moments of connection, creativity, and confidence. Bookmark, share, explore—and enjoy the process.