As a homeschooling parent, you’re always searching for ways to make learning both effective and enjoyable without stretching your budget. History is one of those subjects that can feel daunting—where do you start, and how do you keep it engaging for young learners? The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune on textbooks or expensive curriculums. There are abundant free homeschool history resources online that bring the past alive through videos, games, stories, and interactive activities.
In this guide, we’ll explore why teaching history matters in the early years, review some of the best free platforms available, and share practical ways to turn them into fun lesson plans your kids will love.
Why Teach History in Elementary Homeschooling
History isn’t about memorizing dusty facts—it’s about sparking curiosity and helping kids connect with the world around them. For elementary-age children, history can provide:
Building Curiosity About the World
Kids naturally ask big questions like “What was life like long ago?” or “Why do we celebrate certain holidays?” History feeds that curiosity, encouraging them to explore people, cultures, and events that shaped the world.
Understanding Timelines and Sequences
Elementary students are just beginning to understand time and sequence. History lessons—with timelines, stories, and cause-and-effect events—help strengthen these skills. Many free homeschool history resources provide printable or interactive timelines that make learning visual and concrete.
Learning Values and Empathy
From stories of courage to lessons in justice, history helps kids understand moral values and develop empathy for people from different backgrounds. These discussions can be some of the most meaningful parts of homeschooling.
Connecting Personally to the Past
Whether exploring family ancestry or local landmarks, kids thrive when history feels personal. These connections transform abstract events into meaningful stories.
Top Free Homeschool History Resources
Here’s a curated list of 10 excellent free homeschool history resources for elementary kids. Each one offers unique tools—videos, articles, games, lesson plans—that you can use right away.
| Resource | Key Offerings | Suitable Grades | Topics Covered | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBS LearningMedia | Videos, interactive lessons, teacher guides | K-5 | U.S. history, world events, civics | PBS LearningMedia |
| National Geographic Kids | Articles, videos, quizzes, games | K-5 | Ancient civilizations, explorers, famous figures | National Geographic Kids History |
| Smithsonian Learning Lab | Digital collections, activities, virtual tours | 2-5 | American history, artifacts, cultural heritage | Smithsonian Kids |
| BBC Bitesize History | Lessons, games, quizzes, videos | K-5 | Ancient Egypt, Vikings, World Wars, Greeks | BBC Bitesize KS2 History |
| Ducksters | Articles, biographies, timelines | 1-5 | Ancient history, U.S. history, world wars, states | Ducksters History |
| Library of Congress | Primary sources, lesson plans, photos, documents | 3-5 | U.S. presidents, civil rights, immigration | Library of Congress Classroom Materials |
| Khan Academy | Video courses, articles, practice exercises | 3-5 | Ancient to modern history | Khan Academy World History |
| Easy Peasy Homeschool | Full courses, worksheets, online readings | K-5 | Ancient, American, modern history, geography | Easy Peasy History |
| Core Knowledge Foundation | Downloadable curriculum units, books, activities | K-5 | U.S. history, world civilizations, timelines | Core Knowledge Downloads |
| Heritage History | Classic books, study guides, maps, timelines | 2-5 | Ancient to modern history, biographies | Heritage History |
PBS LearningMedia
This platform is a goldmine for visual learners, with thousands of free videos and interactive activities. For elementary kids, check out collections on the American Revolution or ancient Rome. It’s aligned with standards, and parents can filter by grade level. Perfect for short, daily history bites.
National Geographic Kids
Known for stunning visuals, this site dives into history through fun articles and videos. Kids can explore topics like the pyramids or famous explorers like Christopher Columbus. Interactive quizzes reinforce learning, making it ideal for curious young minds.
Smithsonian Learning Lab
Bring museum-quality education home with the Smithsonian’s digital resources. Elementary students can virtually tour exhibits on Native American history or view artifacts from the Civil War. Activities encourage hands-on exploration, like creating digital collections.
BBC Bitesize History
Tailored for primary kids, BBC offers bite-sized lessons on exciting topics like the Maya Civilization or Viking invasions. Games like “History Explorer: Secrets Through Time” make learning playful, while quizzes test knowledge. It’s British-focused but universally applicable.
Ducksters
Simple and straightforward, Ducksters provides kid-friendly articles on everything from ancient China to the U.S. Civil War. Each topic includes timelines, fun facts, and quizzes. Great for independent reading or as a supplement to deeper studies.
Library of Congress
For authentic history, tap into primary sources like old photos and letters. Lesson plans for elementary include themes like immigration or famous inventors. It teaches kids to analyze real documents, building research skills early.
Khan Academy
While some content is for older kids, the world history section has accessible videos on ancient civilizations and empires. Interactive exercises help reinforce concepts, and it’s self-paced—perfect for homeschool flexibility.
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
This complete, free curriculum covers history through online readings and worksheets. Topics range from ancient times to modern America, with 180 days of planned lessons. It’s Christian-based but adaptable, saving you planning time.
Core Knowledge Foundation
Download full units on U.S. founding or world geography. These content-rich materials include teacher guides and student books, emphasizing knowledge-building through stories and activities.
Heritage History
An online library of classic history books, organized by era. Study programs include review questions and maps, covering topics like medieval Europe. It’s a treasure for literature-based history learning.
These free homeschool history resources are vetted for quality and accessibility, ensuring your child gets reliable information.
💡 Tip: Start with one or two platforms and gradually build a routine. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with too many resources at once.
How to Turn Resources Into Lesson Plans
You don’t need a rigid curriculum to teach history effectively. With free tools, you can create simple weekly units that blend reading, watching, and doing.
Creating Weekly Themes
Pick a theme—say, Ancient Egypt. Assign a mix of activities across 3–4 days:
- Day 1: Read an article (Ducksters).
- Day 2: Watch a short video (National Geographic Kids).
- Day 3: Play a game or quiz (BBC Bitesize).
- Day 4: Hands-on project (make a pyramid out of cardboard).
Example: Ancient Egypt Unit (Grades 2–4)
- Monday: Read about Ancient Egypt on Ducksters.
- Tuesday: Watch a National Geographic Kids video on pyramids.
- Wednesday: Play BBC’s “Ancient Egyptians” interactive game.
- Thursday: Build a paper mache pyramid inspired by Library of Congress photos.
- Friday: Create a timeline using Easy Peasy printables.
This mix keeps history lively while appealing to different learning styles.
DIY History Projects at Home
Want to make history even more fun? Try these budget-friendly, hands-on projects:
- Timeline Walls: Hang string across a wall and add index card events weekly.
- Family History Scrapbooks: Interview relatives and place photos in historical context.
- Dress-Up Days: Recreate Viking or Colonial life with homemade costumes.
- Historical Cooking: Bake bread from Ancient Rome or Colonial America.
These projects turn history into memorable family adventures.
Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged
Even the best resources won’t work if kids lose interest. Here are ways to keep them hooked:
- Storytelling: Tell historical events like bedtime stories with voices and props.
- Role-Playing: Act out inventions, battles, or explorers’ journeys.
- Board Games & Quizzes: Create bingo cards with historical figures or events.
- Journaling: Encourage kids to “write a letter from the past.”
Engagement doesn’t require fancy materials—just creativity and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
You don’t need pricey textbooks or subscriptions to give your child a strong history education. With these free homeschool history resources, you can make the past come alive through stories, videos, projects, and family activities. Start small—pick one resource today, build a simple routine, and watch your child’s curiosity for history grow.
Ready to explore the past together? Dive into one of these free resources this week and let history become one of the most exciting parts of your homeschool journey.
