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Welcome to Homeschooling on a Shoestring

Our mission is to help you homeschool affordably — without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re here because you love a great bargain or because you’re homeschooling on a tight budget, we’re here to support you with free and low-cost resources that work.

Featured Categories

Homeschooling

Find practical, budget-friendly support for your homeschool journey — whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your routine. This section includes lesson plans, educational discounts, and a growing library of flexible unit studies. Visit the Homeschooling Main Page to explore it all.

Explore a nationwide (and growing!) list of homeschool skate sessions. Whether you’re planning a trip or just need a fun, active break in your week — find a homeschool skate near you.

Shipwrecks Unit Safari Unit Study - Homeschooling on a Shoestring

Shipwrecks Unit Study

Shipwrecks Unit Study explores famous maritime disasters, nautical terminology, and underwater archaeology through free and low-cost books, videos, games, worksheets, ...

Sharon Creech – Literature-Based Theme

Author Sharon Creech Official Website https://www.sharoncreech.com Explore Sharon Creech’s full collection of books, teaching resources, and personal reflections. Wikipedia Biography ...

Science Fair Unit Study

This unit study helps students plan, organize, and complete a science fair project from start to finish. It includes vocabulary, ...

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Explore simple, affordable ways to boost your family’s health and energy — from smoothie bowls and infused waters to home workouts, juicing tips, and roller skating basics. This section is all about wellness that fits into real life, even on a shoestring.

My Road to Fully Raw – Breaking Bad Habits, One Step at a Time

Whole30 is a clean eating program similar to paleo, though I haven’t read the book. It’s not something I plan ...

Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with avocado, strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and poppyseed dressing.

Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Avocado Make Your Own Dressing

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Avocado – Panera-Inspired (Vegan) This Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Avocado is a fresh, vegan twist on ...

Panera-Inspired Seasonal Greens Salad with arugula, avocado, cucumber, tomato, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Panera-Inspired Seasonal Greens Salad with Avocado & Arugula

If you loved the Seasonal Greens Salad from Panera, you might have noticed it’s not currently on the menu. But ...

Michigan Resources

In our Michigan section, you’ll find local homeschool support groups, events, field trip ideas, and special homeschool days at museums and other attractions. We also share practical tips and regional insights just for Michigan homeschooling families. It’s your go-to spot for discovering fun, budget-friendly learning opportunities throughout Michigan and making the most of your homeschool journey.

Detroit Historical Society Homeschool Day May 8, 2025

Detroit Historical Society Homeschool Day May 8 2025 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm Ages 6+ Families are invited to join for ...

ASTC Passport Program

Save on Science Museums with the ASTC Passport Program If you're planning family trips or just want to explore more ...

Day Out With Thomas Celebrate 80 Years of Thomas and Friends in Greenfield Village

Day Out With Thomas Celebrate 80 Years of Thomas and Friends in Greenfield Village May 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2025 https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/day-out-with-thomas/ ...

Planning & Organization

Stay on top of your homeschool life, routines, and goals with practical planning tools and organizing ideas. This section includes Erin Condren planner reviews, layout photos, and home organization tips that help keep things running smoothly.

Erin Condren LifePlanner 2025–2026: Weekly vs. Daily Comparison

Planning for 2025–2026? Here’s Why I Still Use Erin Condren’s Weekly LifePlanner With so many digital calendars and apps promising ...

Erin Condren Homeschool Planner 2024-2025

Erin Condren Books Of Wisdom Homeschool Planner - $48.50 Get the tools and inspiration you need to bloom in the ...

Erin Condren Homeschool Planner

Erin Condren offers a homeschool planner that I like. The size is like their regular teacher's planner, it is the ...

Latest from the Blog

Panera Watermelon Arugula Salad Without Feta

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Recent Updates

Geology Unit Study

This unit introduces students to the basics of geology, including rocks, minerals, fossils, volcanoes, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. It includes printables, hands-on projects, lapbook components, themed books, and links to full lesson plans. Topics like the rock cycle, layers of the Earth, and ... Read More

What to Do If Your Salt Grinder Betrays You

So your grinder’s jammed… or worse, it’s dumped half a cup of Himalayan pink salt rocks onto your lunch. Yep, I’ve been there. Here’s how to salvage the situation: Small blender-safe chunks: Pick out a piece about the size of a pencil eraser and toss it into ... Read More

April Round Up

I joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge and managed to post almost daily — even with a full plate behind the scenes. From website facelifts and ongoing OneDrive headaches to daily life stress and the usual work challenges, it’s been a month of pushing through and staying creative ... Read More

Notebooking Tip

I’ve found that we really enjoy using smaller-sized notebooks—especially when the subject allows. Ours are 5.5 x 8 inches, and they’re just the right fit for smaller hands. Plus, they’re less intimidating for kids who prefer compact pages or love to sketch little pictures (mine does!). I ... Read More

Geosafari

What is a Geosafari? Originally sold by Educational Insights, GeoSafari is one of the most versatile educational tools I’ve ever used. You can find lesson cards on a wide range of topics—or design your own to match what your child is studying. Homemade cards can be used ... Read More

💜 Looking for information about Lupus? Visit the Lupus Awareness Page to explore symptoms, infographics, and insights from Dr. Brooke Goldner.

🟣 World Lupus Day – May 10, 2025

World Lupus Day is right around the corner. On May 10, people from around the globe will come together to shine a spotlight on Lupus and the millions of lives it affects.

The World Lupus Federation offers a free toolkit filled with key facts, sample messages, and social media graphics to help you raise awareness in your community. Whether you share a post, tell your story, or wear purple in support, your voice matters.

Download and share the World Lupus Day Toolkit
Use hashtags #WorldLupusDay and #MakeLupusVisible
Wear purple and post your photos online
Light up a local building or landmark in purple

Together, we can raise awareness, educate others, and stand in solidarity with those living with Lupus.