← Back to Parent Resources
This guide is for you if:
- The world of educational technology feels unfamiliar or overwhelming
- You want to support your child's learning at home but aren't sure where to start
- You'd like step-by-step guidance with no tech experience required
By the end, you'll know exactly how to pick one tool, get it set up, and use it confidently with your child.
Start With Just One Tool
The most common mistake parents make when getting started is trying too many things at once. Pick one platform, get comfortable with it, and stick with it for at least a month before adding anything new.
Not sure where to start? Here's the simplest recommendation for each age group:
| Child's Grade | Start Here |
|---|
| PreK – K | Khan Academy Kids (free, no account needed to browse) |
| Grades 1–5 | Khan Academy (free, excellent math and reading) |
| Grades 6–12 | Khan Academy (covers all subjects through college prep) |
Khan Academy is free, curriculum-aligned, safe, and used by millions of families. It's the best starting point for almost every family.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Khan Academy at Home
-
Go to khanacademy.org
Open your web browser and type khanacademy.org into the address bar.
-
Create a free parent account
Click "Sign up" in the top right corner. Choose "Parent" when asked who you are. Enter your email address and create a password.
-
Add your child
After logging in, look for "Add a child" in your parent dashboard. Enter your child's name and grade level. Khan Academy will create a learner profile for them.
-
Let your child log in on their own
Your child can sign in using the account you created for them. You can set this up on any device — phone, tablet, or computer.
-
Pick a starting point together
Browse to your child's grade level and pick one subject to start with. Math is usually the easiest starting point because progress is clear and measurable.
What to Expect in the First Week
- Your child may feel resistant at first — that's normal. Stick to short sessions (10–15 minutes).
- Some concepts will feel too easy; others may be surprisingly hard. That's okay — the platform adapts.
- You don't need to sit next to them the whole time, but check in to see how it's going.
- By the end of the first week, you should have a sense of which subjects your child engages with most.
Common Beginner Questions
Does my child need their own email address to sign up?
No. When you create a child account from your parent dashboard, they can log in without an email address — they use a username and password you set up together.
What if my child doesn't want to do it?
Try framing it as "let's try this together" for the first session. Sitting beside your child the first time makes a big difference. Many kids warm up once they see the game-like elements and discover they can earn points and badges.
Do I need to buy anything?
No. Khan Academy is completely free. Most of the tools recommended on this site have a free tier that's sufficient for home use.
What if my child is already ahead of grade level?
Khan Academy allows you to work above grade level. Just navigate to a higher grade and start exploring.
Your First-Week Checklist
- Chose one platform to start with
- Created a parent account
- Set up a child profile
- Completed one session together
- Established a regular time for practice (even 10 minutes/day)
- Checked in with your child about how it felt
That's it. You're doing it.
Next Steps
Once you and your child have a consistent routine and feel comfortable with one platform, move on to our Intermediate Guide: Building on the Basics to diversify tools, dig into progress data, and keep your child engaged over time.