The Sequoia Breeze

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

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

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 Presentation

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:

• Help with emails
• Lesson Planning Help
• Personal Life Help
• Setting Goals
• Just for Fun

Sal 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 6-12
• Common Sense Media: Parents' Ultimate Guide to Generative AI

Google’s Free Course: Introduction to Generative AI

Magic School (Free, AI powered tools for teachers)