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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.

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.

Featured Unit Studies

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.

Pumpkin Roll-Inspired Smoothie Bowl

Pumpkin Roll-Inspired Smoothie Bowl

All the flavor of a pumpkin roll in a breakfast bowl. This one is vegan and dairy-free, and it’s sweetened ...
Turmeric Root

Turmeric Health Benefits Inflammation, Joint Health & Golden Milk

Turmeric: A Little Spice With Big Benefits Turmeric is the golden-yellow spice that gives curry its color. It shows up ...
Cauliflower Rice Base

A Simple Cauliflower Rice Base You Can Take in Any Direction

This super simple dish starts with cauliflower rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas. By keeping the base neutral, it ...

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.

Mackinac Bridge Photo by Jason Brower on Unsplash

Michigan Social Studies

Michigan's state government is right in our backyard, and Lansing makes a great place to see it up close. Use ...

Creative Arts Studio

Creative Arts Studio has field trips available: Paint your own pottery, mosaics, beading/jewelry making, and hand-building with clay and wheel ...

Tour of Detroit Parade Company

Take a behind the scenes look and discover Detroit’s hidden treasures at The Parade Company Studio. Step into a story ...

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

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 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 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

 

🎃 Halloween Ideas for Your Family

Looking for ways to celebrate on a budget? Here are Halloween ideas from Homeschooling on a Shoestring.

Recent Updates

DIY Advent Calendar

Count down the days to Christmas with a DIY advent calendar you print and put together at home. This idea came from Michele Tanis back in 1996, when she made hers in Print Shop. Here is the same idea updated for Canva, which is free. It also ... Read More

Presidents and First Ladies Unit Study

Who can be president? How does someone get elected, and what does the president actually do all day? This unit study explores the presidency and how Americans choose their leaders, from George Washington to today. Learn about the three branches of government, the Electoral College, inaugurations, First ... Read More

Glitter Balls

Glitter balls are sparkly little ornaments kids can make by rolling a ball in glue and shaking it in a bag of glitter. They keep for several years, so you can bring them out again each Christmas. Don't have balls? There's a flat version below too. Adult ... Read More

Applesauce Ornament

Applesauce ornaments take just a few household items, and they make your house smell like cinnamon. Mix up the dough, cut out shapes with cookie cutters, and let them dry. They're nice on the tree or wrapped up as gifts. What You Need 4 ounces (1 cup) ... Read More

Wreath Craft Ideas

Here are three wreath craft ideas using things you can gather or already have, from wild grapevines to old file folders and leftover tissue paper. Grapevine Wreath What You Need Wild grapevines A tub or bucket of water Ribbon, dried flowers, and moss for decorating Directions Gather ... Read More

Yarn Wreath

A yarn wreath ornament starts with a plastic lid from a coffee can or peanut can. Wrap it in green yarn, add red beads for holly berries, and top it with a bow. Safety First! An adult should do the cutting with the craft knife. What You ... Read More

Painted Window Snowflakes

Painted window snowflakes let kids decorate your windows the same way window painters do for the holidays. A squirt of dish soap in the paint makes it easy to wash off later. What You Need White tempera paint Liquid dish soap A small cup or dish for ... Read More

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

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