The Sequoia Breeze – Details, episodes & analysis

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 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

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

 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

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 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

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!

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

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

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