tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87413022011-12-22T12:09:41.315-05:00This blog is dedicated to the ramblings of a homeschooling mother of 6 in desperate need of a vacation. But since that is not currently available this blog will have to do.Spunkynoreply@blogger.comBlogger13921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-58930257749499078982011-12-22T11:54:00.005-05:002011-12-22T12:09:41.415-05:00

Life has a way of taking unexpected twists and turns, doesn't it? And the older I get (fast approaching the big five OH no!) the more I accept that fact and attempt to adjust accordingly. That adjusting has also left me with little extra time for blogging but for anyone who wants to keep up with small snippets I do post on Facebook and accept most friend requests. But for now, I'd like to send

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-14920322020302553372011-08-31T15:25:00.009-04:002011-08-31T18:07:24.442-04:00

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Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-56667856850459368612011-08-04T15:51:00.004-04:002011-08-04T16:04:59.496-04:00

If there is a single image that defines this generation it is of a teenager with earplugs in his ears strutting down the street to his favorite music while intently texting his friends about the latest Facebook status of a mutual friend. And the friend may be someone he has never actually met IRL (in real life), but a virtual friend--that is a friend of another virtual friend. Eventually, he

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-71673492016399613342011-07-06T13:58:00.008-04:002011-07-06T14:36:08.050-04:00

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Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-57425768556612990092011-06-30T09:11:00.004-04:002011-07-02T09:07:45.400-04:00

The Homeschool Minute asked me to write a brief answer to the following question for their e-newsletter:"Will I ever get to homeschool the way that I want to?"What a great question, an the answer is clear AFTER you answer one other question first: "WHO is in charge of your homeschool?"Thankfully, that's an easy multiple choice question with only four possible answers:a. Christ-led homeschoolb.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-70597058852319245242011-01-17T20:09:00.006-05:002011-01-17T21:01:45.382-05:00

Ann Voskamp's new book One Thousand Gifts is now available in print and climbing the Amazon Best Sellers list fast. Ann is a dedicated homeschooling mother of six, fellow blogger (A Holy Experience), and a gifted writer. When I began this post One Thousand Gifts was at #18 and now it's #16 now at #15. I'm not surprised and praying it hits the #1 spot. I'm reading it now and am touched

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-66494775662162243562011-01-11T22:45:00.005-05:002011-01-13T17:03:23.473-05:00

The response to the idea of tax-credits for homeschoolers has been largely unfavorable. It appears most of the "rank and file" homeschooler don't want them or the federal government any where near our home schools. But will our voices be heard? Thankfully, if this ever reaches the point of legislation our opposition will be given an extra boost by the attorneys at Homeschool Legal

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-24994690693060509122011-01-05T10:04:00.020-05:002011-01-05T17:00:07.925-05:00

With the new Congress sworn in some conservatives are looking into whether or not homeschoolers should get a federal tax-break. (See previous post Tea Party -vs - Obama on Education) The New York Times picked up the debate and wondered "Do Homeschool Schoolers Deserve a Tax Break?" They presented a variety of opinions from many of the major voices in education. I agree with the the

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-14955851406021568372010-12-13T10:39:00.010-05:002010-12-15T18:55:33.249-05:00

Please pray for Dana Hanley of Roscommon Acres (formerly blogging at Principled Discovery) as she struggles with the loss of her sweet son, Mattias. He passed away December 12. Mattias was born on February 23, 2009. Dana, just as many of us rejoiced with you when you shared the arrival of Mattias, many are now grieving with you as you say good-bye. But this good-bye is only temporary, one

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-35171297529568362422010-12-12T20:22:00.005-05:002010-12-12T20:35:36.116-05:00

This clever video addresses the political correctness that has pervaded our schools in a very memorable way. via: Hotair Subscribe to SpunkyHomeschool by emailFollow Spunky on Facebook.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-64781009672285035392010-12-10T18:02:00.007-05:002010-12-10T19:29:02.734-05:00

Will homeschooling tax-credits, parental rights, and the abolition of the Dept. of Ed. be the showdown issue between the Tea Party and Obama in 2011? Dana Goldstein of the Daily Beast thinks so. As Obama seeks to tighten federal control over local schools and boost accountability, he faces a tough battle with incoming GOP lawmakers, who advocate "parental rights" and tax credits for

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-48744438922304957252010-11-27T18:43:00.011-05:002010-11-27T19:09:19.609-05:00

The Marines makes it real easy for a homeschooling mother to know exactly when her job is done. Congratulations Jason, I'm proud of you and blessed because you're my son! Subscribe to SpunkyHomeschool by emailFollow Spunky on Facebook.© SpunkyHomeschool, 2010. All rights reserved.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-80506562227501069242010-11-01T20:01:00.006-04:002010-11-01T20:44:59.596-04:00

Courtesy of Drudge we see Obama and his disciples celebrating their last supper together...tomorrow comes judgment day. Those that were nearby heard this prayer being repeated, "Our President, who art in the White House. Obama be thy name.The Tea Party's come. Their will's being done,Across the fruited plain.Give us this day, your daily talking points. That are delivered via teleprompter.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-11399388219235416482010-09-13T07:15:00.013-04:002010-09-15T09:30:57.067-04:00

The next time you're irritated by Facebook or Mark Zuckerberg just remember it could be worse, the Federal government could be running it. It could have happened something like this... After considerable debate, Congress passes the Universal Facebook Act of 2010 and Facebook.gov is launched. Obama goes golfing. Biden announces that Bush deserves the credit. Initially, participation in

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-73697495534811543732010-09-04T16:40:00.009-04:002010-09-05T19:41:40.345-04:00

As I have previously predicted many times over the last five years, the push for a national test will quickly follow the passage of Common Core State Standards. That day has finally come. With a $330 million carrot dangling in front of one group of states and another consortium of states receiving $170 million, the federal government is wasting no time bribing cash-strapped states into

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-35238935865265172502010-07-01T16:56:00.013-04:002010-07-01T19:59:25.424-04:00

One of the biggest lies spread about the land regarding Common Core State Standards is that the education standards are "state-led." "Today, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) released a set of state-led education standards," Charles Finn, Jr. of the Fordham Foundation believes the lie that they are

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-74076052275698450952010-06-22T13:44:00.014-04:002010-06-23T14:07:08.368-04:00

Michigan says good-bye to local control of education. The State Board of Education unanimously adopted today the Common Core Standards - a set of rigorous, college and career-ready K-12 curriculum standards that states across the nation are considering adopting to bring consistency in education across the states.With this action, Michigan formally adopts the final Common Core Standards that

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-74914874371188753912010-06-21T10:50:00.004-04:002010-06-21T11:32:20.226-04:00

The Heritage Foundation is speaking up against National Education Standards. "National standards would also further remove parents from their children’s education. Instead of being able to petition their local school boards or state leaders for changes in academic content, parents would have to lobby bureaucrats in Washington, DC, if they wish to see changes in what their child is

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-49469554663114537742010-06-09T10:03:00.008-04:002010-06-09T10:49:12.869-04:00

Many states are beginning the process of adopting national standards renamed Common Core State Standards to make them sound "state-led" as their new education standard. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has expressed her support for the standards in a video on the CCSSI website. "I strongly support the Common Core State Standards Initiative because all students - all students - no matter

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-50054793176209302362010-06-03T20:20:00.005-04:002010-06-03T20:42:15.361-04:00

Please pray for Sono Harris who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Her son, Joshua Harris, has more information on his blog.She's also doing all she can to fight the cancer. Mom is pursuing alternative treatment (a special diet called the Budwig Protocol that has met with some success) and all of us remain hopeful that by God's grace she can and will beat it. Right now the

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-37557092770838738522010-06-02T10:12:00.008-04:002010-06-02T13:34:56.157-04:00

Last night, ABC's Nightline aired Free Range Children, with JuJu Chang the same reporter from Good Morning America story, and a different family (although there is a small clip from the GMA family fighting on the lawn.)Chang prides herself but doesn't show the child missing on his multiplication. So what! I once asked a public high schooler in our area when the War of 1812 was and he stared

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-46878325613468302492010-06-01T14:10:00.006-04:002010-06-01T19:57:04.986-04:00

Common Core State Standards, otherwise known as National Standards, will be officially released tomorrow. All other previous content from the website has already been removed leaving a single message, "The Common Core State Standards will be available at this link Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. Please check back at that time." Now it will be up to individual states to adopt the standards.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-78887151890643581292010-05-25T16:39:00.009-04:002010-05-25T19:05:17.583-04:00

With bogus claims that education reforms are "state led" the Obama administration is buying their way into twenty states and forcing them to adopt student tracking systems from BIRTH through career. My home state of Michigan will receive $10.6 million, Washington State will receive $17.3 million and Pennsylvania will receive $14.3 million of the $250 million in economic stimulus money to

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-92096620634792999862010-05-20T13:00:00.001-04:002010-05-20T14:20:05.641-04:00

Rand Paul has captured the Republican nomination for Senate in Kentucky and the attention of the nation. Valerie Strauss of the Washington Post calls his views on education "extreme." based on his answers to an NEA questionnaire. The questions were all various forms of what do you think about federal involvement in education. His answers were spot on. “Revenue for education should be

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-9958309024228186172010-05-19T15:07:00.008-04:002010-05-19T15:40:14.802-04:00

Despite being elected President of the United States, Barack Obama has refused to publicly show proof of citizenship or his actual birth certificate. For the privilege of shaking hands with the president at their high school commencement next month ID is required - including citizenship status. Seniors are being asked to provide their birthdates, Social Security numbers and citizen status to

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-27003181235791597812010-05-17T11:23:00.007-04:002010-05-17T14:43:59.093-04:00

The New York Times repeats what I've also been saying for years....“This administration’s education vision is a very activist, expansive role for the federal government,” said Terry W. Hartle, senior vice president at the American Council on Education, who has watched education policies evolve in Washington for nearly 30 years. “We’re never going to be like France, where the education

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-53465404938103037812010-05-15T09:07:00.007-04:002010-05-15T11:23:52.467-04:00

While I'm here looking at the INCH Homeschool convention chatting with parents about education and their vision for their family, Washington DC is dreaming about making our children "college and career ready" to compete in the global economy. That phrase is often repeated by politicians of both parties; yet they're not really sure what it actually means. "College and career ready?" asked Sen.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-1969333142838313852010-05-13T17:52:00.005-04:002010-05-13T18:01:00.663-04:00

I'm frantically getting ready for the INCH Homeschool convention in Lansing this weekend, but attendees at my workshop, iHelp for the eHome online at the Schoolhouse Expo have emailed and asked where they can get a copy of my poem, Mom's on the Computer that I read. I'll probably get a few more requests after this weekend, so I'll just repost it again. Here you go....Mom's on the Computer (

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-21602611180107446092010-05-12T08:23:00.005-04:002010-05-12T09:42:57.672-04:00

This past weekend, Obama hit on a major theme of my new workshop, iHelp for the eHome, in a commencement address at Hampton University, "With iPods and iPads; Xboxes and PlayStations -- none of which I know how to work -- information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation," he told a class of more

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-34365796086567741712010-05-11T09:31:00.006-04:002010-05-11T10:40:02.717-04:00

Due to an increase in the number of homeschoolers in Texas, experts are getting suspicious about who is really homeschooling.Texas' lax documentation and hands-off practices make it impossible to know how many of these students are actually being taught at home. It also opens the door to abuse of the designation, which could help school districts avoid the sanctions that come with high dropout

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-33207582095716752922010-05-10T20:04:00.009-04:002010-05-10T20:33:53.720-04:00

Enough already!!! When are parents going to realize that the schools are NOT on their side. Maybe it's time for teachers in our public schools to take some sort of an oath before they can serve in our nation's schools? After all it is this no good, rotten, totally offensive country that pays their salary.Why parents keep sending their children to these institutions of indoctrination is

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-38364142683180656452010-05-10T09:03:00.009-04:002010-05-10T09:51:06.759-04:00

Last week in a comment defending homeschoolers who accept government money to help pay for their educational materials a friend wrote on my Facebook, "If my end game is to educate my children, be with them, teach them our values, allow them to learn at their own pace, protect them and prepare them to be in a world with an eternal view rather than temporal, than I don't see the damage in

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-57275701767822877162010-05-08T14:50:00.007-04:002010-05-08T15:22:24.013-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal, Moms to the Barricade,Forget "angry white men." In the male-dominated world of conservative politics, the tea party stands out as a movement of energized and organized women. In particular, moms....Dana Loesch, talk host and co-founder of the St. Louis tea party, believes the tea party movement is the modern conservative version of "the personal is political.""

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-24975589853048462952010-05-06T09:12:00.008-04:002010-05-08T15:18:09.889-04:00

Teaching tolerance in America's public schools means students can't wear an American flag on Cinco de Mayo in California,Galli says he and his friends were sitting at a table during brunch break when the vice principal asked two of the boys to remove American flag bandannas that they wearing on their heads and for the others to turn their American flag T-shirts inside out.When they refused,

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-84452309319644074882010-05-04T19:46:00.005-04:002010-05-05T08:50:43.933-04:00

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I'd like to dedicate one of my favorite posts to the dedicated mothers in America who sacrifice so much each and every day to home educate their children.What is a Teacher?A teacher is someone who can........Give a hug without getting arrested.....Bandage a knee without calling the school nurse.....Change a light bulb without calling the custodian.....Make

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-74118663372879189742010-05-01T19:52:00.007-04:002010-05-01T20:26:53.435-04:00

I was privileged to ask Sarah Palin the first question during a break out session this morning at the Defending the Dream Summit.I asked her as the mother of a son in the military what advice she'd give to a mom whose son is about ready to leave for Marine Boot Camp? She gave me the same advice she said Cindy McCain gave her, "Spend a lot of time on your knees." praying for God's hand of

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-65405900230685824582010-05-01T08:06:00.009-04:002010-05-01T12:43:25.974-04:00

While Obama supporters and University of Michigan graduates are getting soaked in Ann Arbor, I'm comfortably waiting indoors for Sarah Palin to arrive at the Americans for Prosperity Defending the Dream Summit.It's 8:15 now and Palin's scheduled to speak at 9:15 AM. Following her speech in the general sessions, Palin will give a special address to high school and middle school students.Should

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-1475937926077331672010-04-20T16:41:00.017-04:002010-04-20T20:59:17.349-04:00

The blogosphere is all a buzz, both positive and negative, because ABC put out an obviously biased and heavily edited piece on "unschooling." Many who spoke against unschooling in various comment sections worried about about whether the parents thought through the consequences of their "lazy parenting" and whether these poor children were going to get into college or get hired. MomLogic

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-34999730191810581012010-04-19T18:30:00.009-04:002010-04-20T09:35:39.943-04:00

About once or twice a year we can count on the main stream media to focus on unschoolers as if it is some new phenomenon within homeschooling. It's not. But given the crisis-driven policy decisions we're seeing come out of Washington lately, I wouldn't be surprised if this sparks a demand for more uniform standards among these "extreme parents" who homeschool using any method.Honestly, it's

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-77171579572528465122010-04-13T19:56:00.012-04:002010-04-14T12:20:08.772-04:00

I was encouraged, inspired, informed, and exhausted by the time the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio closed on Saturday evening. The Duke Energy Center certainly was buzzing as over 13,000 homeschoolers shopped the vendor hall and attended various workshops on topics ranging from sibling squabbles to parental rights.The highlight for me was meeting these two dear sweet mothers

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-3054066986420737592010-04-06T06:58:00.009-04:002010-04-06T16:03:38.639-04:00

In today's Wall Street Journal, Craig Barett, a former CEO of Intel Corp. and co-chair of ACHIEVE made his case for national standards in education. Fifty different sets of standards make no sense. It is much more efficient and less costly for states to mutually develop standards and then work together on the tools needed, such as tests and textbooks, to ensure the standards reach classrooms,

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-34250982194271254782010-04-05T13:26:00.011-04:002010-04-05T18:36:29.441-04:00

It's not my intention to beat up on HSLDA but reader MRL contacted HSLDA regarding their delay in issuing an e-alert and Common Core State Standards and received an odd response, Spunky, just talked with HSLDA. They said the reason they sent the e-mail so late was that they didn't know about it until then. They explained to me that they have people who watch state and federal law and this is

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-14034244696518361162010-04-01T08:02:00.010-04:002010-04-02T11:40:19.411-04:00

A little late to the party, HSLDA has finally alerted its membership to the threat common core state standards pose to homeschool freedoms. The proponents believe that national standards, or common state standards, will increase school readiness, increase academic proficiency, and better prepare students for life and the workforce. The common standards are not stand-alone: many of their

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-62298811092619488752010-03-24T16:15:00.006-04:002010-03-24T18:33:53.165-04:00

A Seattle mother, identified only as "Jill", is furious after her 15 year old daughter's high school helped facilitate her abortion during school hours. When she signed a consent form, Jill figured it meant her 15 year old could go to the Ballard Teen Health Center located inside the high school for an earache, a sports physical, even birth control, but not for help terminating a pregnancy."She

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-81920467723693791442010-03-17T10:00:00.008-04:002010-03-18T21:47:51.669-04:00

Update #2: The Pearl interview has been canceled but they are still planning on covering the story. Update: The Pearl's website now says the interview will be held on Friday morning between 7 and 8 AM.Tomorrow, Michael Pearl is scheduled to be on the CBS Early Show between 7 and 8 AM. He'll be discussing the murder of Lydia Schatz and his child training methods. I've met and listened to

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-53444789686850911562010-03-16T10:01:00.004-04:002010-03-16T11:25:09.328-04:00

When President Clinton occupied the White House he attempted, with the help of his wife Hillary and friend Marc Tucker, to reform America's educational system. The reform was patterned after Europe and, at various times, called School to Work, Goals 2000, or Outcome Based Education. It became more commonly known as OBE and through much effort defeated, but not permanently destroyed.Nearly

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-41834392968401977272010-03-13T17:14:00.008-05:002010-03-13T22:33:15.039-05:00

In his weekly radio address, President Obama said, "[O]n Monday, my administration will send to Congress our blueprint for an updated Elementary and Secondary Education Act to overhaul No Child Left Behind. What this plan recognizes is that while the federal government can play a leading role in encouraging the reforms and high standards we need, the impetus for that change will come from states

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-53784184011461888482010-03-07T12:54:00.007-05:002010-03-07T15:10:27.395-05:00

Some secular homeschoolers are feeling frustrated and a bit isolated because the leading homeschool science curriculum promotes a Creationist/Biblical Worldview and "dismiss" Darwin. Two of the best-selling biology textbooks stack the deck against evolution, said some science educators who reviewed sections of the books at the request of The Associated Press. "I feel fairly strongly about this.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-33818771794575859852010-03-05T21:22:00.006-05:002010-03-05T21:43:40.638-05:00

When I wrote Mom's On The Computer a few weeks ago, I never thought I'd actually read an article like this. A computer-addicted couple let their real life baby starve to death while they raised a virtual daughter online, police said today.The couple spent 12 hours a night at internet cafes while their three-month-old daughter was left home alone at their apartment in Suwon, South Korea. They

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-79971664546921284732010-03-02T09:07:00.008-05:002010-03-03T16:36:40.683-05:00

What happens when a state certified public school teacher decides to homeschool? An ego-check and a whole lot of learning.In 2006, I took the leap from public school teacher to home-school mom for my kindergarten daughter. I did what most home-school mothers do and joined a home-school group for support. To be honest, I thought I would be lending most of the support. I had the elementary

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-87683125745477669392010-02-23T15:54:00.016-05:002010-02-24T05:58:08.387-05:00

What are we, as Christian parents, to think and more importantly do when Godly discipline turns deadly and a little child is senselessly killed at the hand of his parents desperately hoping only to "train up a child in the way he should go"?Nearly four years ago, I wrote about out the death of Sean Paddock at the hand of his mother, Lynn Paddock. Paddock was eventually convicted of her son's

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-21746941193669781842010-02-22T06:16:00.012-05:002010-02-22T10:29:53.024-05:00

Because of our family's proximity to Dearborn, Michigan one of the largest Arab populations outside of the Middle East and my daughter's study of the Arabic language and culture, I did not find it surprising that Muslims are turning to homeschooling.Muslim parents consider homeschooling for many of the same reasons other parents do - strong academics built on a foundation of religious

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-41836231170128988212010-02-18T09:31:00.010-05:002010-02-19T07:42:05.725-05:00

In the mid-1990's, my state legislator knocked on my door campaigning for reelection in our district. After a brief chit-chat session where he talked about roads, drains, and everything else he thought I cared about, I asked him, "Are you aware of the pending education reform in our state and many others which is modeled after Europe and will forever change the US economy?""No, I'm not." He

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-71494923799667996932010-02-15T08:00:00.004-05:002010-02-22T09:05:27.144-05:00

Some readers are wondering if I've once again fallen off the face of the internet. Not really, I'm a bit more active on Facebook, but even that is sporadic. Perhaps the best way to explain my is to post a song I recently rewrote (with apologies to Harry Chapin) as an intro to my upcoming workshop, iHelp for the eHome - learning to stay focused and use electronics and the Internet responsibly

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-14028531604218488372009-11-25T12:56:00.007-05:002009-11-25T14:02:36.580-05:00

Shamelessly swiped from the Facebook status of my dear sister Donna, a homeschool mom of eight children 17 and under: It only takes......One Macy's catalog to convince me I'm not beautiful enough...One Timberdoodle catalog to convince me that I'm not homeschooling enough...One Vision Forum catalog to convince me I don't have character enough...Yet just One Word from God shows me that I am loved

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-91609555700092205752009-11-23T21:11:00.006-05:002009-11-24T07:22:38.925-05:00

It's really no surprise to anyone ever that the NEA was more interested in protecting its power than educating children. What is surprising is that they actually feel confident enough in their power to admit it. Here's the NEA's General Counsel admitting as much in his retirement speech this past summer. "Despite what some among us would like to believe it is not because of our creative

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-74844829675876377552009-11-17T07:53:00.007-05:002009-11-17T13:33:45.807-05:00

For all my homeschooling friends who think ObamaCare will solve their financial and health insurance woes, think again. It may give you temporary relief for your financial headache, but it may also invite government nannies into your home to improve your child's well-being and health.HR 3200 that passed the House of Representatives, currently has a provision for funding states that implement a

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-74053298666223453482009-11-11T16:03:00.005-05:002009-11-11T16:48:26.745-05:00

Regarding the punitive consequences for those that do not acquire health insurance, Obama said this to Jake Tapper. "I think the general principle is simply that people who are paying for their health insurance aren't subsidizing folks who simply choose not to until they get sick and then suddenly they expect free health insurance. That's - that's the basic concept of responsibility that most

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-1595146129099106232009-11-11T06:24:00.006-05:002009-11-11T06:58:20.739-05:00

This week, a group of college students at Washington University in St. Louis sought to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual end of communism in Russia. But the university forced them to take down their display because it was "too offensive." Instead of going away quietly, the students decided to take their message national. Campus Gulag website reported: On the 20th

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-83992657151457153232009-11-06T08:17:00.007-05:002009-11-06T12:33:19.688-05:00

At a homeschool convention last year, another vendor and I struck up a conversation. He had a lot of energy but seemed a bit uptight; however, he readily admitted that he felt totally out of place because he didn't homeschool and this was definitely not his "typical convention." Not really interested in finding out what his "typical convention" was like, I smiled and assured him that we

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-63196220949586158722009-11-05T12:24:00.007-05:002009-11-05T16:32:26.412-05:00

Obama declared H1N1 a national emergency but there's another virus that is threatening our children's minds that could prove more widespread than once believed. Big Hollywood has posted 11 more videos of children in various schools around the country singing praises to Obama and quoting his speeches. This is about brainwashing our children into Leftist identity politics. Sure, the schools

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-25700379803325982022009-11-04T16:44:00.004-05:002009-11-04T17:42:39.305-05:00

Last night, MSNBC's Chris Mathew's announced his litmus test for Republican candidates and wrongly stereotyped homeschoolers in the process. In a post election round-up he posed this question to Club for Growth President, Chris Chocola, after Chocola talked about the limited role of government: MATTHEWS: Last question—here‘s my litmus test—are you pushing home schooling? CHOCOLA: We don‘

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-44615757238643920082009-11-04T07:13:00.008-05:002009-11-04T11:36:36.475-05:00

My friend, Kim, has a saying on her Facebook, "A woman's heart should be so lost in God, that a man has to seek Him in order to find her." But this generation seems to be lost to Facebook and their cellphone making it way too easy not only to find her but everything about her too. The combination has made any rules of engagement (pun intended) obsolete.David Brooks examines how cell phones

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-37965673585793824462009-11-02T10:46:00.007-05:002009-11-02T17:25:31.138-05:00

If the maxim is true, we are what we read, then the NEA's book recommendation tells us much about what they want their teachers to become. The National Education Association recommends its teachers read Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals and Reveille for Radicals as "An inspiration to anyone contemplating action in their community!" Here's a quote from the book, Rules for Radicals, "There's

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-61522291303940093072009-10-29T06:05:00.012-04:002009-10-29T13:01:34.627-04:00

Parents thinking about homeschooling in the early years and then sending them off to the local high school for their last four years may want to rethink that strategy.Drew Gamblin, a 16 year old gifted student, desires to go to the local public high school after being homeschooled. He hopes to experience "the memories" and graduate with his peers. Gamblin is being held back, however, because

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-20102823271414476562009-10-28T08:10:00.018-04:002009-10-28T12:13:53.332-04:00

When asked a month ao about the H1N1 flu shot for the First Family Obama said,"Here's what I guarantee you. We want to get vaccinated. We think it's the right thing to do. We will stand in line like everybody else. And when folks say it's our turn, we will get it. A humble declaration from a President who desires to put the needs of the nation above his own family, isn't it? However, like

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-55884782226668688752009-10-26T19:27:00.012-04:002009-10-27T16:39:10.695-04:00

Crunchy Con author and BeliefNet blogger, Rod Dreher, had a reader write to him seeking advice regarding homeschooling. A reader writes to say that his five year old came home from public school kindergarten with a flyer alerting parents that the kids are about to have a whole week of "Just Say No to Drugs" education. It shocked him that kids as young as this are being subjected to this sort of

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-89572502263242585822009-10-25T17:47:00.015-04:002009-10-25T23:06:29.077-04:00

Interesting. President Obama has declared the Swine Flu or H1N1 a national emergency. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius now has authority to bypass federal rules when opening alternative care sites, such as offsite hospital centers at schools or community centers if hospitals seek permission. But if this is such an "emergency" worthy of bypassing federal rules, why are

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-54052630147617717232009-10-23T14:14:00.008-04:002009-10-25T17:41:25.127-04:00

Some of the better stuff I've read, watched, or heard this weekOn EducationA Truly Divine Moment: Too good not to post again.Who's the Teacher: "I encourage you to try and find small ways throughout your day when your children can teach- whether it’s you, a sibling, or the family dog!"HomeschoolShare: Great website with loads of free stuff to help with lapbooks. My daughter and I are

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-75701404475553757412009-10-22T10:29:00.013-04:002009-10-22T22:14:22.123-04:00

I wish I had been a fly on the course when this event took place. Let me explain...I have a very dear friend who lives and homeschools in the city of Detroit. Her neighborhood is rough and her circumstances are difficult; yet through it all she manages to smile and trust the Lord to help her do the work necessary to raise five children without the support of her husband. Her children range

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-60879846676917977082009-10-21T05:26:00.011-04:002009-10-21T07:01:19.829-04:00

Salon writer and homeschooling father of Kindergarten twins , Andrew O'Hehir, has joyfully discovered what many parents do when they try homeschooling; But it isn't simply that Nini and Desmond are enjoying themselves, have learned a bunch of names and stories I didn't know until I was much older, and may, just possibly, have received a basic foundation in cultural literacy that I'm not quite

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-84225156955253209132009-10-20T19:10:00.010-04:002009-10-20T21:56:39.444-04:00

I have a Twitter account that I use whenever my thoughts can be condensed to 140 characters or less; which as most of you dear readers know, is not very often. And even less often do I venture into issues that are not related to the family or education. However, today was such a day.With a real war going in the Middle East and generals needing more troops, I was mystified that the White

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-21797742837898678952009-10-18T22:29:00.006-04:002009-10-19T22:28:21.316-04:00

The Mensa Foundation conducted a study of first-year college performance of homeschool graduates. The purpose, "was to determine differences in first-year college academic performance between home school and traditional high school graduates, measured by grade point average, retention, ACT test scores, and credits.The conclusion, "Families who home school their children should not feel that the

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-4145700523830197602009-10-17T14:12:00.011-04:002009-10-17T14:53:02.178-04:00

Fall is in full swing. The air and the apples are crisp, the footballs are flying (Go Blue!), the leaves are falling (in Michigan anyway), and the children are smiling (hopefully!).To go along with all the fall fun, The Old Schoolhouse and Amanda Bennett (the "guru" of Unit Studies) have teamed up to offer, Autumn Treasures, the first in a series of Download N Go unit studies for K-4. The one

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-53393792790067412432009-10-15T20:37:00.015-04:002009-10-16T05:38:07.022-04:00

...who breathed a small sigh of relief when I found out that the six-year old boy thought to be drifting in a hot air balloon was both safe inside his garage AND not a homeschooler? FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A flying saucer-shaped helium balloon drifted away from a home in Fort Collins, Colorado Thursday. Contrary to earlier fears, however, there was not a 6-year-old boy inside. Falcon Heene

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-35661252611869119532009-10-13T19:45:00.008-04:002009-10-13T20:06:03.046-04:00

I've been offline for a few days attending the funeral of my dear friend's mother, but I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to Tracy Klicka and her family for the loss of their husband and father.HSLDA has a memorium of his life and contribution to home education. A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel and Director

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-25100989260934903022009-10-10T10:33:00.007-04:002009-10-10T13:06:31.491-04:00

Questions which ask who is a "true" homeschooler are not just theoretical nor are they meant to be divisive. They are important as public officials attempt to develop policies which balance the desire of parents to home educate with their alleged desire to keep all children safe and learning.Currently, government officials in the UK are forming a commission to review what a "suitable" and "

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-83248155836448815842009-10-07T08:33:00.012-04:002009-10-07T16:22:04.574-04:00

When a mother at church asked me about homeschooling our six children and I mentioned our involvement in a co-op, she said, "That sounds good, but it doesn't sound like true homeschooling to me."So, who is a "true" homeschooler?A recent Wall Street Journal article referenced a 2007 statistic by the National Center for Education Statistics where online schoolers were included among the 1.5 million

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-25642135153455260832009-10-06T08:24:00.006-04:002009-10-06T11:30:31.898-04:00

Are you in a homeschool co-op? I joined one last year so my son, a high school junior, could take a Physics class; we enjoyed the experience and signed up again this year. There are quite a few co-ops in our area and they appear to be a growing trend among homeschoolers around the nation.As home schooling continues to grow, parents expect to see even more co-ops and organizations formed.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-29625302677503534272009-10-04T21:31:00.009-04:002009-10-06T09:16:20.831-04:00

Spunky & Co. in front of the US Department of Education.It was closed for the day and I pray one day it will be closed permanently.Thanks to Kelly at the Accidental Homeschooler and her her family for taking the time to meet with us and show us around DC. The whole afternoon was unplanned and spontaneous (including the matching outfits) but from the the very first minute, I felt like I was

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-88614892682776911452009-10-03T08:50:00.007-04:002009-10-03T13:12:49.989-04:00

Favorite quotes from the Defending the American Dream Summit."It's really exciting being in DC. It's where it all happens!" Michaela Gnec0 (homeschooler, age 15)"Even Tom Delay made it to Round 3 of Dancing With The Stars,” Laura Ingraham noting Obama's failure to bring the Olympics to Chicago."A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose your job. A

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-16236707966664165092009-10-02T16:55:00.011-04:002009-10-02T17:37:00.061-04:00

What could be better than driving nine hours through the night with very little sleep, a grande Starbucks, a five mile whirlwind walking tour of DC with my girls, a Capital Hill rally, and a Diet Coke to finish the afternoon?An evening enjoying a great dinner (that I didn't have to cook) and a tribute to Ronald Reagan with Laura Ingraham and then hopefully a good nights sleep, but with three

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-86642552550196923552009-10-01T17:16:00.005-04:002009-10-01T17:45:05.752-04:00

Thanks to Scott Hagerstrom and the wonderful people at the Americans For Prosperity Foundation, I'll be attending and blogging the Defend the American Dream Summit in Washington, DC this weekend.Featured speakers include, Newt Gingrich, Laura Ingraham, Senator Jim DeMint, Larry Kudlow, Rep. Mike Pence, and two of my personal favorite, Ed Morrissey of Hot Air and Hugh Hewittt. Morriseey and

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-46125646609191895612009-10-01T08:45:00.006-04:002009-10-01T09:36:47.603-04:00

Dana at Principled Discovery asks a question similar to the one asked by a friend recently, "Do you see homeschooling replacing public schools?" Dana quotes James Howard Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency, who sees a trend away from centralized schooling. In the future, there will no longer be centralized school districts, or as Kunstler calls them, “pupil sheds.” Homeschooling will

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-53204381683196895152009-09-29T10:01:00.013-04:002009-09-29T11:51:57.546-04:00

To some, a government solution is the only solution to all our problems, including who is best able to protect our children from harm. In fact, protecting children from parental abuse is often the first reason government officials provide for increasing regulation on homeschooling.Government officials feel more regulation is necessary because they are unable to track the number of home-schooled

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-49875803609793424622009-09-28T14:52:00.003-04:002009-09-29T16:26:09.640-04:00

We are starting to get a glimpse of what is in store for America's school children should they choose public schools under Obama - end summer break and spend more time in school learning to serve the state. "Now, I know longer school days and school years are not wildly popular ideas," the president said earlier this year. "Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-79307373788626750362009-09-26T17:52:00.006-04:002009-09-27T11:26:19.081-04:00

Praying and passing this along this email from Homeschooling with the Trivium via Facebook.Two emails from Tina Farewell:Dear friends,Bob's in Colorado Springs this week at the HSLDA Leadership Conference...~ He just called asking for prayer for his dear friend Chris Klicka, who, amazingly, since the sharp downturn in his MS the last couple of months, has been there also. He's been barely

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-19486178079899812872009-09-23T21:14:00.011-04:002009-09-24T13:45:39.581-04:00

(Scroll down for updates)My daughter sent me this link tonight. Some of the audio is muffled but don't worry you'll catch on to the beat real quick. So on the count of three, everybody say it together...Barack Hussein Obama.The young boy in the beginning recites a familiar hymn about the Lord Jesus, only it is changed slightly in praise of "the one" who thinks he is the Savior of the world.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-36272611235835792612009-09-23T15:23:00.004-04:002009-09-23T15:43:02.077-04:00

The first great deal is from my daughterThe second great deal is a lot less exclusive...A subscription to the Old Schoolhouse Magazine for only $7.95. To order, click here and enter coupon code FB795. But hurry, the offer ends at midnight tonight.

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-49558032765607247032009-09-17T15:14:00.012-04:002009-09-17T21:46:01.624-04:00

With little opposition, the House of Representatives voted today to give the federal government direct control over all student loans. Prior to the vote, TIME Magazine noticed the lack of conservative critics and asked if that indicated that Obama's Student Loan Plan is a "Good Takeover?" On its face, it would seem to be a gift to Barack Obama's conservative critics, who have spent the summer

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-27019223395691303842009-09-16T01:00:00.014-04:002009-09-16T11:32:01.619-04:00

Over decade ago, I called a journalist from the Wall Street Journal to discuss the expanding federal role in education and the move toward national curriculum and standards in America. He didn't want to hear about it. In fact, he laughed loudly in my ear and said, "It'll never happen. The American people would never stand for it." He was wrong.This week, in the House of Representatives, is

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-3054850619527532562009-09-15T10:50:00.005-04:002009-09-15T11:02:49.968-04:00

A white students is beaten on a school bus by a group of black classmates on their way to school.The 17-year-old victim was white and the teen assailants were black. Police released a video of the beating, which shows the victim being punched repeatedly while other students on the bus gather to watch, some cheering. It doesn't appear that the victim did anything to provoke an attack and tried

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-69533348150112551162009-09-15T07:00:00.003-04:002009-09-15T09:24:54.371-04:00

The Being An American Essay Contest may be of interest to many homeschoolers with high school students. The largest high school essay contests in the country is back, asking students to answer the question, "What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?" With over 31,000 participants last year in all 50 states, this year's Contest promises to be even bigger. Even better

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-75720490027875688702009-09-14T07:00:00.001-04:002009-09-14T07:00:08.566-04:00

"Mom!" My daughter shrieked as she rushed into my room early one spring day. "I've got a problem!"Barely opening my eyes, I yawned and mumbled, "And what problem would that be?""I haven't finished my school work yet, how am I ever going to graduate?" She sighed as she tossed her books across the bed."Don't worry." I said. "You've got a few more days to work on it. I'm sure you'll get it

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-43218142888550003352009-09-11T09:48:00.014-04:002009-09-11T10:36:28.962-04:00

In an interview touting ObamaCare on CNN, David Alexrod said, [W]hat is very important is that we have the kind of competition and choice that will help consumers. In many states in this country, there’s one insurer that dominates the entire market.Couldn't the same thing be said about education? In EVERY state there is one educator that dominates the market - public education. Anyone who

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-36206035302346810112009-09-10T08:00:00.016-04:002009-09-10T12:25:08.874-04:00

In his speech to school children Barack Obama said, "I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things. " So why are they using a basketball player (LeBron James), a reality TV star (

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-13385051759103230162009-09-08T22:37:00.014-04:002009-09-09T09:01:04.241-04:00

On the heels of Obama's address to school children across the nation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation along with a host of corporations are launching a new Get Schooled Initiative complete with a Student Bill of Rights. The home page screams I want, I want, I want, accompanied by a smug mug of Obama ready to provide for all those wants.Of course, the timing of Get Schooled is purely

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-25338162879466355832009-09-08T09:48:00.007-04:002009-09-08T10:55:18.849-04:00

Webb Eggerton, a clinical psychologist, and Pat Farenga debate the merits of unschooling on Fox and Friends (video at link). Farenga does an excellent job defending unschooling as a legitimate means to an excellent education. However, it is troubling to listen to the psychologist make the subtle transition from unschooling, as Farenga described it, to UNschooled students - those that drop out

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-38277354831502492862009-09-08T08:00:00.012-04:002009-09-08T11:39:39.656-04:00

Then: When George H. W. Bush gave his speech to school children, then House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt said, "The Department of Education should not be producing paid political advertising for the president, it should be helping us to produce smarter students. And the president should be doing more about education than saying, 'Lights, camera, action."And Democrats in Congress called for

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8741302.post-7608643670576577772009-09-07T16:42:00.006-04:002009-09-07T17:21:42.413-04:00

According to Christina Erland Culver, who is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Education, the classroom activities provided by Obama for his speech may violate federal statute. Federal statute denies any authority to the Department of Education to provide any kind of curriculum or anything that can be passed down to the state, and that’s part of the statute forming the Department of

Spunkynoreply@blogger.com0