Explore every episode of the podcast The Sequoia Breeze
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gathering Homeschoolers Together in Northern California | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:31:47 | |
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 Know | 16 May 2025 | 00:58:32 | |
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: | |||
| Understanding the Impact of Trauma | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:48:33 | |
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: 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/ | |||
| Breaking Up with Your Phone | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:40:07 | |
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 Book Club info sheet. Contact Jenny: Jenny.Johnston@sequoiagrove.org Resources How to Break Up with Your Phone book Hands-Free Mama Website 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 Low-Tech Phones | |||
| Growing Minds: Gardening with Kids | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:47:40 | |
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 Epic Gardening on YouTube | |||
| The BookShark Way: Inspiring Learning Through Stories | 18 Sep 2024 | 01:02:04 | |
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:
Make sure to tune into this week’s episode and discover how BookShark can help bring learning to life. Show Notes Homeschool Your Way - A BookShark podcast hosted by Janna Koch The Joy of Reading Aloud, The Sequoia Breeze Season 2, Episode 6 | |||
| Embracing ADHD | 22 May 2024 | 00:50:05 | |
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 Home | 15 May 2024 | 00:47:37 | |
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 | |||
| Share Your Story--with Stacy MacDonald | 08 May 2024 | 00:41:36 | |
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 | |||
| Find Help with Student Support and Special Education | 01 May 2024 | 00:58:32 | |
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 | |||
| Welcome to Sequoia Grove | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:36:19 | |
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 Homeschool Helper - High School Sequoia Breeze Tour the Lending Library episode
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| A Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:36:48 | |
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; https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/deschooling/ | |||
| That's a Wrap! | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:06:29 | |
Rebecca concludes season 6 with a wrap up of 11 great episodes and asks you to join her in remembering the highlights! Show Notes: | |||
| "I Can" - Clearing Away the Confusion | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:50:53 | |
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. | |||
| Supporting Gifted Learners | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:54:00 | |
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 John Hopskins Gifted Family Page 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. | |||
| Helping Kids Manage Themselves | 04 Oct 2023 | 01:04:45 | |
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. | |||
| Ready for Real Life, with HRMom | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:59:27 | |
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 Unthinkable | 20 Sep 2023 | 01:08:41 | |
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: | |||
| Raising Siblings for Life | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:40:39 | |
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: | |||
| 1000 Hours Outside, with Ginny Yurich | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:48:19 | |
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: 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 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 School | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:50:57 | |
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 Barnhill | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:41:21 | |
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: https://simplyconvivial.com/2016/character-building/ Contact me! | |||
| Tour the Lending Library! | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:46:16 | |
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! | |||
| Our Littlest Homeschoolers, part 2 | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:37:38 | |
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 | |||
| Season 4 Trailer | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:00:53 | |
Season 4 drops August 16, 2023 | |||
| Showcasing our Students | 31 May 2023 | 00:48:32 | |
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 Journey | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:43:40 | |
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: Quote attributed to Jen Wilkin, “Women of the Word.” | |||
| Building Emotionally Aware Kids--and Parents! | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:40:31 | |
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: Marc Brackett and the Mood Meter Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival My Mouth is a Volcano Julia Cook | |||
| Digital Literacy and Internet Safety | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:47:30 | |
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. How to Break Up with Your Phone Google Internet Safety Curriculum Resources from Trisha: | |||
| Getting the Most out of your Sequoia Grove Experience | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:35:43 | |
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 | |||
| Finding Your Math Match, with Nicole the Math Lady | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:42:34 | |
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. | |||
| Can I Homeschool High School? | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:37:37 | |
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 Pudewa | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:58:46 | |
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?"
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| Let's Get Real - Parents Weigh in on Testing | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:45:16 | |
You are not alone! Listen to other Sequoia Grove parents talk about how their families tackle state testing. Why do they even bother? You're sure to gain new ideas and insights from the experiences shared here. Show Notes: | |||
| Our Littlest Homeschoolers, part 1 | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:42:54 | |
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: | |||
| Taking the Fear out of Testing | 01 Feb 2023 | 00:50:16 | |
Do you dread state testing? Are you wondering if you should even bother having your kids participate? Listen in and hear why it's critical to our schools AND how it can benefit your kids! You'll hear great ideas about how to make testing easier on your students--and you! Lacey Carroll and Brad Mumaw join in from the testing team. Parent Assessment tools (practice tests, etc) Readandspell.com (available as All Access curriculum) Contact Brad and Lacey at testing@sequoiagrove.org. | |||
| Season 3 Trailer | 25 Jan 2023 | 00:00:39 | |
Season 3 releases February 1!
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| A Glimpse Into a Homeschool Journey, Episode 2 | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:26:25 | |
Let’s Hear it for the Average Child (mistakenly called “Let’s Hear It for the ‘C’” in the episode) Blake Boles - | |||
| A Glimpse Into a Homeschool Journey, Episode 1 | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:28:37 | |
| Science Fun with Amy Griffin | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:40:06 | |
| The Magic of Music and Theater | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:31:24 | |
| The Stories that Make Art History | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:42:07 | |
| The Joy of Reading Aloud | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:39:57 | |
“The Power of Reading Aloud” blog article Books mentioned in the episode: I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade “I Had a Mother Who Read to Me” Poem by Strickland Gillilan | |||
| Math! Great Ideas with Kelley | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:41:59 | |
6 Unproductive Ways to Learn Math Basics—and What to Do Instead Top 5 Math Strategies for Struggling Students
How to Learn Math: For Students (Great for parents & teachers too!) Learning math through games:
Free online math lessons:
Subscription-based math lessons that I’ve used and like:
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| Getting Excited About History | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:32:45 | |
Stanford History Education Group (Learning Coach: preview lessons for subject appropriateness) DBQ (Document based question) Puzzles: Send an email request to: Scott Steffens Request the time period/ topic you are looking for. For example: Middle or high school, Declaration of Independence CSI investigations Lost Colony of Roanoke | |||
| Smart Homeschooling with AI | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:39:39 | |
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
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) | |||
| The Importance of Current Events | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:29:40 | |
| Planning Your Day | 14 Sep 2022 | 00:26:47 | |
| Meet our Executive Director | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:33:47 | |
| Sequoia Breeze Trailer Season 2 | 28 Jul 2022 | 00:00:34 | |
We're back! First episode drops on September 7. You won't want to miss it!
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