We’re a mostly unplugged family—emphasis on mostly. The kids go on tech fasts. I… still check my email, forget to respond to texts, and my gosh I’m horrible at checking and approving blog comments. Sorry! But I do love a good camping trip where the lack of cell service throws us all back to the 90s and suddenly we’re whittling sticks and pretending we’ve never heard of YouTube.
That said, we’re not anti-tech. We just aim to use it with intention. No endless scrolls, no autoplay vortex. When we bring tech into our homeschool, it’s because it adds something valuable—depth, curiosity, sanity (mine)—or buys me 15 minutes to make dinner without someone yelling “MOM, look at this bug!!” for the fifth time.
Used well, tech opens doors books sometimes can’t. It makes learning stick, adds variety, and offers a different way to explore the world—especially when everyone’s tired, it’s raining, or we’re on a long road trip and snack supplies are running low.
Here’s a peek at what actually works in our homeschool:
1. Audiobooks & Podcasts
Our quiet-time MVPs. Or car-ride saviors. Honestly both.
The kids love their Yoto players, especially with the little “library cards” I made—one filled with audiobooks from our public library, the other with family stories recorded by grandparents and myself. Although it did throw me for a loop one night when I went to turn my 6 year olds lights off and heard my mom talking…
We also mix in fun podcasts about animals, science, and other curiosities—because if we’re going to fall down a rabbit hole, at least let it be a well-narrated one.
2. Typing via Texting
My second grader is learning to type… by texting. Yep. She sends me messages like, “Mom, where are you?” Or the hundredth “what’s for dinner” yet it’s 8am.
We keep it fun and supervised while gently introducing digital communication skills. It’s low-pressure and real-world—and way better than watching her hunt for the “J” key in a typing app.
3. ABC Mouse, Khan Academy, StudyCat
These rotate through our afternoons like the reliable background characters in a sitcom.
Perfect for those times when I’m making dinner and need something educational that doesn’t require me to hover.
Short, sweet, and just the right amount of structure—especially for my kindergartener who thrives on clicking things that sing at her.
4. PBS Kids & iMovie
We canceled all other streaming services, and honestly? No regrets. PBS Kids is commercial-free, slower paced, and actually educational. My kids love it, and I don’t feel like I need to explain why the cartoon fox just sold a haunted house to a purple dragon.
Right now we’re deep into Planet Earth marathons and my oldest has declared herself a nature documentarian.
She’s started a Creek Vlog—which is equal parts adorable and brilliant. She’s storyboarding, filming, narrating, editing, and presenting all on her own (with a little help from me). It’s become an amazing combo of science, writing, and public speaking—and she doesn’t even realize it’s school.
Tech isn’t something we fear. But we do treat it like a tool—not a babysitter, not a constant background noise, and not a reward for existing. When it’s used with care and intention, it adds depth, connection, and creativity to our homeschool days.
What tech tools do you love using with your kids—or what have you tried that totally flopped? Let’s swap notes.
Run Teach Bike 