The Sequoia Breeze

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 MessageFeather River Voice MessageLake 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 McLarrenThe Raft by Jim LaMarcheTchaikovskyLadysmith 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 AIPlease 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) EducationKhanmigo (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 AIMagic School (Free, AI powered tools for teachers)

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!

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

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!

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

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 Academyhttps://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 TalkFlipping your lid: A Scientific Explanation

 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 ParticipationSign Up HereBook Club info sheet.Contact Jenny: Jenny.Johnston@sequoiagrove.orgResourcesHow to Break Up with Your Phone bookHands-Free Mama WebsiteThe Anxious Generation bookScreen Time and Mental Health PodcastVideosSimon Sinek How Do Cell Phones Impact Our Relationships?Addiction to Technology is Ruining LivesSocial dilemma Netflix documentaryFriday FocusLow-Tech PhonesPinwheel phonesGabb watch

With a desire for healthy, flavorful food and a deeper connection to nature, many people are returning to their own gardens. This week, Rebecca speaks with Kaitlin Mitchell, creator of Rutabaga Gardening, about the benefits of getting children involved in gardening. Kaitlin says no one has a “brown thumb,” and encourages everyone, even those without gardening experience, to give it a try. Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation packed with tips and ideas to make gardening a fun and rewarding activity your whole family will enjoy.Show NotesRutabaga Gardening WebsiteRutabaga Gardening InstagramSan Diego SeedsEpic Gardening on YouTube

The BookShark Way: Inspiring Learning Through StoriesHave you heard the phrase, “Learning from living books?” Are you curious to know what it means and whether or not it's effective? This week, Rebecca sits down with Janna Koch from BookShark, a popular, literature-based curriculum publisher, to learn more about:the advantages of learning through storieshow to use BookShark effectivelycustomizing BookShark to fit your family's needsMake sure to tune into this week's episode and discover how BookShark can help bring learning to life.Show NotesBookShark websiteHomeschool Your Way - A BookShark podcast hosted by Janna KochThe Joy of Reading Aloud, The Sequoia Breeze Season 2, Episode 6

Having ADHD presents many challenges including difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Whether you or one of your students has ADHD, you're not alone. Heidi Motto, Clarksville HST and mom of two, joins Rebecca to bring insight and experience to this subject. Listen in as she shares valuable insights and personal experiences to help families navigate the difficulties and recognize the advantages of having an active and creative mind.Show notes:Holderness Family: ADHD Needs a New NameHolderness Family: You Might Have ADHDHolderness Family: ADHD (Under the Sea Parody)ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Hallowell & Dr. Ratey (this had the story of the little boy in Shanghai!)ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer Wobble Board to improve balanceTodoist App to be able to dump all tasks in one place, set up reminders throughout the day, etc. Weekly To-do list for those who prefer paper over digital! Journal - remember the importance of dumping out thoughts to help process/sort thoughts out. Journaling can also just be a creative outlet!

This week Rebecca welcomes Josh Manley from CADclass to explore the exciting world of learning to design and print on a 3D printer. Discover how these skills offer homeschoolers creative opportunities and valuable lessons in problem-solving with real-world applications. Check out this episode for an insightful discussion on unleashing creativity and practical skills through 3D printing!NotesCADclassSMUD MosacMark Rober

Homeschooling mom and Feather River Board member Stacy MacDonald sits down with Rebecca to graciously share her family's inspiring homeschool story. As a neuro-divergent family, Stacy and her children have navigated many challenges. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the ability to thrive against the odds. Tune in for this uplifting episode!NotesFeather River Charter School BoardLet's Get Real - Parents Weigh-in on Testing, Episode 3:2 of The Sequoia BreezeBright ThinkerBeast AcademyHSVAAleks Math

Join Rebecca as she welcomes Megan Nason, Director of Student Support and Special Education, to shed light on the many pathways available at Sequoia Grove to help support ALL learners. Megan will share about the various program options and address common concerns including whether or not a student needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is one episode you don't want to miss.NotesHomeschool Helper/Support ServicesSpecialEducation@sequoiagrove.orgLadder Graphic: Steps to Student Support

In this episode, Sara Greco, Lead Family Liaison and homeschooling veteran, joins Rebecca to talk about homeschooling with our schools. From understanding our unique identity to unraveling the inner workings of our systems, together they explore the options we offer that make us stand out! Be sure to listen in as this episode is packed full of helpful information.NotesClarksville Charter SchoolFeather River Charter SchoolLake View Charter SchoolHomeschool HelperHomeschool Helper - High SchoolSequoia Breeze Tour the Lending Library episode 

Choosing to homeschool is a big decision. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and have a TON questions. Where do you start? What options are out there? Is homeschooling right for me and my kids? In this episode, Rebecca guides you through the essential steps to kick-start your homeschooling adventure. From understanding your options to practical tips for getting started, Rebecca covers it all. Tune in, learn, and embark on your homeschooling journey with confidence!SHOW NOTES;Deschooling:https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/deschooling/How to file a PSAPSPHSCCHNIntro to Unit StudiesAcellusK12Time4LearningBookSharkOak Meadow CurriculumTimberdoodle

A powerhouse trio of highly experienced teachers and homeschoolers joins Rebecca today to discuss the “I Can” statements. How do these state standards work into our homeschools? What does the charter school need from us? Homeschool families and teachers alike will find this episode to be helpful and encouraging.I Can Statements on the Homeschool Helper

This week, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Alex Ryan, one of our wonderful intervention teachers, to discuss Supporting Your Gifted Learner. Together, they explore the answers to questions including, Is your child gifted? If so, what does that mean for your homeschool? Does a child have to be gifted in all subjects to qualify? What if a child struggles in some areas and excels in others? Listen in as Dr. Ryan helps you identify whether or not your children are gifted and shares some ways you can feed their busy minds.Show NotesByrdseedNAGCMichael Clay ThompsonPETSBeast AcademyWilliam and MaryJohn Hopskins Gifted Family PageCritical Thinking CoTin Man Press - this is a resource that Dr. Alex loves, but sadly has gone out of print. A Google search may turn up used copies.Email Dr. Alex here

HR Mom Melissa Griffin is back! This time, we tackle the nitty-gritty of helping your kids learn to manage themselves and their everyday responsibilities. Don't miss another great episode loaded with great ideas.Lucy in the Chocolate FactoryHRMom on Facebook

Every parent wonders, "Have I prepared my kids to survive in the real world? Did I teach them enough?" Melissa Griffin, also known as HRMom, teaches us how to prepare our kids to enter real life with real problem-solving skills--and less anxiety. 

In this  episode, we confront the unsettling reality we face when we hear about yet another shooting incident on the news. The initial shock prompts us to turn off the radio and protect our children from the distressing details. However, beneath the relief that our kids are safe from a school shooting, there lingers a nagging fear. Do our children, and do we ourselves, know how to respond if a similar tragedy unfolds in a local store or restaurant?Homeschool dad and police sergeant Seth Cimino joins the podcast this week to help banish that fear. Together, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to gently train your kids on how to navigate the unthinkable. Tune in as we explore strategies and insights to ensure your family is prepared to handle the worst-case scenario with resilience and readiness.Show notes:FBI "Run, Hide, Fight"

The blessing and the curse of homeschooling: Siblings! The challenges and opportunities that sibling relationships bring require a lot of energy and creativity from parents. Kendra Fletcher, mother and experienced homeschooler of 8 shares the lessons she learned and the ways she helped foster and restore the relationships between her own children. Show notes:Teaching TextbooksKendrafletcher.comFind Kendra on Outschool

More than 7 hours a day...that's how much time an average American kid spends in front of a screen. What would happen if they spent even HALF that time outdoors, exploring and playing? Ginny Yurich shares with us the immense benefits of setting a goal of 1000 hours outside--maybe even until the street lights come on.Notes:1000hoursoutside.comThere's No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurk52 Ways to Walk by Annabel StreetsOutdoor Kids in an Inside World by Steven RinellaComfort Crisis by Michael EasterJohn Taylor GattoLearning All the Time by John HoltDominance Factor by Carla HannafordSmart Moves by Carla HannafordBooks by Ginny:Until the Street Lights Come On1000 Hours Outside Activity BookThe Little Farmhouse in West Virginia  1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time

Is homeschooling for high school a good idea? Will your student miss out? Are you up for the challenge? Linda Qian, director of high school for Sequoia Grove, shares her story with us and lays our fears to rest--high school is a great time to homeschool!

Pam Barnhill joins in to talk about how to get your year under control! No more giving up before you've begun. Her book Plan Your Year outlines how to think through what you do and how to do it. Be inspired to keep going each day with some simple preparation.Show Notes:PamBarnhill.comhttps://simplyconvivial.com/2016/character-building/Plan Your YearContact me!Clarksville ButtonFeather River ButtonLake View Buttonpodcasts@sequoiagrove.org

Unsure what the Lending Library has to offer? Have you given up trying to get logged in and reserve books? Join me as I interview the Head of Library Services, Chris Hermann. We take an audio tour of the immense store of resources available to you and your family. Don't miss this informative episode that tells what is there and how to get it!Lending Library Information and How-to'sDestiny Discover–the website to reserve booksLink to choose your Park Day locationContact me!Clarksville ButtonFeather River ButtonLake View Buttonpodcasts@sequoiagrove.org

Season 4 drops August 16, 2023

Amazing projects, clever creativity, big ideas...great things are happening with our Sequoia Grove students! Hear what it was like inside a Student Showcase in May 2023--gather inspiration and join us next year!

Four kids and two continents....this is Rebecca's homeschool journey. She shares the good and the regrets. Listen in for ideas, lessons learned, and encouragment in your own homeschool.NOTES:BookSharkDot to Dot in the SkyAfrica is Not a CountryQuote attributed to Jen Wilkin, “Women of the Word.”

Do your kids have the words to describe how they're feeling? Emotional well-being is crucial for a good learning environment. In this episode, Mary Stein introduces us to the world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Listen in for some great resources for all students, TK-12th grade, and even parents!Show Notes:Lakeshore LearningMarc Brackett and the Mood MeterBrene Brown: The Power of VulnerabilityCasel Framework (Casel 5)Cori Doerrfeld booksThe Invisible Boy by Trudy LudwigRuby Finds a Worry by Tom PercivalHow Full is Your BucketMy Mouth is a Volcano Julia CookEnemy Pie 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens7 Habits of Happy KidsAndrew Pudewa episodeHarmonySEL.org

Equipping our kids to be safe in the digital world, while still helping them to learn the necessary skills is a tricky job! Trisha Brandow joins me to talk about how to navigate this important topic.Common Sense Media EducationHow to Break Up with Your PhoneThe Safetech Family PodcastSOS FBI curriculumGoogle Internet Safety CurriculumGood Pictures/Bad PicturesFight the New DrugResources from Trisha:Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Parent ResourcesDigital Literacy and Internet Safety Parent Presentation

It can be confusing to keep track of all that's going on with Sequoia Grove. Are you feeling confused by the opportunities available? Join Rebecca and Sara, two of our Family Liaisons, as they chat and share suggestions to help you "Get the Most Out of Your Sequoia Grove Experience." Listen in as they show you where you can go to access the most up to date and accurate information available to our schools.Have a suggestion for an upcoming episode? Want to hear about a specific topic? Reach out to Rebecca at podcasts@sequoiagrove.org to share your ideas.Homeschool HelperSequoia Sign UpClarksville IGFeather Rivier IGLake View IG

Many of us are intimidated by the idea of teaching math. A google search for "homeschool math curriculum" will turn up almost endless results. So we ask friends what they use...and every answer is different. How can we know what to choose? Nicole the Math Lady, an experienced teacher and homeschooler, helps us narrow down the options and find the math match that works for our family and students.Nicole the Math Lady WebsiteIXLVARK

Is homeschooling high school a good idea? As a parent, we worry about all the things for our teens--the difficult subjects that need to be covered, social activities, and preparing our kids for life after high school. Our resident high school expert, Shannon Breckenridge shares why homeschooling for high school is not only possible, it's a good idea!

I'm teaching my kids to write and speak well, but how do I equip them to have something worth saying? Andrew Pudewa, creator of IEW, joins me to answer the question "How do we teach our kids to think?"Show Notes:The Art of ArgumentArgument BuilderFallacy DetectiveThe Joy of Reading AloudWordly WiseWord Roots

You are not alone! Listen to other Sequoia Grove parents talk about how their families tackle state testing. Why do they even bother? You're sure to gain new ideas and insights from the experiences shared here.Show Notes:https://writeonmelissawebb.com/

Do you dread state testing? Are you wondering if you should even bother having your kids participate? Listen in and hear why it's critical to our schools AND how it can benefit your kids! You'll hear great ideas about how to make testing easier on your students--and you! Lacey Carroll and Brad Mumaw join in from the testing team.Parent Assessment tools (practice tests, etc)Typesy.com Readandspell.com (available as All Access curriculum)Contact Brad and Lacey at testing@sequoiagrove.org.

Season 3 releases February 1!

Let's Hear it for the Average Child (mistakenly called “Let's Hear It for the ‘C'” in the episode)Blake Boles - The Art of Self-Directed LearningCollege without High SchoolWhy Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School?

Story of the WorldJohn Taylor GottoBlake Boles

Mark RoberAdventure AcademyJ/HSVAKiwi CoMel ScienceBill NyeLending LibraryExploratorium Science Snacks

Shel SilversteinBach to Rock

HiGasfy Curriculum Grandma Moses “Sugaring Off”

“The Power of Reading Aloud” blog articleBooks mentioned in the episode:Kite FightersI Rode a Horse of Milk White JadeShadow SpinnerThe Year of Ms. AgnesHome in the WoodsBecauseRed Sails to CapriThe Wheel on the SchoolGooney Bird Greene“I Had a Mother Who Read to Me” Poem by Strickland Gillilan 

I Can StatementsKhan AcademyBedtime Math6 Unproductive Ways to Learn Math Basics—and What to Do InsteadEdutopia - Math ArticlesTop 5 Math Strategies for Struggling Students Math Strategies: Master the Basics First Help Them Understand the Why. Struggling students need plenty of instruction. Make It a Positive Experience. Use Models and Learning Aids. Encourage Thinking Out Loud. -MagooshHow to Learn Math: For Students (Great for parents & teachers too!)Learning math through games: NRICH Desmos Mathigon PhET Toy Theater Math Playground Math Tricks Would You Rather Math Personal Finance Lab Solve Me Mobiles Free online math lessons: Math Antics Math Planet MyWhyU - Pre Algebra Math in the Workforce Math Worksheets Algebra Worksheets Performance Tasks OpenStax - High School level FREE textbooks YouCubed - Parent Resources YouCubed at Home Data Talks Data ScienceCODAP Subscription-based math lessons that I've used and like: Mind Benders - The Critical Thinking Co. Balance Math - The Critical Thinking Co. Amplify/Desmos Maneuvering the Middle Clark Creative (Performance Tasks)Use code BTS22 for a 25% off discount on any Membership CTC Math Beast Academy Dimensions - Singapore Math

Stanford History Education Group (Learning Coach: preview lessons for subject appropriateness)Adventure AcademyDBQ (Document based question) Puzzles:Send an email request to: Scott Steffens Request the time period/ topic you are looking for. For example: Middle or high school, Declaration of Independence ColomaCSI investigations Lost Colony of RoanokeMushroom Bread

CNN10Shel SilversteinDr. Seuss

Planning Your Day Zoom PresentationMoving Beyond the Page

Watch the video about Seuquoia Grove that Jenell referrs to here.California Dashboard--A school's 'report card.'