7 Best Homeschool Electives for Elementary
Add some fun to your learning with one or two of these homeschool electives for elementary. Your kids will love them!
Although I’m a big fan of simplifying my homeschool planning by focusing on core subjects, I know that my kids need some “extras” based on their individual interests, too. There are also important life skills that tend to fall through the cracks if I don’t specifically plan for them.
These special interests and life skills can be considered homeschool electives—subjects that are not required to be taught but rather are chosen based on interest or importance.
I’ve compiled a list of the very best electives I’ve found for elementary students. I hope you’ll find something that will be the perfect fit for your family!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
7 Best Homeschool Electives for Elementary
1. Typing
Touch typing is an absolutely essential skill in today’s world. The typing skills that our kids learn NOW will give them a tremendous advantage when they head off to college or enter the work force.
My kids are using Typesy, an online typing program that combines step-by-step video instruction with individualized typing exercises. This is by far the BEST homeschool typing program that we have ever used—and the kids are loving it!
Read our full review of Typesy here.
2. Sign Language
When my daughter became interest in learning ASL, we enrolled her in this self-paced American Sign Language course from Mr. D Math. The video lessons are a huge improvement over trying to learn signs from flash cards!
The instructor, Ms. Thia, is a former Mr. D student herself, so she knows exactly how online video classes work. And as a graduate of Gallaudet University, the only Deaf college in the world, she is uniquely qualified to teach American Sign Language.
Read our full review of this ASL course here.
3. Computer Programming
MYTEK LAB offers online programming classes for grades 3-12. Each course teaches basic programming skills and other technology concepts in a simple, straightforward way that kids can understand.
Thanks to these amazing classes, my son fell in love with computer programming. In just a few short weeks, he went from a complete beginner with no programming experience to a confident student who loved to demonstrate everything he was learning.
Read our full review of MYTEK LAB here.
4. Art
If you want an easy-to-follow art projects that your kids will be genuinely proud of, I recommend You ARE an Artist. Students will learn chalk pastel skills from a real artist (aka “Nana”) who has a knack for explaining things simply and clearly.
If you think chalk pastels aren’t for kids, please don’t be afraid to try it! My art-loving daughter really enjoys chalk pastels, and I think your kids will, too.
Bonus: These art projects are low prep AND low mess. Perfect for busy homeschool families!
5. Hymn Study
Hymn study is a simple way to keep hymns alive in our modern day. It can help the entire family learn the words and understand the meaning of the great hymns of our faith.
The Meaningful Hymn Study series will walk your family through learning the history, lyrics, and tune of some of the most-loved hymns. Everything is included: hymn story, sheet music, listening links, copywork, notebooking pages, and related Scripture to memorize.
6. Cooking
Cooking from scratch is fast becoming a lost art. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Kids Cook Real Food is an online video curriculum that teaches kids basic cooking skills and kitchen safety. Your kids will reap the rewards of this course for a lifetime.
FREEBIE: 5 Healthy Snack Recipes Kids 7+ Can Make Themselves
7. Handicrafts
We know that handicrafts are a great way to teach life skills like sewing or knitting, but how do you get started—especially if you’re NOT crafty?
Our family recently joined The Makers Club Membership, and the girls have LOVED it! Their favorite project has been the felt stuffies (like the super-cute fox stuffie in the picture below).
All the projects in The Makers Club are things that kids will enjoy making AND be proud to show to others. They even make great gifts to give to family members or friends. (Need Christmas gifts for the grandparents, anyone?)
Read our full review of The Makers Club here.
What Are YOUR Favorite Homeschool Electives?
Let me know in the comments!
