Homeschooling on a Shoestring: Free and Low-Cost Homeschool Resources

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.

What You’ll Find Here

Teaching at Home

Unit Studies: Free unit studies on history, science, literature, and places around the world.
Literature Based Themes: Activities for favorite books, by title or by author.
Math: Free lessons, printables, and games by topic.
Homeschooling by Subject: Science, history, geography, art, music, and other subjects.
Preschoolers: Learning ideas for little ones.
Lapbooking on a Shoestring: Hands-on lapbooks made from a file folder.
Make Your Own Educational Card Sets: GeoSafari-style cards and card games you make yourself.

Getting Started and Planning

Homeschooling Methods: Find the style that fits your family.
Curriculum: Free and low-cost curriculum choices.
Educators Discount: Places that give homeschool families a teacher discount.
Homeschool Support Groups: Find a group near you.
Planning: Planner reviews and ways to organize your homeschool year.
Holidays & Seasons: Ideas for every holiday and season of the year.

Field Trips and Fun

Homeschool Skate: Homeschool skate days at roller rinks across the country.
Amusement Park Homeschool Days: Discounted homeschool days at theme parks.
Michigan: Field trips, homeschool days, and resources for Michigan families.
Crafts: Budget crafts using what you have.

Home and Family Life

Living Well Intentionally: Smoothies, juicing, infused water, and everyday wellness.
Recipes: Budget-friendly family recipes.
Life: Saving money, organizing, and everyday family life.

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

Titanic Unit Study

On April 10, 1912, the largest moving object ever built set sail from Southampton, England, on its first voyage to ...

Pirates Unit Study

Set sail for adventure! This Pirates unit study covers the Golden Age of Piracy, famous pirates, navigation, ship life, and ...

Wright Brothers Unit Study

On December 17, 1903, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, did what people had dreamed about for centuries: they flew. Wilbur ...

See all 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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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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.

Northern Michigan C. S. Lewis Festival

The Northern Michigan C. S. Lewis Festival's annual fall celebration theme this year is "Lewis & Tolkien: The Story Behind ...

President Gerald R. Ford

With the passing of Former President Gerald Ford, the only Michiganian to ever become president, you might be interested in ...

Odyssey of the Mind Results

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college ...

See all Michigan Resources

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.