Why Open Educational Resources (OER) Are a Game-Changer for Homeschooling Families
In the ever-evolving world of homeschooling, finding quality, affordable, and adaptable resources can feel like a full-time job. Whether you're just starting out or you've been charting your own educational path for years, there’s one powerful tool that every homeschool family should have in their back pocket: Open Educational Resources (OER).
What Are Open Educational Resources?
Open Educational Resources, or OER, are free teaching and learning materials that anyone can use, adapt, and share. These include:
Full curriculum packages
Printable worksheets and lesson plans
Videos, quizzes, and interactive games
Textbooks, eBooks, and digital libraries
Online courses and modules
What sets OER apart is their open licensing, which allows you to customize and remix the materials to fit your family’s unique homeschool style—whether that’s Charlotte Mason, unschooling, Montessori-inspired, or your own blend (like my “Homeschool Harmony” approach).
Benefits of OER for Homeschoolers
🌱 Budget-Friendly (aka Free!)
Let’s face it: homeschooling can get expensive. OER removes the cost barrier so you can access top-notch educational materials without breaking the bank. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to save for a big dream—like land, travel, or sustainable living.
🎨 Fully Customizable
Have a child who’s obsessed with animals? Another who’s more into space? You can adapt OER content to fit their interests, learning pace, and level. Many OER platforms even allow you to edit lessons or combine multiple subjects into themed units.
💻 Access to High-Quality Content
Many OER platforms are backed by universities, teachers, and educational nonprofits. You’ll find content aligned with educational standards, but without the rigid structure of traditional schooling.
🛠 Great for Hands-On and Project-Based Learning
From science experiments to writing prompts to interactive history timelines, OER supports the kind of hands-on, thematic learning that homeschoolers love. It’s a perfect match for creative, child-led education.
🌎 Supports Global and Inclusive Learning
OER includes diverse voices, perspectives, and global content. This can help your kids explore different cultures, traditions, and worldviews—right from your kitchen table or campsite.
Favorite OER Sites for Homeschool Families
Here are some tried-and-true OER platforms worth checking out:
CK-12 – Customizable lessons, simulations, and textbooks
Khan Academy – Free, self-paced courses in math, science, history & more
OpenStax – High school and college-level textbooks
OER Commons – A treasure chest of thousands of resources
PBS LearningMedia – Videos, games, and lessons from your favorite PBS shows
Smithsonian Learning Lab – Arts, science, and history resources from the Smithsonian Institution
A Tip from Our Family to Yours
As a homeschooling mama on the move (soon to be RV-living with my two kiddos), I love how OER fits into our minimalist lifestyle. I can store entire curricula on a tablet, print just what we need, or project a lesson on our laptop screen outside under the trees. It’s portable, flexible, and perfect for homeschooling on your own terms.
Final Thoughts
Open Educational Resources are more than just free worksheets—they're a mindset shift. They represent the freedom to teach your kids how, where, and what you want, without limitations.
So next time you're planning your homeschool week, take a moment to explore what OER can offer. You might just discover your new favorite way to learn—together, and on your own path.
Do you use OER in your homeschool? Have a favorite resource to share? Drop it in the comments or tag me on social @HomeschoolHarmony! Let's build a community of support and inspiration.