The Sequoia Breeze

Rebecca LaSavio
  • 4.9 (15)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast for homeschool families brought to you by Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance. Encouragement, tips & tricks, interviews with HSTs and curriculum help.

  1. Conquering the CAASPP with Mr. D!

    FEB 2

    Conquering the CAASPP with Mr. D!

    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

    46 min
  2. Consistency: The Secret to Homeschool Success

    JAN 5

    Consistency: The Secret to Homeschool Success

    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/

    58 min
  3. The Wisdom of Generations

    12/01/2025

    The Wisdom of Generations

    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

    30 min
  4. Confidence & Flexibility: Making the Most of Course Outlines in High School

    11/03/2025

    Confidence & Flexibility: Making the Most of Course Outlines in High School

    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.

    55 min
  5. Finding the Essentials in Homeschooling

    10/06/2025

    Finding the Essentials in Homeschooling

    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

    1 hr
  6. Homeschooling with Purpose

    09/01/2025

    Homeschooling with Purpose

    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

    39 min
  7. Continuing the Conversation: An AB 84 Update

    06/25/2025

    Continuing the Conversation: An AB 84 Update

    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

    54 min
  8. Gathering Homeschoolers Together in Northern California

    06/18/2025

    Gathering Homeschoolers Together in Northern California

    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

    32 min
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4.9
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About

A podcast for homeschool families brought to you by Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance. Encouragement, tips & tricks, interviews with HSTs and curriculum help.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca LaSavio
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rebecca LaSavio

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