The Sequoia Breeze

What does it look like to homeschool with more peace and less overwhelm? In this episode, Rebecca sits down with friend and fellow Family Liaison, Beka Heath, a homeschool mom of seven, to talk about how the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less has shaped the way they think about homeschooling. Together, they explore what it means to choose “less but better” when it comes to curriculum, daily rhythms, and the expectations we place on ourselves. Beka shares practical ways she’s applied these ideas in her own home—along with a few laughs and real-life moments from her busy household. If you’re craving focus, clarity, or just a little encouragement, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and make space for what really matters.Show Notes:Essentialism by Greg McKeownRead Aloud Revival Episode #220 Essentialism for HomeschoolersThe Sequoia Breeze Podcast Plan Your Year with Pam Barnhill

Homeschooling isn’t about doing all the things — it’s about doing the right things. With so many curriculum options and extracurricular opportunities available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, HST Jaime Happ helps us pause and reflect on the “why” behind our decisions — so we can make more intentional choices about how we spend our time, energy, and resources. Whether you're navigating too many options or unsure where to focus, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, clear, and confident in your next step.Notes:Blog: The Proverbial Homeschool *this is a religious resourceSimon Sinek Start with WhyPam Barnhill’s Minimum Viable DayCharlotte Mason is known for her motto, “I am, I can, I ought, I know.”Printables from Jaime:Tips for Schooling Multiple AgesHomeschool Philosophy Worksheet

Cynthia Rachel from A.P.P.L.E is back! AB 84 has passed the Assembly and is now headed to the State Senate. If signed into law, this bill could significantly impact our flex-based charter school model and the families we serve. Cynthia breaks down where the bill stands, clearly explains the recent updates, and shares how we can take meaningful action to ensure our voices are heard by our representatives. Don’t miss this important conversation.Show Notes:A.P.P.L.E websiteA.P.P.L.E. Facebook PageCalifornia Legislature Position Letter PortalFind Your Senator

In this episode, your host, Rebecca LaSavio, sits down with Stephanie Slade, the visionary founder behind the Northern California Homeschool Convention. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just getting started, this conversation will open your eyes to the incredible value of homeschool conferences. From building community and discovering new resources to getting energized for the school year ahead, Stephanie shares why these events are much more than just vendor halls and workshops.Find out what’s in store for this year’s convention, including keynote speakers, new offerings, special sessions for new families, and more. If you’ve ever wondered whether attending a conference is worth your time, this episode will convince you it absolutely is.So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into a conversation that might just reshape your homeschool journey.Show Notes:Convention website: thenchc.usCoupon Code for $10 off ticket: SG2025

AB 84 is a bill that, if passed, could drastically impact our flex-based charter school model and affect all of our families. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Cynthia Rachel, who offers a knowledgeable and clear explanation of what this bill means for us and how we can take action to make our voices heard by our representatives.Don’t miss this vital conversation.Show notes:stopab84.comA.P.P.L.E. WebsiteA.P.P.L.E. Facebook Group

Rebecca concludes season 6 with a wrap up of 11 great episodes and asks you to join her in remembering the highlights!Show Notes:Clarksville Voice MessageFeather River Voice MessageLake View Voice Message

 Come back for more! In Part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca and her sisters-in-law continue discussing how to give our TK and Kindergarten students a healthy start to school. Dive into the conversation about the importance of play and music. This episode has lots of encouragement for parents and educators of our curious, busy, always-learning, littles! Featuring guests Eliza Reed and Elisabeth Harmon.Show Notes:“Play is the serious business of children” seems to be an idea taken from psychologist Jean Piaget (“Play is the work of children”) and Fred Rogers, who said “Play is often talked about as a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.”Roxaboxen by Alice McLarrenThe Raft by Jim LaMarcheTchaikovskyLadysmith Black Mambazo

In this week's episode, Rebecca sits down with Eliza Reed and Elisabeth Harmon to discuss homeschooling ideas for our littlest, and most excited learners—TK and Kindergarten students!Eliza, a mother of four and the owner of a Montessori-style preschool, and Elisabeth, a homeschooling mom of five, share their experiences and tips for teaching young children. From finding the balance between structure and play to discovering the "educational sweet spot" for 4- and 5-year-olds, this episode is packed with wisdom and laughter. Tune in for practical advice, real-life lessons, and plenty of inspiration for making learning fun for your littlest homeschoolers.Show Notes:Curious George Compilations

Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. What are the implications of artificial intelligence for our students? Can AI be a helpful tool in homeschool education? How do we teach our kids to use it wisely when we may not fully understand it ourselves? In this week's episode of The Sequoia Breeze, Rebecca welcomes back Trisha Brandow, one of our administrators and a devoted homeschool parent, to help us navigate these and other pressing questions. Trisha discusses the benefits that AI can offer within our homeschool settings, while also highlighting the caution we should exercise. This timely and insightful episode aims to empower parents and educators to embrace AI thoughtfully, ensuring our kids are equipped to use it responsibly. Tune in for a conversation that promises to inform and inspire.Tools to Help You Learn More About AIPlease start here if you are just starting to learn how to navigate this digital world with your child:Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Parent PresentationChatGPT Unveiled: Presentation (an overview of what ChatGPT is and how it can be used)Prompts to Try to help you learn how ChatGPT works:Help with emailsLesson Planning HelpPersonal Life HelpSetting GoalsJust for FunSal Khan (Khan Academy) on How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) EducationKhanmigo (Khan Academy’s AI-powered teaching assistant)Common Sense Media: (A great resource for all things tech and parenting)Common Sense Education: AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6-12Common Sense Media: Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AIGoogle’s Free Course: Introduction to Generative AIMagic School (Free, AI powered tools for teachers)

In this episode, Rebecca welcomes Jenna Clifton, Lead Art Teacher, and Carrie Liebrich, Music Teacher to discuss the launch of Sequoia Studio, a brand new program dedicated to enhancing visual and performing arts experiences for TK-8th grade students enrolled in our schools. With the recent passing of Proposition 28, which provides funding for arts and music education in California schools, Sequoia Studio’s mission is to ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, and cultivate a deep appreciation of the arts.Join Rebecca, Jenna, and Carrie as they share their excitement about the music, visual arts, and theater lessons their teachers are bringing to Park Days, Clubs, and other schoolwide events. Listen in as they discuss the importance of high-quality arts instruction and share about the numerous opportunities they are creating for students. We guarantee this episode will leave you inspired and ready to join a Park Day or Club session TODAY!

Educational best practices increasingly emphasize using questions that ignite curiosity and engage students deeply in the learning process. This inquiry approach goes beyond simply asking what a student wants to learn; it's about sparking genuine interest. When applied effectively, it “hooks” learners by gradually shifting responsibility for the learning process from teacher to student. So how does this work in the homeschool setting?In this informative podcast, Erika Barrish, a Lake View HST and homeschool parent, guides you through crafting quality questions that inspire thinking and exploration in your kids—and even yourself. You’ll discover that with the right questions, there’s no limit to creative learning.Notes:What is Inquiry?Social Studies: InquirED.org Blog post on InquiryScience: Description of the 5 Steps of Inquiry from The Wonder of ScienceSome Good Resources for Building Inquiries in Social Studies and Science National Archives Educator Resources: Register for a free account to utilize DocsTeach for primary source documents organized by topic.Library of Congress: Primary Source Sets under Teachers: Classroom Resources.The Wonder of Science: has a great bank of Phenomena and resources to support Inquiry in the sciences.Smithsonian Science Education Center: Navigate to Free Resources under the Curriculum menu.Some Resources for Teaching Strategies to Support Inquiry:The Right Question InstituteThinking Routines Toolbox: Project Zero from the Harvard Graduate School of EducationLearning By Inquiry

Rebecca sits down with a group of homeschooled teens to dive into what life is really like outside the walls of a traditional school. For many, the thought of homeschooling through high school can feel daunting—can it be done well? Will students miss out on important experiences? In this episode, these teens share their honest experiences, from friendships to academics. They answer the big questions: Are they thriving socially and academically? Do they feel they're missing out, or have they discovered unique opportunities that traditional schooling might not offer? Tune in to hear their perspectives on what makes this path different, exciting, and full of possibilities!

This week Rebecca welcomes Cori Doerrfeld, author of the book, The Rabbit Listened, a heartfelt story that was born out of Cori’s deep empathy and desire to comfort friends in difficult times. This book, along with many others she has written and illustrated, has become a gift to readers and a powerful tool for teaching emotional intelligence to both children and adults. In this episode, Cori shares her passion for books and demonstrates how the power of stories can inspire and connect us all.Cori Doerrfeld's WebsiteThe Rabbit Listened

Trauma can affect us in ways we don’t always anticipate, and children are especially vulnerable to its impact. It can alter brain function and emotional regulation, changing how young people learn and complete tasks. In this powerful episode, Sequoia Grove’s Reece Perez opens up about her family’s difficult experience with trauma and shares the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. Join us as we explore the profound effects of trauma and the resilience it takes to heal.Show Notes:ChildTrauma Academyhttps://www.weareteachers.com/video-every-teacher-needs-know-childhood-trauma/https://www.weareteachers.com/teachers-help-childhood-trauma/https://www.weareteachers.com/childhood-trauma-expert-answers-to-tough-questions-from-real-teachers/TED TalkFlipping your lid: A Scientific Explanation

 Is your phone running your life? Do you find yourself getting sucked into it or other devices losing track of time that would be better spent doing other things? Does your (or your student’s!) phone use impact your school day? Our very own Jenny Johnston joins Rebecca to talk about the principles in the book How to Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price. Our phones are designed to addict us–so how can we combat it so that we are in charge of our time? Is it possible to reset our priorities, without giving up the conveniences we depend on? Jenny has great advice for us!Book Club ParticipationSign Up HereBook Club info sheet.Contact Jenny: Jenny.Johnston@sequoiagrove.orgResourcesHow to Break Up with Your Phone bookHands-Free Mama WebsiteThe Anxious Generation bookScreen Time and Mental Health PodcastVideosSimon Sinek How Do Cell Phones Impact Our Relationships?Addiction to Technology is Ruining LivesSocial dilemma Netflix documentaryFriday FocusLow-Tech PhonesPinwheel phonesGabb watch

With a desire for healthy, flavorful food and a deeper connection to nature, many people are returning to their own gardens. This week, Rebecca speaks with Kaitlin Mitchell, creator of Rutabaga Gardening, about the benefits of getting children involved in gardening. Kaitlin says no one has a “brown thumb,” and encourages everyone, even those without gardening experience, to give it a try. Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation packed with tips and ideas to make gardening a fun and rewarding activity your whole family will enjoy.Show NotesRutabaga Gardening WebsiteRutabaga Gardening InstagramSan Diego SeedsEpic Gardening on YouTube

The BookShark Way: Inspiring Learning Through StoriesHave you heard the phrase, “Learning from living books?” Are you curious to know what it means and whether or not it’s effective? This week, Rebecca sits down with Janna Koch from BookShark, a popular, literature-based curriculum publisher, to learn more about:the advantages of learning through storieshow to use BookShark effectivelycustomizing BookShark to fit your family’s needsMake sure to tune into this week’s episode and discover how BookShark can help bring learning to life.Show NotesBookShark websiteHomeschool Your Way - A BookShark podcast hosted by Janna KochThe Joy of Reading Aloud, The Sequoia Breeze Season 2, Episode 6

Having ADHD presents many challenges including difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Whether you or one of your students has ADHD, you’re not alone. Heidi Motto, Clarksville HST and mom of two, joins Rebecca to bring insight and experience to this subject. Listen in as she shares valuable insights and personal experiences to help families navigate the difficulties and recognize the advantages of having an active and creative mind.Show notes:Holderness Family: ADHD Needs a New NameHolderness Family: You Might Have ADHDHolderness Family: ADHD (Under the Sea Parody)ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Hallowell & Dr. Ratey (this had the story of the little boy in Shanghai!)ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer Wobble Board to improve balanceTodoist App to be able to dump all tasks in one place, set up reminders throughout the day, etc. Weekly To-do list for those who prefer paper over digital! Journal - remember the importance of dumping out thoughts to help process/sort thoughts out. Journaling can also just be a creative outlet!

This week Rebecca welcomes Josh Manley from CADclass to explore the exciting world of learning to design and print on a 3D printer. Discover how these skills offer homeschoolers creative opportunities and valuable lessons in problem-solving with real-world applications. Check out this episode for an insightful discussion on unleashing creativity and practical skills through 3D printing!NotesCADclassSMUD MosacMark Rober

Homeschooling mom and Feather River Board member Stacy MacDonald sits down with Rebecca to graciously share her family’s inspiring homeschool story. As a neuro-divergent family, Stacy and her children have navigated many challenges. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the ability to thrive against the odds. Tune in for this uplifting episode!NotesFeather River Charter School BoardLet’s Get Real - Parents Weigh-in on Testing, Episode 3:2 of The Sequoia BreezeBright ThinkerBeast AcademyHSVAAleks Math