The Sequoia Breeze

​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 you...

​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 . Dis...

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...

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 thei...

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...

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...

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 enr...

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...

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 curricu...

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 naviga...

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 represent...

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...

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...

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

  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...

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 struct...

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,...

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, Sequo...

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 doe...

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 questio...

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 shar...

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...

 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–...

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...

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 customiz...