The Sequoia Breeze

Rebecca LaSavio
  • 4.9 (14)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Sequoia Breeze

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

  1. Our Littlest Homeschoolers, part 1

    18 HR. AGO

    Our Littlest Homeschoolers, part 1

    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

    43 min
  2. Smart Homeschooling with AI

    NOV 13

    Smart Homeschooling with AI

    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: Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Parent PresentationChatGPT Unveiled: Presentation (an overview of what ChatGPT is and how it can be used) Prompts to Try to help you learn how ChatGPT works: Help with emailsLesson Planning HelpPersonal Life HelpSetting GoalsJust for FunSal 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) Common Sense Education: AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6-12Common Sense Media: Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AIGoogle’s Free Course: Introduction to Generative AI Magic School (Free, AI powered tools for teachers)

    40 min
  3. Introducing Sequoia Studio

    NOV 6

    Introducing Sequoia Studio

    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!

    30 min
  4. Curious Questions with Erika Barrish

    OCT 31

    Curious Questions with Erika Barrish

    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? Social Studies: InquirED.org Blog post on InquiryScience: Description of the 5 Steps of Inquiry from The Wonder of ScienceSome Good Resources for Building Inquiries in Social Studies and Science  National Archives Educator Resources: Register for a free account to utilize DocsTeach for primary source documents organized by topic.Library of Congress: Primary Source Sets under Teachers: Classroom Resources.The Wonder of Science: has a great bank of Phenomena and resources to support Inquiry in the sciences.Smithsonian Science Education Center: Navigate to Free Resources under the Curriculum menu.Some Resources for Teaching Strategies to Support Inquiry: The Right Question InstituteThinking Routines Toolbox: Project Zero from the Harvard Graduate School of EducationLearning By Inquiry

    48 min
  5. Teens Talk Homeschool

    OCT 23

    Teens Talk Homeschool

    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!

    34 min
  6. The Art of Feelings, with Cori Doerrfeld

    OCT 16

    The Art of Feelings, with Cori Doerrfeld

    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 WebsiteThe Rabbit Listened

    51 min
  7. Understanding the Impact of Trauma

    OCT 9

    Understanding the Impact of Trauma

    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

    49 min
  8. Breaking Up with Your Phone

    OCT 2

    Breaking Up with Your Phone

    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

    40 min
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4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Rebecca LaSavio

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