Animals in Our Homeschool

Learning Never Ends

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 your children see you pursuing new interests, taking risks, asking questions, and growing? Featuring fun sound bites and ideas from parents and staff--and even Rebecca's dad--this episode is full of encouragement to stay curious, keep learning, and become more interested in your own life.

Where Does All the Time Go?

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. Discover practical ways to rethink your time, build rhythms that work, and move through your days with a greater sense of calm and purpose. Listen in and discover just how much time you really have. Show Notes: LauraVanderkam.com [https://lauravanderkam.com/] Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters [https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Tuesday-Ways-Chaos-Matters/dp/B09S56SVPC/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9P0So3lB4EFKPoS7vq8j0AbBmXlgN4bsxTSNT451aGeRZuW_Gs8-4wD2xOLpsWadNMG5V-4wVwZV4iH6XUl45u3OOAKz7o2ZqO_tWujLUKkhbxsUB010aUlPIY6qVOY_P0BrlpAL8cP-1FbtCAyRrySs89s1R4v3DRqoGp6JdDhhPcEIR83aRgST1MZoeiQ8d-_st7jah-YyUWTojDOIrFJT5gbnRxfNWQ8KhVkAwis.BwEuHui4YdwvtHo_rO4Awu0oyzKESSFYg8mq4iIF6Zo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Laura+Vanderkam&qid=1777416727&s=audible&sbo=6l4LV4wiIM4ZjN%2Ffpg3jyQ%3D%3D&sr=1-2] Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance [https://www.amazon.com/Big-Time-Simple-Path-Abundance/dp/B0GVKV3LVH/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9P0So3lB4EFKPoS7vq8j0AbBmXlgN4bsxTSNT451aGeRZuW_Gs8-4wD2xOLpsWadNMG5V-4wVwZV4iH6XUl45u3OOAKz7o2ZqO_tWujLUKkhbxsUB010aUlPIY6qVOY_P0BrlpAL8cP-1FbtCAyRrySs89s1R4v3DRqoGp6JdDhhPcEIR83aRgST1MZoeiQ8d-_st7jah-YyUWTojDOIrFJT5gbnRxfNWQ8KhVkAwis.BwEuHui4YdwvtHo_rO4Awu0oyzKESSFYg8mq4iIF6Zo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Laura+Vanderkam&qid=1777416679&s=audible&sbo=6l4LV4wiIM4ZjN%2Ffpg3jyQ%3D%3D&sr=1-1]

Animals in Our Homeschool

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 us for a heartwarming episode that’s sure to put a smile on your face! Show Notes: Snake Discovery YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@SnakeDiscovery] Zoo Books & Ranger Rick [https://subs.rangerrick.org/pubs/NF/RRK/RRK_ReDesign_15_OP_2_Feb25.jsp?cds_page_id=282496&cds_mag_code=RRK&id=1774043497630&lsid=60791651376048561&vid=1&cds_response_key=I1XWS0ZK] Lakeshore Learning [https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=brand_OG_SEM_BR_GOOG_TEXT_SEARCH_LOWER_Core_BAU&utm_content=OG_SEM_BR_GOOG_TEXT_SEARCH_LOWER_Core_BAU%7CGeneral%7Clakeshore&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=744031829&gbraid=0AAAAAD39dls0ZFcjfvRKdVyEk1KI7TuRj&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmunNBhDbARIsAOndKpmULuTv3usTxifF5Or3BiXrEOjVOmcNbECNGJ-sU8rQrGpBk-sIydAaAoHyEALw_wcB] Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/] 4H curriculum [https://shop4-h.org/pages/curriculum]

Unleash Your Genius!

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 their students prepare with confidence. This episode isn’t about teaching to the test. It’s about recognizing growth, building important life skills, and helping students show what they already know. If you’ve ever wondered whether state testing can be more than just a requirement, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged and prepared. Tune in today so you can be ready to take the next step with confidence. Show Notes: Beast Academy [https://beastacademy.com/online] CA Dashboard [https://www.caschooldashboard.org/] CAASPP practice test [https://www.caaspp-elpac.org/resources/preparation/practice-and-training-tests] WriteReflections [https://writereflections4u.com/] Prodigy Math [https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en] Love of Learning [https://www.lolhomeschool.com/] Quizlet  [https://quizlet.com/798226438/third-grade-ela-caaspp-vocabulary-flash-cards/] Freckle (Renaissance) [https://freckle.com/en-us/] Touch Type Read Spell [https://www.readandspell.com/] IEW Adventures in Writing [https://iew.com/adventures-in-writing-teacherstudent-combo?srsltid=AfmBOoqysKCiq2zKijbK8j1L6zi-9Y7IyCesdZ7jKVu5SiXSo2Ycv5Y3]

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 [https://www.conquerthecaaspp.com/]