Welcome to our home!

Hi, I’m Samantha!

I’m a homeschooling mom of four, wife, homemaker, and creator who believes that learning, homemaking, and family life can be simple, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Our Homemade House was created to help make homeschooling and everyday family life a little easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable. As a mom who is in the trenches of homeschooling and homemaking my own family, I know how overwhelming it can be to find quality resources, affordable curriculum, fun activities, helpful products, and practical ideas for your home.

That’s why I created Our Homemade House—a place where families can find homeschool deals, discounts, printables, educational resources, homemaking inspiration, and helpful finds all in one place.

I create homeschool printables and resources designed with real families in mind, share homeschool deals and helpful finds, and share practical ideas for making everyday life at home a little easier and more enjoyable.

Through the Homemade Homeschool Club membership, members receive exclusive homeschool printables, monthly bundles, access to a growing members-only resource library, and more exclusive gifts.

Whether you’re a longtime homeschooler, just getting started, or simply looking for affordable ways to make learning and life at home more enjoyable, I’m so glad you’re here!

Thanks for being part of Our Homemade House! 🤍

About me

I earned my teaching degree from a small university in Michigan. I taught 3rd-5th grade before having my daughter and staying home.

After 2020 I decided to think seriously about homeschooling. It took another year for me to work up the courage (and do enough research) to begin.

I love homemade bread! My favorite is blueberry and cream cheese sourdough bread.

I have been making homemade soap for years and love how easy it is! My goal is to one day own goats and make goat milk bar soap!

My kids – their education, health, and happiness- are my passion. I feel very blessed to be their mom, teacher, cook, mentor, playmate, and yes, even cleaning crew!

You can find me here!

Check out my most recent posts:

25 Homeschool Must-Haves: The Ultimate Homeschool Essentials List
Facebook Pinterest Twitter Email If you’re getting ready to homeschool for the first time, or simply want to make your homeschool days easier, you may be wondering what you actually need. The good news? You don’t need a classroom full of expensive supplies, a dedicated schoolroom, or every homeschool product you see online. The best homeschool setup is one that works for your family, your children, and your homeschooling style. Whether you homeschool multiple children, use an eclectic homeschool approach, follow a traditional curriculum, or are just getting started, these 25 homeschool must-haves can help you create a practical, organized, and enjoyable learning environment. From basic school supplies to curriculum organization, technology, and everyday learning tools, here’s the ultimate list of homeschool essentials. What Do You Really Need to Homeschool? Before buying a cart full of homeschool supplies, remember that homeschooling can be incredibly simple. At a minimum, you’ll need: Everything beyond that is optional. You don’t need to recreate a public-school classroom in your home. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is being able to make your learning environment fit your family. With that in mind, here are 25 homeschool must-haves worth considering. 1. A Homeschool Curriculum One of the most important homeschool essentials is a curriculum or collection of educational resources. Your curriculum doesn’t have to be expensive or come in a giant box. Depending on your homeschooling style, you might use: If you’re new to homeschooling, start with what your children need rather than buying everything at once. Tip: Give yourself permission to change curriculum if something isn’t working. Finding the right fit can take some trial and error. Here is our tried & loved homeschool curriculum: 2. A Reliable Computer or Tablet Technology has become one of the most useful homeschool tools. Although, not something that needs to be used all the time or every day for that matter. A computer, Chromebook, or tablet can give your children access to: You don’t necessarily need a separate device for every child. We use one desktop computer in our school room that the children share. If you’re homeschooling several children, you can often rotate device time between subjects. 3. A Good Printer A printer is one of those homeschool supplies you may use constantly. Even if your homeschool is mostly digital, you’ll probably eventually want to print: A printer with inexpensive replacement ink can save you money over time. We started out with an old hand-me-down printer but have since upgraded, and it has been a game changer! If you use lots of printables, consider an EcoTank-style printer or another refillable-ink option. 4. Printer Paper Of course, a printer isn’t much help without paper! Keep a supply of regular white printer paper available for everyday worksheets and activities. You may also want: You don’t need every type right away. Start with basic paper and add specialty paper when a project actually requires it. 5. Pencils Pencils are one of the simplest—and most important—homeschool must-haves. Keep plenty around because pencils have a mysterious way of disappearing. For younger children, triangular or thicker beginner pencils can sometimes be easier to hold. For older students, mechanical pencils may be preferred. Don’t forget a good pencil sharpener! 6. Colored Pencils, Crayons, and Markers Art supplies aren’t just for art class. Children can use colored pencils, crayons, and markers for: Having basic art supplies available can make ordinary lessons more engaging. 7. Scissors and Glue A pair of child-safe scissors and glue are essential for younger homeschoolers. They’re particularly useful for: Keep a small supply in your homeschool area so you’re not searching for scissors every time a worksheet says “cut and paste.” 8. Notebooks You can never have too many notebooks in a homeschool. Use different notebooks for different subjects, such as: Composition notebooks are inexpensive and versatile. You can also let your children decorate their notebooks to give them ownership over their schoolwork. 9. Dry-Erase Boards A small whiteboard can be surprisingly useful. We use it for independent practice, games, drawing, and much more! Other uses for a small whiteboard include: A larger dry-erase board can work well also! We have a hanging whiteboard in our school room where I stand to teach lessons. I have found that a larger whiteboard is great for family lessons, writing out our schedule, and copywork. 10. A Library Card One of the most underrated homeschool must-haves is a library card. Your local library can provide access to thousands of books without requiring you to purchase them all. Libraries are wonderful for: You can build an entire literature-rich homeschool around your local library. Keep an eye out for library events, as well. Our library has preschool story time, homeschool science hour, teen book club, and more! 11. A Home Library While you don’t need hundreds of books, having a collection of favorite books at home is incredibly valuable. Consider building a homeschool library with: Don’t feel like you need to buy everything new. Used bookstores, library sales, thrift stores, and book swaps can be fantastic sources. I have found so much joy in creating reading corners and bookshelves around my house. I love finding my children curled up with a good book! 12. A Homeschool Planner A homeschool planner can help you keep track of what you’re doing without feeling overwhelmed. Your planner might include: Some families plan every lesson months in advance. Others plan one week at a time. There isn’t one correct way to plan when you homeschool Choose the system you’re most likely to actually use! One of the homeschool tools we use every day is our wall calendar. It gives the kids a simple visual way to see what day it is, what month we’re in, and what we have coming up. We use it to talk about the date, days of the week, seasons, weather, birthdays, appointments, holidays, field trips, and special activities. 13. Storage Bins Homeschool supplies can quickly take over your house. Storage bins can help organize: Clear bins are especially useful because you can see what’s inside without opening every container. 14. A Homeschool Cart A rolling cart can be incredibly useful if you don’t have a dedicated homeschool room. Use it to store the supplies you use every day. You can organize each level or subject on a different shelf. The best part? When school is finished, simply roll the cart out of the way! 15. Math Manipulatives Hands-on math materials can make abstract concepts easier for children to understand. Useful math manipulatives include: You don’t need an enormous collection. Even simple household objects can become math manipulatives. Buttons, LEGO bricks, coins, cereal pieces, and small toys can all be used for counting and sorting. 16. Educational Games Learning doesn’t always have to look like a worksheet. Educational games can help children practice skills while having fun. Consider games that reinforce: Board games can also be a great way to bring siblings of different ages together. 17. A Reading Nook A cozy reading space can encourage children to read more often. You don’t need a fancy setup. A comfortable chair, floor cushions, a small bookshelf, or even a blanket fort can become a reading nook. Make books easy for your children to reach and encourage them to read throughout the day—not just during “reading time.” 18. Headphones If you’re homeschooling multiple children, headphones can be a lifesaver. They’re especially useful when one child is working on an online lesson while another child is reading or completing independent work. Look for comfortable, durable headphones appropriate for your child’s age. 19. Educational Subscriptions or Online Resources Online educational programs can supplement your homeschool curriculum. Depending on your children’s ages and needs, you may use online resources for: You don’t need dozens of subscriptions. Pick a few resources that genuinely help your children learn. 20. A Nature Journal A nature journal is one of my favorite homeschool essentials because it encourages children to slow down and observe the world around them. Take your notebooks outside and have children record: They can draw pictures, write observations, record temperatures, or simply describe what they see. Nature study can turn an ordinary walk into a science lesson! Grab our FREE Nature Study below! 21. Basic Science Supplies You don’t need a laboratory in your house to teach science. A basic collection of supplies can support dozens of experiments. Consider keeping: Many great science experiments use inexpensive household items. I’ve gathered a list of fun science experiments that children of all ages will love to do! 22. A Globe and Maps Geography becomes much easier when children can actually see where places are located. A globe and a few maps can help children understand: Keep a map visible in your homeschool area and use it whenever a book, history lesson, or current event mentions a new location. It’s important to remember that children under age 7 (roughly) have a hard time grasping other locations. A fun social studies lesson for early elementary would be a map of your neighborhood or drawing out the design of your house! 23. A Laminator A laminator isn’t technically necessary, but it can be one of the most useful homeschool supplies for families who use lots of printables. We have used our laminator more times than I can count! Even if you think you may not use it… get it! A laminator is one of those tools that you will love. I promise! Laminate: If you’re a printable-loving homeschool mom, a laminator can quickly become one of your favorite tools. 24. Field Trip Opportunities One of the greatest homeschool must-haves isn’t something you can put in a storage bin. It’s the opportunity to learn outside the house. Field trips can include: Field trips don’t have to be expensive. A trip to the local park can become a science lesson, while a visit to the grocery store can involve math, nutrition, budgeting, and practical life skills. Don’t forget to have fun along side your child! 25. Flexibility Perhaps the most important homeschool essential isn’t a supply at all. It’s flexibility. Homeschooling gives your family the ability to adjust when something isn’t working. Some days may be incredibly productive. Other days may involve reading books on the couch and spending the afternoon outside. That’s okay. You don’t have to recreate a traditional school day at home. You can slow down when your children need a break, spend extra time on a difficult concept, follow an unexpected interest, or change your schedule when family life requires it. That flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of homeschooling. What Homeschool Supplies Do You Actually Need? If you’re looking at this list and thinking, “That’s a lot!”—don’t worry. You absolutely do not need to buy all 25 items before starting to teach. If you’re starting from scratch, begin with these basics: Then add other homeschool supplies as your family discovers what works. How to Save Money on Homeschool Essentials Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, homeschooling can be a great way to teach yourself and children how to best budget your income. Here are some of my favorite ways to save money: Shop Used Look for used curriculum, books, manipulatives, and supplies. There are lots of thrift stores, homeschool swap Facebook groups, and Facebook Marketplace finds that will save you so much money! Use Your Library Instead of buying every book, borrow them. Or share among friends and family. Not every book needs to be bought new. Take Advantage of Free Printables There are many free homeschool resources available online. We also offer a monthly subscription for $5/month where you get access to our UNLIMITED printables library! I created this for moms like us- penny-pinching homeschool mamas just doing our best. Buy During Sales Stock up on basic school supplies when they’re discounted. Check out our daily deals page dedicated to finding the best discounts on homeschooling and homemaking items. Don’t Buy Everything at Once This is probably…
Back to School Homeschool Traditions: Creating Memories and Keepsakes Together
Facebook Pinterest Twitter Email The beginning of a new homeschool year is one of my favorite times of the year. There is something special about opening new books, organizing school supplies, and getting ready for another year of learning together. One of the things I love most about homeschooling is that we get to create our own traditions. We don’t have to follow a typical school calendar or classroom routine. We can slow down, celebrate the little moments, and make the start of each homeschool year meaningful for our own family. Whether you are starting your very first year of homeschooling or you have been homeschooling for many years, simple traditions can help your children feel excited and connected as a new school year begins. Why Create Homeschool Traditions? Homeschooling is about so much more than completing assignments. It is about relationships, curiosity, and the memories we make along the way. The little moments often become the ones our children remember most: These traditions give children a sense of excitement and help them see that learning is something worth celebrating. First Day of Homeschool Photo Ideas Taking first day of homeschool pictures has become a favorite tradition for many families. Looking back at these photos year after year is such a special reminder of how much our children grow and change. Some simple homeschool first day photo ideas include: These photos become more than just pictures. They become part of your family’s homeschool story. Create a Homeschool Portfolio One of my favorite ways to preserve homeschool memories is by creating a homeschool portfolio. A homeschool portfolio is a collection of your child’s work throughout the year. It is a wonderful way to see progress, save special projects, and create a keepsake your family can look back on. A homeschool portfolio can include: At the beginning of the year, you can start with a simple “about me” page where your child writes their age, favorite subjects, interests, and goals for the year. At the end of the year, it is so fun to compare how much they have grown. You do not need a complicated system. A binder, folder, or digital file works perfectly. The goal is simply to save a little piece of your homeschool journey. I love this tradition so much, I created my own! Grab our Back to School Printable Bundle below! Simple Back to School Homeschool Traditions Creating a memorable first day does not have to be expensive or complicated. Some simple ideas include: Have a Special Breakfast Make your child’s favorite breakfast or a special treat before starting your first lessons. It is a small way to make the day feel different and exciting. Most years, we opt for pancakes, bacon, and fruit! This is such a small tradition but one that holds firm. Breakfast together as a family is so special. Read a First Day Book Choose a special book to read together about learning, kindness, adventure, or growing up. About two years into our homeschool journey, I stumbled upon the book called “This Is My Home, This Is My School.” I couldn’t believe how similar our homeschool life was to the author’s. It wasn’t so much that we had the same house, same curriculum, and same kind of dog. It was the feeling that arose in me when I read the book. It was the priority of family time, beautiful living, and surrounding yourself with things that make you learn that had me hoping my children looked back on their homeschool journey the same way this author did. If you read the book, let me know what you think! Refresh Your Learning Space Even small changes can make your homeschool area feel new. Organize supplies, add a new basket for books, or display something your child created. Before our new school year begins, we deep clean the school room. Drawers get cleaned out, old coloring pages are taken down, fresh ink is put in the printer, and all puzzle pieces are found (or so I hope). Make Everyday a Homeschool Memory Some of the best homeschool memories happen in ordinary moments. A nature walk that turns into a science lesson. Our Nature Study Bundle is linked below!A child reading their first chapter book.A family conversation that becomes a history lesson.A messy art project spread across the table. Homeschool does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. The everyday moments are often the ones our children remember most. Back to School Homeschool Printables To help families capture these memories, I created a Back to School Printable Bundle with first day of homeschool signs and memory pages that can be added to your homeschool portfolio or keepsake binder. These simple pages make it easier to document the beginning of a new school year and save those special moments. You can find these and other printable bundles in the Our Homemade House shop. More Homeschool Resources If you enjoy having ready-to-use homeschool resources throughout the year, the Our Homemade House Membership includes monthly printable bundles, exclusive resources, and access to a growing printable library. My goal is to help homeschool families spend less time searching for resources and more time enjoying the moments that make homeschooling special. Enjoy the Beginning of a New Homeschool Year A new homeschool year is a fresh start. It is a chance to learn new things, grow together, and create memories that your family will treasure. The worksheets will be completed and the books will eventually be put away, but the memories you make along the way will last much longer. Happy homeschooling!
IXL Learning Review for Homeschool (2026) – Is It Worth It?
Honest IXL Learning review for homeschool families. See how we use IXL for math and language arts practice and get 20% off today.
Our Favorite Homeschool Tool + $10 Off For You
Save on your homeschool curriculum with this simple Time4Learning deal. New families can get $10 off and start learning with an easy, flexible, and engaging homeschool program designed for all grade levels.
KiwiCo Review For Homeschool Families
KiwiCo review for homeschool families covering what’s inside the crates, how they work for kids, and where to find a KiwiCo discount code to save on STEM subscription boxes.