Open Educational Resources: A Guide for Parents and Homeschoolers

19 January 2026

If you're a parent or homeschooler trying to navigate the world of education, chances are you've stumbled across the term “Open Educational Resources” — or OER for short. Sounds fancy, right? But what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can it help you provide a quality education for your child without breaking the bank?

Let’s break it down, piece by piece. This guide is your easy-to-follow roadmap into the world of OER, tailored specifically for those of us holding the reins of our kids’ learning journey.

What Are Open Educational Resources (OER)?

At its core, Open Educational Resources are teaching and learning materials that are free to use, adapt, and share. Yep, free. No subscriptions, no paywalls, no hidden upgrade fees.

These resources can include anything from:

- Textbooks
- Videos
- Lesson plans
- Quizzes
- Slide decks
- Worksheets
- Even full online courses

Think of OER as the educational world’s version of open-source software. It's all about collaboration, accessibility, and affordability.

Why Should Parents and Homeschoolers Care About OER?

Let’s face it—education can be expensive. Curriculum costs add up fast between textbooks, workbooks, and online tools. OER flips that script. It gives you access to high-quality, peer-reviewed resources without the price tag.

And here's the kicker—these materials aren’t just free. They’re also customizable. Want to tweak a lesson to match your child’s learning style? Go for it. Need to translate content into your native language? No problem.

So, the big win here? Flexibility. OER lets you build a learning experience that actually fits your child, instead of squeezing them into a one-size-fits-all mold.

The 5 R’s of OER: What Makes It Truly Open?

To be considered a true Open Educational Resource, the material must meet the “5 R” criteria:

1. Retain – You can download and keep a copy.
2. Reuse – Use it however you want—in a classroom, in a Zoom call, or at your kitchen table.
3. Revise – Adapt and modify the material for your needs.
4. Remix – Combine with other OERs to create something new.
5. Redistribute – Share it with others. Yep, really. No strings attached.

These 5 R’s are what separate simple “free content” from “open content.” Free is good. Open is better.

Benefits of Using OER in Homeschooling

So how does OER actually make life easier for homeschoolers? Let’s count the ways:

1. Budget-Friendly

We already touched on this, but let’s emphasize it again—OER can slash your education budget significantly. That means more money for field trips, art supplies, science kits, or even a little treat for yourself (you deserve it!).

2. Diverse Learning Styles Welcome

Every child learns differently. Some are visual learners, others love audio. Some need hands-on activities, while others thrive on reading. OER offers a buffet of options to choose from—videos for the visual learners, podcasts for the auditory ones, and interactive simulations for the kinesthetic crowd.

3. Up-to-Date and Relevant

Unlike some textbooks that haven’t been revised in a decade, OER is often updated regularly by a global community of educators. This means you're working with current, real-world knowledge.

4. Encourages Critical Thinking

Because you're not locked into a single curriculum, you can encourage your child to compare resources, explore multiple viewpoints, and develop their own understanding. That’s real learning.

Challenges of OER—and How to Overcome Them

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Like anything, OER comes with its own set of hurdles. But don’t worry—we’ve got solutions.

1. Too Much Information

The sheer volume of OER materials can be overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Solution: Pick one subject or learning goal. Start small, explore a few trusted platforms (we’ll list them below), and build from there.

2. Varying Quality

Not every OER is created equal. Some are top-tier, others… not so much.

Solution: Stick to reputable sources. Check for user reviews, educational credentials, and alignment with recognized curriculum standards.

3. Tech Access

OER often lives online. If you don’t have a stable internet connection or enough devices, that can be a problem.

Solution: Many OER platforms allow offline access or downloadable content. Plan ahead and download materials you’ll need in advance.

Top OER Platforms for Homeschoolers

Ready to dive in? Here are some of the best OER sites worth bookmarking:

1. Khan Academy

Offers: Full courses in math, science, history, and more
Why Use It: Great for structured learning paths, with quizzes and videos

2. CK-12 Foundation

Offers: FlexBooks (customizable digital textbooks)
Why Use It: Strong focus on STEM subjects with interactive simulations

3. OpenStax

Offers: College-level textbooks
Why Use It: Ideal for high schoolers or advanced learners

4. OER Commons

Offers: A vast library of lesson plans, worksheets, and media
Why Use It: Great for discovering curated resources by grade level and subject

5. MIT OpenCourseWare

Offers: University-level courses from MIT
Why Use It: Perfect for gifted students or parents continuing their own education

6. National Science Digital Library

Offers: STEM resources for all ages
Why Use It: Trusted, peer-reviewed content from scientific institutions

How to Integrate OER Into Your Homeschool Routine

You don’t have to overhaul your whole approach overnight. Think of using OER like adding spices to a recipe—you start small and adjust as needed.

Step 1: Identify Learning Goals

What do you want your child to achieve this week or month? Once you’re clear on that, search for OER that matches those objectives.

Step 2: Curate, Don’t Hoard

It’s tempting to download everything. But less is more. Focus on quality over quantity.

Step 3: Mix and Match

Combine OER with other learning methods—books, activities, and real-life experiences. For example, read about plant biology, then go outside and plant a garden.

Step 4: Get Feedback

Ask your child what’s working and what’s not. OER is flexible, so don’t be afraid to switch it up.

Customizing OER: Making Learning Truly Personal

Here’s where OER really shines—you can tailor the content to fit your child’s pace, interests, and needs. Don’t like the examples in a math problem set? Change them to include your kid’s favorite video game. Want to teach history through storytelling instead of memorization? Swap out dry texts for podcasts or short films.

Education should be as unique as your child—and with OER, it can be.

Legal Stuff: Licenses, Attribution & Sharing the Right Way

OER typically comes with a Creative Commons license. Here’s what you need to know (without needing a law degree):

- CC BY: You can use and adapt it, just give credit.
- CC BY-SA: Same as above, but if you change it, you must share it under the same license.
- CC BY-NC: Non-commercial use only.
- CC0: Public domain, no attribution needed.

Always double-check the license before you reuse or share. It’s just good digital citizenship.

Involving Your Child in the OER Process

Here’s an idea—don’t just use OER for your child. Use it with them.

Let them help select materials, create learning goals, and even design their own resources. Make them co-pilots in their education journey. It’s not just about learning facts—it’s about learning how to learn.

The Future of Learning Is Open

With technology evolving and education becoming more democratized, OER is at the heart of a learning revolution. For parents and homeschoolers, it's a game-changer.

It's no longer about having the fanciest textbooks or most expensive apps. It’s about access, adaptability, and empowerment.

And the best part? You’re not alone. There’s a global community of educators, parents, and learners just like you—sharing ideas, improving resources, and helping each other raise curious, capable kids.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to enrich your homeschool curriculum or just supplement your child’s education, Open Educational Resources are a treasure trove just waiting to be explored. Free? Check. Customizable? Definitely. High-quality? Absolutely.

Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, OER can unlock new possibilities for personalized, affordable, and engaging education.

You’ve got the tools. Now go make some educational magic.