The Sequoia Breeze

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/]

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 [https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/minimum-viable-day/] Morning Time on the Go podcast episode [https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/morning-time-on-the-go/#:~:text=ByPam,this%20episode%20is%20for%20you.] Blog: Why I Need a Scheduled Routine [https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/scheduled-routine/] Homeschool Better Together [https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/hsbt-blog/] Contact:  LadyDusk.com [http://ladydusk.com] Insta ladydusk [https://www.instagram.com/ladydusk/?hl=en] community.pambarnhill.com [http://community.pambarnhill.com] https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-be-more-flexible-with-your-homeschooling/ [https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-be-more-flexible-with-your-homeschooling/] https://pambarnhill.com/kids-awake-early/ [https://pambarnhill.com/kids-awake-early/] https://pambarnhill.com/finding-time-for-morning-time/ [https://pambarnhill.com/finding-time-for-morning-time/] https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-homeschool-with-confidence/ [https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-homeschool-with-confidence/] https://pambarnhill.com/benefits-homeschool-consistency/ [https://pambarnhill.com/benefits-homeschool-consistency/] https://pambarnhill.com/scheduled-routine/ [https://pambarnhill.com/scheduled-routine/] https://pambarnhill.com/best-morning-habits/ [https://pambarnhill.com/best-morning-habits/] https://pambarnhill.com/quick-and-easy-homeschool-breakfasts/ [https://pambarnhill.com/quick-and-easy-homeschool-breakfasts/]