The Sequoia Breeze

Does your family have animals? Are you considering it? Whether you have cuddly pets, reptilian friends, or animals that serve a purpose in your home, there is much for students to learn and gain from their presence. In this special episode, we take you inside several families’ experiences with animals—exploring what students have learned and how their lives have been enriched along the way. Join us for a heartwarming episode that’s sure to put a smile on your face!Show Notes:Snake Discovery YouTube ChannelZoo Books & Ranger RickLakeshore LearningTeachers Pay Teachers (TPT)4H curriculum

State testing season is here. For many homeschool families, that can bring questions—or even a little stress.In this episode of the Sequoia Breeze Podcast, we take a clear and honest look at CAASPP. You’ll hear from school leaders about why testing matters and how our schools are cheering your family on. You’ll also hear from three homeschool moms who share simple, practical ways they helped their students prepare with confidence.This episode isn’t about teaching to the test. It’s about recognizing growth, building important life skills, and helping students show what they already know.If you’ve ever wondered whether state testing can be more than just a requirement, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged and prepared.Tune in today so you can be ready to take the next step with confidence.Show Notes:Beast AcademyCA DashboardCAASPP practice testWriteReflectionsProdigy MathLove of LearningQuizlet Freckle (Renaissance)Touch Type Read SpellIEW Adventures in Writing

Did you know there’s real support available when state testing feels overwhelming?This month on The Sequoia Breeze, Rebecca LaSavio is joined by Denis DiNoia, creator of Mr. D Math and a well-known advocate for homeschooling and charter education. Together, they talk about Conquer the CAASPP, a test prep course designed specifically for California students. But this course isn’t about cramming or drilling. It’s about helping students build confidence, work through fear and anxiety, and walk into testing feeling prepared, capable, and ready to do their best.This fast-paced, engaging conversation is packed with practical wisdom, real-life examples, and ideas families can use right away. If testing season feels stressful in your home, this episode offers reassurance, tools, and a reminder that confidence is just as important as content.Show Notes:Conquer the CAASPP

What does real consistency look like in a homeschool—beyond perfect plans and good intentions? In this episode, I sit down with longtime homeschooler and community leader Dawn Garrett to talk about the kind of steady, everyday effort that truly shapes learning and family life.We talk about why consistency matters, what can make it hard, how to start small, and why “showing up” can look different from season to season. Dawn shares honest lessons from her own journey, simple routines that work, and encouragement for the days when it feels like you’re starting over… again.If you’ve ever struggled to keep going—or wondered if everyone else has it more together—this conversation is a reminder that consistency is something we build over time.Listen in, and then tell us: What does consistency look like in your home right now?Show Notes:Minimum Viable Day - Start HereMorning Time on the Go podcast episodeBlog: Why I Need a Scheduled RoutineHomeschool Better TogetherContact: LadyDusk.comInsta ladyduskcommunity.pambarnhill.comhttps://pambarnhill.com/how-to-be-more-flexible-with-your-homeschooling/https://pambarnhill.com/kids-awake-early/https://pambarnhill.com/finding-time-for-morning-time/https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-homeschool-with-confidence/https://pambarnhill.com/benefits-homeschool-consistency/https://pambarnhill.com/scheduled-routine/https://pambarnhill.com/best-morning-habits/https://pambarnhill.com/quick-and-easy-homeschool-breakfasts/

In this special episode that’s just in time for the holiday season, Rebecca sits down with author Isabel Tom to explore the heart behind her book, The Value of Wrinkles. Drawing from her unique upbringing living with grandparents and her career serving older adults, Isabel challenges the cultural fears we often carry about aging. She shares why intergenerational relationships matter, how they enrich our families, and what wisdom we miss when we separate our lives by age. Whether you're looking to strengthen family connections or simply see aging through a more hopeful lens, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the wisdom and experience that age provides.Show Notes:ValueofWrinkles.com

High school brings exciting opportunities for deeper learning and personal growth. With the right tools, homeschooling through this stage can be both manageable and meaningful.In this episode, join Rebecca as she sits down with high school content specialist Robin Caminiti to talk about how Course Outlines can support both flexibility and academic success. Whether you're new to homeschooling high school or just looking for ways to stay organized and confident, you'll learn how these outlines work, how to make the most of the built-in resources, and how Sequoia Grove’s team is here to support you every step of the way.This is a must-listen episode for any family navigating the high school years with creativity and confidence!Contact our Content Specialists:Robin: [email protected]: [email protected] can get a copy of Course Outlines from your HST or find them on the Bridge.

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