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Explore every episode of the podcast The Sequoia Breeze

Dive into the complete episode list for The Sequoia Breeze. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Learning Never Ends01 Jun 202600:33:31

​Spoiler: none of us can teach our children everything they’ll need to know before they leave home. So what can we give them? A love of learning, the confidence to try new things, and the curiosity to keep growing long after graduation.


In this special episode, Rebecca explore the idea of lifelong learning—not just for our kids, but for us as parents too. What have you been learning lately? Do your children see you pursuing new interests, taking risks, asking questions, and growing?


Featuring fun sound bites and ideas from parents and staff--and even Rebecca's dad--this episode is full of encouragement to stay curious, keep learning, and become more interested in your own life.

Where Does All the Time Go?04 May 202600:46:34

​Most of us think in terms of 24 hours in a day, but what if we started thinking in terms of 168 hours in a week? Suddenly, time feels a little different. 


So where does all that time go?

In this episode, we explore how to approach our days with more intention and less overwhelm, drawing on insights from author and time expert Laura Vanderkam and her books Tranquility by Tuesday and Big Time. Discover practical ways to rethink your time, build rhythms that work, and move through your days with a greater sense of calm and purpose.


Listen in and discover just how much time you really have.

Show Notes:

LauraVanderkam.com

Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters

Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance

Animals in Our Homeschool06 Apr 202600:56:44

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 Channel

Zoo Books & Ranger Rick

Lakeshore Learning

Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)

4H curriculum

Unleash Your Genius!02 Mar 202601:03:22

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 Academy

CA Dashboard

CAASPP practice test

WriteReflections

Prodigy Math

Love of Learning

Quizlet 

Freckle (Renaissance)

Touch Type Read Spell

IEW Adventures in Writing

Conquering the CAASPP with Mr. D!02 Feb 202600:46:02

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

Consistency: The Secret to Homeschool Success05 Jan 202600:58:24

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 Here

Morning Time on the Go podcast episode

Blog: Why I Need a Scheduled Routine

Homeschool Better Together

Contact: 

LadyDusk.com

Insta ladydusk

community.pambarnhill.com

https://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/

The Wisdom of Generations01 Dec 202500:30:05

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

Confidence & Flexibility: Making the Most of Course Outlines in High School03 Nov 202500:54:58

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: robin.caminiti@sequoiagrove.org

Arpi: arpine.ovsepyan@sequoiagrove.org

You can get a copy of Course Outlines from your HST or find them on the Bridge.

Finding the Essentials in Homeschooling06 Oct 202501:00:23

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 McKeown

Read Aloud Revival Episode #220 Essentialism for Homeschoolers

The Sequoia Breeze Podcast Plan Your Year with Pam Barnhill

Homeschooling with Purpose01 Sep 202500:39:17

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 resource

Simon Sinek Start with Why

Pam Barnhill’s Minimum Viable Day

Charlotte Mason is known for her motto, “I am, I can, I ought, I know.”

Printables from Jaime:

Tips for Schooling Multiple Ages

Homeschool Philosophy Worksheet

Continuing the Conversation: An AB 84 Update25 Jun 202500:54:20

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 website

A.P.P.L.E. Facebook Page

California Legislature Position Letter Portal

Find Your Senator

Gathering Homeschoolers Together in Northern California18 Jun 202500:31:47

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.us

Coupon Code for $10 off ticket: SG2025

AB 84 and Your Family - What You Need to Know16 May 202500:58:32

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.com

A.P.P.L.E. Website

A.P.P.L.E. Facebook Group

That's a Wrap!04 Dec 202400:06:29

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 Message

Feather River Voice Message

Lake View Voice Message

Our Littlest Homeschoolers, part 221 Nov 202400:37:38

 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 McLarren

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Tchaikovsky

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Our Littlest Homeschoolers, part 120 Nov 202400:42:54

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

Smart Homeschooling with AI13 Nov 202400:39:39

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 AI

Please start here if you are just starting to learn how to navigate this digital world with your child:

ChatGPT Unveiled: Presentation (an overview of what ChatGPT is and how it can be used)

Prompts to Try to help you learn how ChatGPT works:

Sal Khan (Khan Academy) on How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education

  • Khanmigo (Khan Academy’s AI-powered teaching assistant)

Common Sense Media: (A great resource for all things tech and parenting)

Google’s Free Course: Introduction to Generative AI

Magic School (Free, AI powered tools for teachers)

Introducing Sequoia Studio06 Nov 202400:29:54

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!

Curious Questions with Erika Barrish31 Oct 202400:47:39

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?

Some Good Resources for Building Inquiries in Social Studies and Science 

Some Resources for Teaching Strategies to Support Inquiry:

Teens Talk Homeschool23 Oct 202400:34:16

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!

The Art of Feelings, with Cori Doerrfeld16 Oct 202400:50:52

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 Website
The Rabbit Listened

Understanding the Impact of Trauma09 Oct 202400:48:33

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 Academy

https://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 Talk

Flipping your lid: A Scientific Explanation

Breaking Up with Your Phone02 Oct 202400:40:07

 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 Participation

Sign Up Here

Book Club info sheet.

Contact Jenny: Jenny.Johnston@sequoiagrove.org


Resources

How to Break Up with Your Phone book

Hands-Free Mama Website

The Anxious Generation book

Screen Time and Mental Health Podcast


Videos

Simon Sinek How Do Cell Phones Impact Our Relationships?

Addiction to Technology is Ruining Lives

Social dilemma Netflix documentary

Friday Focus


Low-Tech Phones

Pinwheel phones

Gabb watch

Growing Minds: Gardening with Kids25 Sep 202400:47:40

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 Notes

Rutabaga Gardening Website

Rutabaga Gardening Instagram

San Diego Seeds

Epic Gardening on YouTube

The BookShark Way: Inspiring Learning Through Stories18 Sep 202401:02:04

The BookShark Way: Inspiring Learning Through Stories

Have 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 stories
  • how to use BookShark effectively
  • customizing BookShark to fit your family’s needs

Make sure to tune into this week’s episode and discover how BookShark can help bring learning to life.

Show Notes

BookShark website

Homeschool Your Way - A BookShark podcast hosted by Janna Koch

The Joy of Reading Aloud, The Sequoia Breeze Season 2, Episode 6

Embracing ADHD22 May 202400:50:05

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 Name

Holderness Family: You Might Have ADHD

Holderness 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 balance

Todoist 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!

Innovation at Home15 May 202400:47:37

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!

Notes

CADclass

SMUD Mosac

Mark Rober

Share Your Story--with Stacy MacDonald08 May 202400:41:36

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!

Notes

Feather River Charter School Board

Let’s Get Real - Parents Weigh-in on Testing, Episode 3:2 of The Sequoia Breeze

Bright Thinker

Beast Academy

HSVA

Aleks Math

Find Help with Student Support and Special Education01 May 202400:58:32

Join Rebecca as she welcomes Megan Nason, Director of Student Support and Special Education, to shed light on the many pathways available at Sequoia Grove to help support ALL learners. Megan will share about the various program options and address common concerns including whether or not a student needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Notes

Homeschool Helper/Support Services

SpecialEducation@sequoiagrove.org

Ladder Graphic: Steps to Student Support

Welcome to Sequoia Grove24 Apr 202400:36:19

In this episode, Sara Greco, Lead Family Liaison and homeschooling veteran, joins Rebecca to talk about homeschooling with our schools. From understanding our unique identity to unraveling the inner workings of our systems, together they explore the options we offer that make us stand out! Be sure to listen in as this episode is packed full of helpful information.

Notes

Clarksville Charter School

Feather River Charter School

Lake View Charter School

Homeschool Helper

Homeschool Helper - High School

Sequoia Breeze Tour the Lending Library episode

 

A Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling17 Apr 202400:36:48

Choosing to homeschool is a big decision. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and have a TON questions. Where do you start? What options are out there? Is homeschooling right for me and my kids? In this episode, Rebecca guides you through the essential steps to kick-start your homeschooling adventure. From understanding your options to practical tips for getting started, Rebecca covers it all. Tune in, learn, and embark on your homeschooling journey with confidence!

SHOW NOTES;
Deschooling:

https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/deschooling/


How to file a PSA

PSP

HSC

CHN


Intro to Unit Studies

Acellus

K12

Time4Learning

BookShark

Oak Meadow Curriculum

Timberdoodle

"I Can" - Clearing Away the Confusion18 Oct 202300:50:53

A powerhouse trio of highly experienced teachers and homeschoolers joins Rebecca today to discuss the “I Can” statements. How do these state standards work into our homeschools? What does the charter school need from us? Homeschool families and teachers alike will find this episode to be helpful and encouraging.

I Can Statements on the Homeschool Helper

Supporting Gifted Learners11 Oct 202300:54:00

This week, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Alex Ryan, one of our wonderful intervention teachers, to discuss Supporting Your Gifted Learner. Together, they explore the answers to questions including, Is your child gifted? If so, what does that mean for your homeschool? Does a child have to be gifted in all subjects to qualify? What if a child struggles in some areas and excels in others? Listen in as Dr. Ryan helps you identify whether or not your children are gifted and shares some ways you can feed their busy minds.

Show Notes

Byrdseed

NAGC

Michael Clay Thompson

PETS

Beast Academy

William and Mary

John Hopskins Gifted Family Page

Critical Thinking Co

Tin Man Press - this is a resource that Dr. Alex loves, but sadly has gone out of print. A Google search may turn up used copies.

Email Dr. Alex here

Helping Kids Manage Themselves04 Oct 202301:04:45

HR Mom Melissa Griffin is back! This time, we tackle the nitty-gritty of helping your kids learn to manage themselves and their everyday responsibilities. Don't miss another great episode loaded with great ideas.

Lucy in the Chocolate Factory

HRMom on Facebook


Ready for Real Life, with HRMom27 Sep 202300:59:27

Every parent wonders, "Have I prepared my kids to survive in the real world? Did I teach them enough?" Melissa Griffin, also known as HRMom, teaches us how to prepare our kids to enter real life with real problem-solving skills--and less anxiety.

Find the HRMom community on Facebook.

Equipping Families for the Unthinkable20 Sep 202301:08:41

In this  episode, we confront the unsettling reality we face when we hear about yet another shooting incident on the news. The initial shock prompts us to turn off the radio and protect our children from the distressing details. However, beneath the relief that our kids are safe from a school shooting, there lingers a nagging fear. Do our children, and do we ourselves, know how to respond if a similar tragedy unfolds in a local store or restaurant?

Homeschool dad and police sergeant Seth Cimino joins the podcast this week to help banish that fear. Together, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to gently train your kids on how to navigate the unthinkable. Tune in as we explore strategies and insights to ensure your family is prepared to handle the worst-case scenario with resilience and readiness.

Show notes:
FBI "Run, Hide, Fight"

Raising Siblings for Life13 Sep 202300:40:39

The blessing and the curse of homeschooling: Siblings! The challenges and opportunities that sibling relationships bring require a lot of energy and creativity from parents. Kendra Fletcher, mother and experienced homeschooler of 8 shares the lessons she learned and the ways she helped foster and restore the relationships between her own children.

Show notes:
Teaching Textbooks

Kendrafletcher.com

Find Kendra on Outschool

1000 Hours Outside, with Ginny Yurich06 Sep 202300:48:19

More than 7 hours a day...that's how much time an average American kid spends in front of a screen. What would happen if they spent even HALF that time outdoors, exploring and playing? Ginny Yurich shares with us the immense benefits of setting a goal of 1000 hours outside--maybe even until the street lights come on.

Notes:

1000hoursoutside.com

There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurk

52 Ways to Walk by Annabel Streets

Outdoor Kids in an Inside World by Steven Rinella

Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

John Taylor Gatto

Learning All the Time by John Holt

Dominance Factor by Carla Hannaford

Smart Moves by Carla Hannaford


Books by Ginny:

Until the Street Lights Come On

1000 Hours Outside Activity Book

The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia  

1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time

A Heart for High School30 Aug 202300:50:57

Is homeschooling for high school a good idea? Will your student miss out? Are you up for the challenge? Linda Qian, director of high school for Sequoia Grove, shares her story with us and lays our fears to rest--high school is a great time to homeschool!

Plan Your Year with Pam Barnhill23 Aug 202300:41:21

Pam Barnhill joins in to talk about how to get your year under control! No more giving up before you've begun. Her book Plan Your Year outlines how to think through what you do and how to do it. Be inspired to keep going each day with some simple preparation.

Show Notes:

PamBarnhill.com

https://simplyconvivial.com/2016/character-building/

Plan Your Year


Contact me!

Clarksville Button

Feather River Button

Lake View Button

podcasts@sequoiagrove.org

Tour the Lending Library!16 Aug 202300:46:16

Unsure what the Lending Library has to offer? Have you given up trying to get logged in and reserve books? Join me as I interview the Head of Library Services, Chris Hermann. We take an audio tour of the immense store of resources available to you and your family. Don't miss this informative episode that tells what is there and how to get it!

Lending Library Information and How-to’s

Destiny Discover–the website to reserve books

Link to choose your Park Day location

Contact me!

Clarksville Button

Feather River Button

Lake View Button

podcasts@sequoiagrove.org

Season 4 Trailer19 Jul 202300:00:53

Season 4 drops August 16, 2023

Showcasing our Students31 May 202300:48:32

Amazing projects, clever creativity, big ideas...great things are happening with our Sequoia Grove students! Hear what it was like inside a Student Showcase in May 2023--gather inspiration and join us next year!

Rebecca's Homeschool Journey29 Mar 202300:43:40

Four kids and two continents....this is Rebecca's homeschool journey. She shares the good and the regrets. Listen in for ideas, lessons learned, and encouragment in your own homeschool.

NOTES:

BookShark

Dot to Dot in the Sky

Africa is Not a Country

Quote attributed to Jen Wilkin, “Women of the Word.”

Building Emotionally Aware Kids--and Parents!22 Mar 202300:40:31

Do your kids have the words to describe how they're feeling? Emotional well-being is crucial for a good learning environment. In this episode, Mary Stein introduces us to the world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Listen in for some great resources for all students, TK-12th grade, and even parents!

Show Notes:
Lakeshore Learning

Marc Brackett and the Mood Meter

Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Casel Framework (Casel 5)

Cori Doerrfeld books

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival

How Full is Your Bucket

My Mouth is a Volcano Julia Cook

Enemy Pie 

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

7 Habits of Happy Kids

Andrew Pudewa episode

HarmonySEL.org

Digital Literacy and Internet Safety15 Mar 202300:47:30

Equipping our kids to be safe in the digital world, while still helping them to learn the necessary skills is a tricky job! Trisha Brandow joins me to talk about how to navigate this important topic.

Common Sense Media Education

How to Break Up with Your Phone

The Safetech Family Podcast

SOS FBI curriculum

Google Internet Safety Curriculum

Good Pictures/Bad Pictures

Fight the New Drug


Resources from Trisha:

Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Parent Resources

Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Parent Presentation

Getting the Most out of your Sequoia Grove Experience08 Mar 202300:35:43

It can be confusing to keep track of all that's going on with Sequoia Grove. Are you feeling confused by the opportunities available? Join Rebecca and Sara, two of our Family Liaisons, as they chat and share suggestions to help you "Get the Most Out of Your Sequoia Grove Experience." Listen in as they show you where you can go to access the most up to date and accurate information available to our schools.

Have a suggestion for an upcoming episode? Want to hear about a specific topic? Reach out to Rebecca at podcasts@sequoiagrove.org to share your ideas.

Homeschool Helper
Sequoia Sign Up
Clarksville IG
Feather Rivier IG
Lake View IG

Finding Your Math Match, with Nicole the Math Lady01 Mar 202300:42:34

Many of us are intimidated by the idea of teaching math. A google search for "homeschool math curriculum" will turn up almost endless results. So we ask friends what they use...and every answer is different. How can we know what to choose? Nicole the Math Lady, an experienced teacher and homeschooler, helps us narrow down the options and find the math match that works for our family and students.

Nicole the Math Lady Website
IXL
VARK

Can I Homeschool High School?22 Feb 202300:37:37

Is homeschooling high school a good idea? As a parent, we worry about all the things for our teens--the difficult subjects that need to be covered, social activities, and preparing our kids for life after high school. Our resident high school expert, Shannon Breckenridge shares why homeschooling for high school is not only possible, it's a good idea!

Thinking Tools, with Andrew Pudewa15 Feb 202300:58:46

I'm teaching my kids to write and speak well, but how do I equip them to have something worth saying? Andrew Pudewa, creator of IEW, joins me to answer the question "How do we teach our kids to think?"


Show Notes:


The Art of Argument

Argument Builder

Fallacy Detective

The Joy of Reading Aloud

Wordly Wise

Word Roots

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