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/

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

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: [email protected]

Arpi: [email protected]

You can get a copy of Course Outlines from your HST or find them on the Bridge.

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

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

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

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

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 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

Tchaikovsky

Ladysmith Black Mambazo