Blooming Curious

Feeling like you've failed with incomplete worksheets and rushed curriculum? Discover why inquiry-based learning should be your go-to strategy for deeper, meaningful education. In this episode, we explore the benefits of fostering genuine curiosity and real-life skills in children, and how you can seamlessly incorporate inquiry into your teaching practice. Learn practical steps to turn everyday experiences into rich learning moments, and access go-to resources to get started. Perfect for both classroom and homeschool educators. Download the e-guides, embrace inspired teaching, and watch students thrive. Don't forget to like, share, and review!

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FREE e-guide: How...

The essential steps and strategies for a successful transition to homeschooling with the 'Homeschool Jumpstart' 8-week coaching program. Whether you are new to homeschooling or feeling overwhelmed, this program offers a roadmap to ease your journey. From understanding legal requirements and sourcing affordable curriculums to teaching literacy and math through engaging, hands-on experiences, we cover it all. Discover how to integrate science and humanities using inquiry-based learning and learn effective record-keeping techniques to satisfy the Department of Education. Get access to weekly live coaching calls, a private support group, and templates for long-term success. Sign up now to join...

Exploring the transformative power of creating learning traditions, rather than racing through curriculum checklists. The focus is on establishing repeated practices that truly stick with children. Discover the benefits of traditions such as building mastery through repetition, creating a safe learning environment, and fostering a sense of identity and connection among children. Learn practical tips on how to start with a simple, manageable tradition that can significantly impact your teaching and children's learning experiences. Join our community to share your own traditions and gain support from like-minded educators.

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Join the private Facebook Gro...

Incorporating handmade handicrafts into learning benefits children in a multitude of ways. It helps their developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, patience, and resilience. Sharing insights from the Charlotte Mason tradition, Edwina underscores the importance of creating useful and meaningful items. Edwina also provides practical tips for integrating handicrafts into the curriculum and suggests various projects, such as French knitting, sewing, and making Christmas ornaments to enhance children's learning experience beyond traditional pencil and paper methods.

🔗 Links: Download your Technologies and Design graphic Organiser HERE

Learn more at How to Engage Young Children and Meet Cur...

This episode Edwina explores 3 routines that create joyful learning experiences at home -a morning anchor, a wonder day, one thing to do consistently. These routines provide a sense of anticipation and connection, demonstrating that learning is an essential and integrated part of daily life with the emphasis on making learning an enjoyable and natural part of everyday routines.

🔗 Links: Get on the Homeschool Jumpstart wait list HERE

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Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com

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In this episode, Edwina unpacks the importance of fostering independence, responsibility, and self-direction in young learners at home. Through real-life examples and personal experiences, we explore how planning, organisation, and specific strategies can help children become more self-reliant and capable. Learn about establishing routines, teaching decision-making skills, and creating systems that empower children to manage tasks on their own. Discover practical tips to build a strong foundation of independence and resilience in young children, preparing them for future success.

00:00 Introduction: The Chaos of Parenting

01:23 The Importance of Independence

02:18 Personal Stories of Fostering Independence<...

Discover the power of embracing 'I Don't Know' to foster curiosity and learning in children. This episode explores how admitting when you don't have all the answers can transform the way kids approach learning, encouraging them to take risks and ask questions. Learn practical strategies to model curiosity, make learning an adventure, and nurture natural curiosity in children. Plus, download a free guide with resources to spark wonder and cross-curricular learning experiences. Join us in changing the dynamic from parent-as-expert to co-learner, and help your children become confident knowledge creators.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of 'I Wonder'

Explore the hidden benefits of boredom for children. Learn how unstructured time can enhance executive function, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Discover three practical strategies to turn boredom into a valuable learning opportunity without resorting to screens or intervening. The episode emphasises the importance of children having access to open-ended materials and engaging in self-directed play. Subscribe to the podcast and newsletter for more insights on raising independent, creative learners.

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com

In...

In this episode, Edwina looks at the common issue of children complaining that they're bored, or that what they're doing is boring! She explores the underlying reasons behind this behaviour, categorised into four types: tasks that are too easy, tasks that are too hard, lack of personal relevance, and passive learning experiences. Through evidence-based research and practical strategies, Edwina provides insights on how to diagnose and effectively respond to each type of boredom. Additionally, she discusses the importance of fostering communication skills in children to articulate their needs and the potential benefits of unstructured, free time.

Join...

Not all questions are created equal. In this episode we discuss how open-ended questions stimulate critical thinking and curiosity. We explore strategies to move away from giving direct answers and instead, encourage exploration and inquiry. The episode emphasises the significance of waiting for children to formulate their responses and using concrete materials to help them understand concepts. Additionally, it highlights the importance of raising a generation of critical thinkers who are not afraid to ask questions and investigate biases.

Get your free downloadable PDF with open-ended question prompts HERE

00:00 The Power of Questions...

This is a replay of episode 40 - Should educators be decorating their classrooms or learning spaces? Before you start stressing over classroom decor and spending your own hard earned cash, or worrying about what to do to start off your homeschooling journey, have a listen to top tips that will help you kick off the new year with confidence.You don't need more resources or more stuff, you need some simple things to help you get started and give children the agency they need to feel like confident learners.

In this episode I ask whether it's really...

In this episode of Blooming Curious, we welcome back Jessica Vance, passionate inquiry educator and author, to discuss her latest book, 'Evidence of Inquiry.' The book offers a hands-on guide to making learning visible and building a culture of inquiry through learning walls. Jessica shares her journey and thought process behind writing the book, offers practical advice on creating and using learning walls, and highlights the benefits of these tools in fostering student engagement and assessment. The conversation also covers the differences between learning walls and wonder walls, and how both can be effectively utilised in various educational...

In this episode, discover how to seamlessly weave literacy into every subject without adding more prep time. Learn three practical strategies: using picture books to create cross-curricular connections, implementing a vocabulary spiral to reinforce key terms, and leveraging the reading-writing connection in subjects like math, science, and social studies.

Get actionable tips for starting small and find resources for ready-to-use picture book lesson plans designed to enhance your teaching. Perfect for educators looking to boost literacy while managing a busy curriculum.

🔗 For links mentioned:

Q Pootle 5

The Curious Garden

The...

Ignite your classroom with 5 Simple Inquiry Strategies to Spark Classroom Curiosity and Engagement! In this episode, Edwina provides practical, down-to-earth ways to bring inquiry-based learning to life. Discover how to replace textbook questions with real-world problems, embrace the messy middle of student exploration, and use simple tools like “Notice, Wonder, Next” to make thinking visible.

Learn how to build on student questions and create low-stakes sharing opportunities to deepen authentic learning.

Plus, don’t miss the Curiosity Toolkit—a planning framework with metacognition question starters, provocation prompts, and 33 picture book suggestions to weave inquiry into your les...

In this episode, Edwina explores the importance of harnessing children's natural curiosity through everyday moments. She offers practical advice for homeschooling parents and anyone wanting to create a curiosity-rich learning environment at home. Key strategies include becoming a professional question-asker, modelling curiosity by wondering out loud, and following children's natural fascinations instead of a rigid agenda.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Get the FREE Curiosity Bundle

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learnin...

In this episode of Blooming Curious, Edwina discusses how adults can model curiosity to help children become curious learners. She highlights that children's curiosity mirrors that of the adults around them and provides five practical strategies to foster a curious mindset.

🔗 For links mentioned:

Get the Curiosity Toolkit

Get the FREE Curiosity Bundle

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE.

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email...

Discover the missing ingredient in early learning environments that can transform how children learn. Edwina reveals a teaching experience that changed everything, and how this experience ignited a passion for learning in her students. Learn how to integrate curiosity into teaching with a downloadable toolkit designed to shift from compliance-based teaching to connection-based learning. Tune in to explore how to spark lifelong curiosity in early learners - the secret to raising inquisitive, joyful kids.

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The Curiosity Toolkit

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspira...

Summer break, is not just as a time for recovery, but also an opportunity for a mindset reset towards intentional growth. The episode offers practical tips for true rest, reflective journaling prompts, and book recommendations to reignite and recharge for a human-centred return to teaching. Tune in to learn how to embrace rest, reflection, and inspiration this summer.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Get the Curiosity Toolkit

Read: How to stay curious as an educator

Top Inspirational Resources for Early Childhood Educators

.✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a d...

Introducing the ultimate engagement strategy... The Curiosity Toolkit: A simple way to engage children and foster curiosity. In this episode, Edwina shares the experience that changed everything for her. She introduces the Curiosity Toolkit, a resource designed for home and classroom educators to easily incorporate curiosity into their teaching practice. This toolkit doesn't require a complete overhaul of current strategies but offers a mindset shift with practical tweaks. It includes clear strategies, guiding questions, curiosity prompts, and ready-to-use examples that can be applied in any learning environment.

🔗 For links mentioned:

Get the Curiosity Toolkit

R...

In this episode, we look at the challenges faced by educators today, from disengaged students to a stifling curriculum. We discuss the results of a recent survey highlighting these issues and propose a pivotal change: focusing on curiosity, creativity, and adaptability to prepare students for a future integrated with AI.

If we are to prepare students for a unknown future, then we must face the reality that rote learning and the curriculum are really not that important in the overall scheme of things. Is curiosity the differentiator between success and failure in the future?

🔗 Links men...

In this episode, Edwina looks at how to turn a 'Wonder Wall' from a static classroom decoration into a dynamic part of the learning process. By using students' questions for guided inquiry, educators can make Wonder Walls meaningful and interactive. This episode provides practical steps for incorporating inquiry-based learning into the curriculum through Wonder Walls.

🔗 Links: Listen to this interview with the Queen of Learning walls, Jessica Vance

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive...

Transform Your Teaching: Integrated Learning with The Tiger Who Came to Tea. This episode addresses the common frustrations that educators face with lesson planning, and offers a solution through integrated learning using picture books. I share my personal experiences and insights from my teaching career, highlighting the effectiveness of using picture books to create comprehensive, hands-on lesson plans that cover multiple curriculum areas. In this episode I introduce you to a ready-made lesson plan designed to save you time and engage students with creative and interactive learning experiences.

🔗 Links:

Teaching K-2 with Picture Books

P...

Curiosity as the foundation of learning. Edwina reflects on the insights shared by various experienced educators like Sally Haughey, Claire Warden, Jessica Vance, Tonya Gilchrist, and April Zajko, about the decline of curiosity in children. Edwina critiques the prevalent easy-route teaching methods such as scripted lessons and reliance on worksheets and urge educators to deeply reflect on their teaching practices, stand up for their belief in nurturing curiosity, and embrace inquiry-based learning to truly enrich children’s learning experiences.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Interview with April Zajko

Interview with Claire Warden

Interview with Jessi...

In this episode of Blooming Curious, I welcome Sally Haughey, (pronounced Hoy) the founder and CEO of Wunderled, formerly known as Fairy Dust Teaching. Sally shares her journey from beginning her teaching career in 1996 to building a global community of over 240,000 educators across 120 countries. Sally Emphasises a play-based philosophy inspired by Waldorf and Reggio Emilia approaches, she discusses the profound impact of play on children's development and imagination. She reveals the inspiration behind the creation and evolution of Wunderled and highlights the core philosophy that champions curiosity-driven and wonder-based teaching.

Sally also addresses the current challenges educators...

Ben Scholl and David Berlinski, founders of Toolbox Education, discuss their initiative to equip children with evidence-based tools for improving children's mental health. The conversation covers the importance of social-emotional learning, strategies to help kids manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and resolve conflicts. The duo also emphasizes the evolving role of teachers in fostering students’ mental well-being and share useful tried and tested strategies that teachers and parents can implement to help children regulate emotions and deal with anxiety.

Learn about Toolbox Education's workshops for students, parents, and educators, designed to provide ongoing support and skills for mental he...

How do we build children's confidence in mathematics to combat math anxiety? Following up on last week's discussion with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, who highlighted that many children entering kindergarten are already behind in math skills, we explore practical strategies that parents and educators can use to establish a solid mathematical foundation in young children. From incorporating positional language into everyday conversations to engaging children in counting activities and hands-on math experiences, we discuss various methods to make math a natural and enjoyable part of a child's daily life.

The episode underscores the importance of early math education...

Dr. Aditya Nagrath, author of 'Treating Mathematics Anxiety' and founder of the Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, joins the podcast to discuss his mission to remove mathematics anxiety and empower children in their learning. Dr. Nagrath explains how deficits in early childhood mathematics lead to future difficulties, the importance of understanding mathematical language, and provides insights into his program, Elephant Learning.

This digital tool uses adaptive algorithms and gamification to personalise learning paths and effectively teach essential math topics from counting to algebra. Dr. Nagrath also shares strategies for parents to incorporate math into daily life and highlights...

Shana Roberts, a multi-talented educator, author, and podcast host of 'Talk and Coffee.' Shana shares her 20-year journey in education, emphasising the importance of building strong connections with children to help navigate through difficult situations and emotions. She discusses her work as a trauma-informed educator using the Berry Street education model and offers practical strategies for teachers and parents to support dysregulated children. Additionally,

Shana introduces her books designed to foster emotional connection with children. She underscores the significance of slowing down, having fun, and being present to cultivate a nurturing environment for children. Tune in...

Using loose parts as a key educational strategy to spark children's curiosity. Loose parts is a favourite approach among numerous educators, including Janelle McArdle from My Teaching Cupboard who makes a guest appearance on the show. We explore how these open-ended materials benefit child development across creativity, motor skills, problem-solving, collaboration, and more. With insights from Janelle and practical tips for incorporating loose parts into different classroom settings, listeners are equipped to make learning engaging and impactful. Tune in for a wealth of strategies and resources to foster a love of learning in students.

🔗 Links: My Teaching Cup...

Welcome to Alex Peterson, a dedicated Montessori teacher who shares her insights and experience in a Montessori classroom online as @missnearingsmontessori. Alex reveals the creative teaching strategies, hands-on activities, and key differences between Montessori and traditional education methods. She discusses the unique structure of Montessori classrooms, the importance of preparing the environment, and the benefits of mixed-age learning. Alex also addresses common misconceptions, emphasises the value of fostering independence in young children, and provides advice for parents and educators considering Montessori. Join us for an enlightening conversation that highlights the beauty and effectiveness of Montessori education.

🔗 Links: Mis...

How can Maslow's hierarchy of needs be harnessed to motivate children to love learning? This discussion stems from a popular blog post on the same topic. We explore the hierarchy from the foundational requirements such as physiological needs and safety, to how love, belonging, and self-esteem play pivotal roles in setting kids up for success, ultimately leading to self-actualization and a genuine love of curiosity and learning. T

he episode also highlights practical strategies for parents and educators to nurture these needs.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Download the infographic HERE

Read Maslow's Hierarchy of...

Understanding Sensory Processing: Insights from Early Childhood Consultant Veronica Green In this episode Veronica Green, an early childhood consultant and mother to a neurodivergent child, shares her journey from becoming an ECE in 2012 to founding Cultivating Confidence, an early years consultancy focused on creating inclusive environments where children and educators thrive. Through her personal experiences raising an autistic son and running a day home, Veronica delves into the importance of understanding sensory processing and its impact on children's behaviour. She explains the eight senses, including proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive senses, and how they influence children’s interactions with their en...

Reasons and benefits of inquiry-based learning (IBL) as a teaching strategy. Inquiry-Based Learning enhances student motivation, critical thinking, and creativity, and links learning to real-world contexts. IBL can furthermore foster a lifelong love for learning, and is the prefect strategy to help students connect knowledge to other subject areas and their own life experiences. Additionally, I addresses some common misconceptions and challenges associated with IBL, and offer solutions and resources for you the educator.

🔗 Links:

Read: The most effective teaching strategies for student learning

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for cur...

Tonya Gilchrist, an International Education Consultant and Learning Strategist shares her journey towards advocating inquiry-based learning, discusses how to effectively implement inquiry practices within classrooms, and addresses misconceptions around inquiry and agency. She dives into the challenges of standardised testing and talks about her work in transforming educational approaches in schools worldwide. Discover practical advice for fostering student engagement and honouring individual interests while meeting curriculum standards through inquiry. Tonya also shares insights on facilitating cross-curricular learning and balancing teacher-led and student-led instruction to ensure deep, meaningful learning experiences.

🔗 Links: To connect with Tonya through her website

How to incorporate the natural inclinations and traits of children as active learners, into learning experiences that engage children authentically. Using the picture book I Went Walking, I introduce listeners to the multitude of learning experiences that this one little book can bring, and so spark children's natural curiosity and simultaneously tick off multiple curriculum outcomes.For the free download go to the episode website.

🔗 Links:

Read: 7 Fun Integrated Learning Activities with I Went Walking

Download your FREE E-guide and lesson experience

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly...

Rather than teaching subjects in silos, which can hinder children's ability to make connections, use the science or humanities curriculum as a starting point. Edwina shares how to plan integrated lesson plans that teach the necessary English skills linked to science or humanities topics. The episode also highlights the benefits of using hands-on activities, non-fiction texts, and outdoor experiences to enhance learning.

🔗 Links:

Teaching K-2 curriculum with picture books

Download your Integrated Inquiry Planning Sheet

Get your Integrated Picture book lesson plans HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspira...

Daniel Burton, a nature educator specialising in outdoor classrooms and the co-founder of Educated by Nature discusses the program's mission to boost the mental, emotional, and physical health of children through connections with nature. Daniel shares the origin story of Educated by Nature, inspired by his experience teaching outdoors at Bold Park Community School. He explains the benefits observed in neurodivergent children and the overall positive impact of outdoor learning on academic performance, social interaction, and resilience. Daniel provides educators and parents with valuable advice on how to incorporate nature into learning and play.

🔗 Links:

Con...

Strategies and organisation tips essential for back to school and setting up an engaging classroom. Listen to previous episodes that focus on getting set up and organised for a new teaching year focusing most importantly on the strategies to get students engaged.

Episode 41 discusses making curiosity a priority.

Episode 40 warns against over-decorating and the things we should consider when decorating our classrooms.

Episode 12 explores enhancing outdoor learning environments.

Episode 39 covers overall classroom organization. Practical advice includes using calming, natural colors, setting up functional learning areas, and incorporating manipulatives for hands-on learning. <...

Setting actionable goals instead of traditional New Year's resolutions. Edwina shares insights on the importance of reflection in teaching and the benefits of goal setting to keep students engaged and promote personal growth. We emphasise the pitfalls of reusing old lesson plans without adaptation and guide educators through reflective questions to plan for the year ahead.

🔗 Links:

Download your free Teacher's Goal Setting Planner to reflect on what worked and what didn't, and help structure your goals and keep motivation high throughout the year.

Read: The Power of Goal Setting for Teachers

<...

Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book, 'The Anxious Generation,' Edwina unpacks the impact of technology on children's development. The episode discusses the negative effects of excessive screen time on children's emotional and mental health and provides practical strategies for parents and educators to promote healthier alternatives. Edwina encourages parents and teachers to start small and be intentional in fostering connections and creativity, after all it's we the adults who hold the power to change.

🔗 Links:

Download 24 Screen-free ways to stimulate curiosity

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and edu...

These days just about anyone who wants to get ahead and bring the best out of themselves has a coach. Why should educators be any different? In today's episode Edwina explores why every educator should consider getting a coach and why and how to integrate lessons that bring excitement back into the classroom and tick multiple curriculum outcomes. Edwina also announces her new introductory coaching offer for teachers who want to get the best out of their teaching and learn how to integrate across the curriculum and get the support of a like minded planning buddy.Go to the...

Most of us spend way to much on gifts. Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, most of those gifts end up in landfill.Isn't it time to rethink gift giving? Our gift giving in our families also sets a precedent. What precedent do you want to leave for your children? In today's episode Edwina explores how quality outlives quantity and curates the ultimate list of gifts for the lifelong learner, both adult and child. Educators need to stay on top of their game, and the one thing that keeps them there is research and reading. That's why Edwina has curated...

Ten High Impact Teaching Strategies proved to be the most popular episode since beginning Blooming Curious in late November 2024. In this episode Edwina looks at the 6 most popular episodes in the past year. What was more surprising than what was popular, was what was not popular.

🔗 Links:

Episode 1 Welcome to Blooming Curious

Episode 36 The Most Effective Teaching Strategy for Student Learning

Episode 26 Jessica Vance on Inquiry, Curiosity and Learning Walls

Episode 12 Setting Up an Outdoor Learning Environment for Children

Episode 24 Dr Claire Warden on the meaning of Nat...

When it comes to teaching children how to read, there is only one proven method, and that's through explicit direct instruction. In this episode Edwina unpacks the basic fundamentals of explicit instruction when it comes to the teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness. If we want to give children the gift of knowledge and imagination, we must give them the gift of reading. But for too long, too many people have failed children, and left them illiterate and unable to meet their full potential. The explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness can save children from an uncertain future...

What are the predicted trends in Education for 2025 and beyond? Scouring the internet I found many, so in this episode I curate the top 5 that I think will probably stick and some of the negative impacts that these trends will have on our children.

🔗 Links:

Download Inquiry-based learning 101

Research article

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomi...

Hands-on learning makes learning and understanding concrete for children. This is never more true than when it comes to learning about history.In this episode I talk to the founder of Play in the Past, Nicola Hoad, who brings hands-on incursions to children in schools where they can experience history in their hands.Play in the Past brings historical artefacts into schools for children to experience change and continuity over time with real historical artefacts. Listen how Nicola explores history with young children and the incredible benefits to children when they are afforded the opportunity to interact and physically...

How do we keep children engaged until year end and still teach them something useful AND tick off some of our learning outcomes? Term 4 is the ideal term to hook students into learning with hands-on textile crafts. It's also a great time to have a go at some new teaching strategies that you may have been putting off. Now is the time to have a go and enjoy the process alongside your students.In this episode Edwina shares how she incorporates sewing and textile crafts to tick off multiple curriculum outcomes and make learning relatable and transferable for students...

Key insights into classroom engagement by a recent study conducted by Lego Education followup. In this episode I explore the strategies that will motivate students to take ownership for their own learning, which of course has the ripple effect of better overall engagement not just for our students but for ourselves too.Have you noticed that students have become passive recipients of knowledge? They sit there waiting for us to pour knowledge and information into them, and then they don't do anything with that knowledge. They're unable to transfer their learning into other areas. One way that we can...

How do we better engage our students? What leads to better engagement in classrooms?In today's episode Edwina unpacks the 4 key findings that Lego Education found in their study of over 6000 administrators, teachers, parents and students into classroom engagement. Student engagement has far reaching effects beyond the classroom, including teacher retention. This report from Lego Education brings home the importance of focusing on those teaching strategies that deliver the highest student engagement.

🔗 Links:

The Importance of Play in Learning and Development

Download your FREE eguide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity

✍...

At the free event The Inquiry Educator's Summit Kath Murdoch spoke about the qualities of inquiry educators. How educators shouldn't just accept things as they are but be open to question, change, and make adjustments to better meet the learning needs of our students.In this episode I unpack my own take aways from the episode, the most profound being, "Don't be seduced into the shallow waters." This is what I unpack in this episode and also offer my own help to educators that just want to take that leap and begin integrating inquiry so that they better meet...

At the 2024 Inquiry Educators Summit Trevor MacKenzie, teacher, Education Consultant, speaker and author focused on how we as educators plan for curiosity. How we get children to ask questions and how we use our students' questions as formative evidence to plan the next steps in our students' learning.It all starts with knowing our curriculum and then using our provocations to ignite curiosity and questions from students. Trevor gave some examples of actionable questioning routines and how we use them to stay true to our values as inquiry educators.

🔗 Links:

Get your FREE E-guide How to...

If you've ever had an opinion or just wondered about inquiry based learning then this is the episode for you. In this episode, Edwina debunks the comments and misconceptions made by educators about inquiry-based learning on line. Edwina cuts through all the misconceptions and offers practical, honest and straight forward facts around inquiry based learning. If you found this episode interesting or just thought provoking, then please click the forward button and send it to a few friends.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: Step by Step Integrated Inquiry Teaching Guide

Get your Free eguide: How to...

Victoria Crossan is a wealth of practical knowledge when it comes to using inquiry as a teaching strategy to nurture children's curiosity. In this episode we unpack how inquiry benefits children's learning, the difference between an invitation and a provocation and how to use what you have to set up provocations. Victoria walks us through how to use provocations to spark children's interests and gives useful advice to educators who are new to inquiry, and are ready to have a go.Victoria's passion is palpable! Let this be the episode that makes you want to have a go and...

What does it take to encourage curiosity and how do we keep those young minds curious? This is what we unpack in this episode just in time for back to school! Classrooms and lesson plans are being prepared in anticipation for that first day and all the days that follow. Of course, ensuring that the learning space is welcoming and sparks curiosity and interest is at the forefront of every teacher's mind, but the greatest challenge for any teacher is how to get kids to be interested in learning, to spark their curiosity and encourage a love for learning.<...

Why are educators spending a fortune of their own hard earned cash to decorate rooms? Is this really necessary and what are the alternatives? Reflecting on a minimalist approach inspired by Marie Kondo, Edwina emphasizes the importance of reducing overstimulation and focusing on objects that spark curiosity. The episode also touches on the benefits of using natural and second-hand items for creating an engaging learning environment. Edwina calls for a shift towards more intentional spending on long-lasting, imaginative play items like Lego and encourages listeners to consider their 'why' when setting up their classrooms.

🔗 Links: Download your FRE...

If you're getting ready to go back to school then this episode is your ultimate back to school guide. Today we unpack all the big picture stuff that teachers need to keep in mind when planning and organising for the start of the new school year. Everything from getting organised and why being organised is important, to the best colours for creating a calm learning environment, setting up provocations, thinking about planning, and ultimately our WHY, values and philosophy. We discuss the ultimate strategy for keeping kids curious and how our own mindset matters. Finally, how we as educators...

Inquiry based learning, is a methodology, a pedagogy, a strategy, it's not a seperate subject. It's a methodology that is a part of the very fabric of an inquiry educator. Inquiry-based learning encourages thinking, questioning and discovery. It's a strategy that engages all children, because it arms children with the skills they need to uncover questions, work independently, and apply their learning to other areas. In this episode I peel back the layers of my own teaching career and how I came to teach with an inquiry mindset, and apply inquiry based learning to my own practice. I uncover...

In this episode I unpack how to easily and effectively integrate science with English Language Arts and other subjects, thereby making learning not only authentic and relatable for students but a whole lot more fun for educators too.I break down all the important parts we need to consider when planning an integrated curriculum and give examples of how well planned and spontaneous learning experiences can add to children's understanding of the world, and help them make connections to other learning areas and to their own lived experiences.I unpack why we should be thinking about bringing themes back...

Schools are in crisis. Researchers say that children are not performing as well as they should be, and are falling behind.But who is to blame? The curriculum or the teachers, or something else? Are our teaching strategies ineffective?In this episode we look at what research based evidence says are the most effective teaching strategies for student learning. We dig into High Impact Teaching Strategies as developed by John Hattie, and how these strategies align with inquiry based learning.If we are using these evidence based strategies, then surely student learning will be positively impacted.We unpack how...

When it comes to planning lessons in an early childhood classrooms, picture books are the one resource educators cannot do without. Picture books are not only provocations, they ignite curiosity, stimulate creativity and imagination and are a source for teaching not only literacy skills, but an appreciation and a love for books. In this episode we unpack how we educators plan our learning experiences using picture books to drive our planning and learning experiences.We also discover what the research around the benefits of reading to children says.

🔗 Links: Learn more:

How to Pla...

Teachers desperately need time to decompress and recharge those spent batteries over the holidays. But teaching is the job that's never done! So, what should they be doing over the holidays and how can holidays be put to good use not just to relax but also to prepare for the term or year ahead. In this episode we look at the types of things teachers could do to relax, things like getting outside, watching movies, cooking and spending time with loved ones. But when it's time to think about preparing for going back to school, what's the best way...

April Zaijko founder of April's Teaching Tree, helps parents and educators deepen their connection to nature. April divides her time between the classroom and providing in-person professional development and consulting with a focus on integrating nature and art in early childhood. April helps educators and parents find ways to use nature to meet early childhood standards through play-based learning, and nature infused materials in joyful nature inspired environments.

🔗 Links:

April's website: https://aprilsteachingtree.com/

April on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprilsteachingtree/

April's Facebook group Nature Inspired Teacher: https://www.facebook.com...

Strategies, tips and advice to help educators integrate and teach with an inquiry mindset with the help of the creators behind Sqwish Resources, Allanah and Meg. These experienced and passionate educators are on a mission to help bring inquiry to all lessons with their resources based on the 5E model. Listen just how easy it is to flip from chalk and talk to inspiring students to think, wonder and have fun learning.

🔗 Links:

Sqwish: https://sqwish.com.au/

Sqwish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqwish_resources/

Sqwish on Tiktok: https://www...

As inquiry educators we don't jump in with the answers to questions. Instead we facilitate the finding of the answers. In this episode we explore the how and the where to go to help children find the answers to their questions, and in doing so, we're helping to create independent learners with inquiring minds.

🔗 Links:

https://www.safesearchkids.com/

https://www.kiddle.co/

https://www.kidzsearch.com/

https://kids.britannica.com/

https://kidtopia.info/index.html

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As educators we are constantly being watched and copied by the children we teach. Modelling is a powerful strategy that educators use to teach everything from explicit instruction, to being curious and showing grit and determination in the face of struggle. Our attitude towards learning and our enthusiasm for learning are all picked up by children through the power of modelling. Because children learn through observation, we educators and parents must ensure that our attitudes and outlook, mirror that which we would like to see in children.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: How to Stay Curious as an...

Teachers are facilitators of learning, and curators too. To make learning and the learning environment more exciting than an ipad, educators need to curate real life experiences for children that technology cannot hold a candle to. In this episode we unpack the strategies for curating indoor and outdoor spaces and learning experiences that spark curiosity and give children opportunities to explore real life learning.

🔗Links:

Learn more: How to Create an Inspiring Indoor Learning Environment

Setting Up an Outdoor Learning Environment for Children

Outdoor Learning - Bringing the Joy bac...

The Importance of Documenting the Learning Journey in Inquiry-Based Education. In this episode Edwina explores the various strategies for recoding and documenting students' learning. Key frameworks such as Kath Murdoch's inquiry cycle and the 5 E model are introduced, emphasizing the need for structured support for students. Edwina shares practical tools for making learning visible, including learning walls, mind maps, and floor books, and underscores the significance of reflective practice.

🔗 Links:

Download the Living Things Investigation Graphic Organiser HERE

Download the Integrating Inquiry Planning Sheet HERE

Download the Observation Record Keeping File HER...

In this episode we explore the questions that get children thinking and curious. The questions that parents and educators need to ask to encourage curiosity and thinking, and even those questions that take learning further and deeper. Children ask a lot of questions! They ask questions because they have an innate desire for knowledge. But, sadly as children progress through school and eventually adulthood, the questions become fewer until eventually as adults we may not be questioning at all. Questions are the gateway to knowledge, but not all questions are equal. This episode unpacks the questions that keep children...

Jessica Vance, inquiry educator, thought leader, consultant and author of Leading with a Lens of Inquiry, talks about the role of leadership in cultivating a culture of inquiry and the strategies and practices that promote curiosity and an inquiry mindset in students, teachers and leaders.

🔗 Links:

Connect with Jessica at https://leadingwithinquiry.com/

Connect with Jessica on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/

Watch on on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QVTyUpJq5aZ62ZyoOwpCg

Publications mentioned : Leading with a Lens of Inquiry By Jes...

Marcus Veerman is a playground designer, founder and CEO of a charity called Playground Ideas and designer and founder of the Nudel Kart, Nudel Pod and Nudel Rover, innovative open ended toys based on loose parts. These multilayered innovations allow children's creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and language skills not only to develop, but flourish. In this episode Marcus shares his amazing journey from providing children from impoverished backgrounds incredible opportunities for play and exploration to his latest development the Nudel Kart, which allows multifaceted skill development all neatly packaged in a highly sustainable loose part package making play...

Dr Claire Warden, Nature Pedagogist, author, education consultant, entrepreneurial leader and founder of Auchlone, a multi award winning nature kindergarten in Scotland, unpacks what nature pedagogy is, and how educators can include it in their settings and teaching practice. We discuss the benefits of risk, and the importance of curiosity and fascination when it comes to sparking a love for learning in children.In addition Claire discusses the importance of observation and documentation when working with children and gives ideas on how to implement floor books for planning, guiding the line of inquiry, and documenting children's learning.

<...

So you're inspired to integrate inquiry-based learning into your existing lessons, but you 're struggling to know how to go about it. This episode will walk you through the process and give you some ideas of how you can integrate inquiry into your planning and everyday lessons.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Download the planning sheet HERE

Step-by-step Integrated inquiry teaching guide HERE

The most effective strategies for student learning HERE

Jessica Vance at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/

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According to the latest Australian news reports, Australian children are performing terribly and the real culprit is the fact that teachers are not teaching using an explicit instruction model. In today's episode I explore very subtly (can you guess what it is?) what the issue might be, and exactly what it is we're trying to achieve if we are not using a whole repertoire of strategies.

🔗 Links mentioned:

The most effective strategies for student learning

https://explicitinstruction.org/download/sample-chapter.pdf an excerpt by Anita L Archer and Charles A Hughes from the pub...

You cannot expect children to be curious, if you yourself are not curious. In this episode Edwina gives you the tips and strategies you need to nurture your own curiosity so that you are better able to spot opportunities for nurturing it in the children you teach. Curiosity naturally leads to inquiry. Edwina demonstrates how the inquiry process is closely aligned to the strategies for nurturing your own curiosity and takes you through the step-by-step process for nurturing that natural curiosity in children and reawakening it in ourselves.

🔗 Links mentioned: Download your free e-Guide: How to Nurture Nat...

In this episode two educators respond to the question, "What is your favourite strategy for engaging children and keeping them curious?" Both Veronica Green and April Zajko who are educational consultants and experienced early childhood educators, respond to this question with passion. Their commitment to children's learning is clear and unwavering.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Read https://bloomingcurious.com/blog/post/best-strategies-for-engaging-children-and-keeping-them-curious

Veronica can be found at Cultivating Confidence. Her Facebook group is All Things Early Years

April Zajko can be found at April's Teaching Tree or join her Facebook group the Nature Ins...

It's sad but true that curiosity is on the decline, not just among children, but among adults too. If we are to raise and educate children to be the problem solvers and innovators of tomorrow, then we simply must maintain and nurture our own curiosity, in order to be able to nurture it in the children we teach. In this episode I explore some of the reasons for this decline in our curiosity and what we can do to keep nurturing our own curiosity.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Research mentioned in the episode: https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity

In this episode we take learning outdoors and learn from Victoria Hackett creator of Outdoor Classrooms and The Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom, how we educators and parents can incorporate the curriculum and learning, by creating inspirational outdoor learning environments that bring joy to learning. Victoria takes educators and parents on a journey of discovery as she introduces us to the four types of gardens we can include in our outdoor spaces as well as the five phases of successfully teaching outdoors. If you are considering your outdoor teaching area, or even your backyard, to create a space where children...

In early childhood that drive to explore, question, and play is curiosity! Curiosity forms the cornerstone of all learning and discovery. And that initial interest and curiosity, naturally leads to inquiry. It’s a perfectly natural transition. If curiosity is so innate in all of us, why are we losing it? In this episode I explore some of the reasons for the decline in children's curiosity and offer 9 strategies to nurture curiosity so that that spark that we are all born with is not extinguished.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Curiosity is declining in children: What to do about...

Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that holds profound implications for children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.In today's episode I unpack the impact of play on children's development and explore some of the research that underscores the immense benefits of play in shaping children's lives and question the lack of play in education despite everything we know about its benefits.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Read The Importance of play in children's learning and development

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwin...

Observation is the key that sparks curiosity! In today's episode we explore how parents and educators can encourage children to observe the world around them. We talk about how we go about developing observation skills and the strategies that we can employ to get kids curious. Things like modelling, questioning, how to look for answers and even a bit of soul searching to ensure that we are setting a good example of what a curious person looks like.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Read The Power of Observation: A guide for teachers

How to Nurture observation ski...

Observation provides educators with powerful data and insights to inform their teaching, and make decisions about what's best for learners. In this episode I explore different types of observations and provide some strategies to assist classroom and home educators to collect observations easily.

🔗Links:

Read The Power of Observation: A guide for Teachers

Observation and Record Keeping Template

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_c...

Ashleigh Sharp is a former early childhood classroom teacher and now the founder of Play More, a business focused on the importance of letting children play freely with loose parts. The loose parts mindset enables children to be trusted, to be creative without adult interference, and lets kids (and adults!) learn as they play. Ash talks about avoiding controlled environments and letting kids’ imaginations take over, helping children develop and nurture creativity and problem solving skills. We discuss strategies educators can take to incorporate loose parts into their indoor and outdoor settings and the benefits of loose parts play on...

The outdoor environment has the potential to be an extraordinary learning space that sparks curiosity and wonder in our children. The outdoor setting offers unique learning opportunities that can't be replicated indoors. In this episode we we unpack the secrets to crafting irresistible outdoor learning spaces and explore the keys to designing outdoor spaces that spark curiosity, foster creativity, and make learning an unforgettable adventure.

🔗 Links:

Learn more:

Setting Up an Outdoor Learning Environment for Children

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌C...

Explore the art of creating an inspiring indoor learning environment that fosters curiosity and nurtures holistic development in early childhood students. In this episode we explore how we as both classroom and home educators go about preparing our indoor space for deep child centred learning. We explore the benefits of a neutral colour pallet, organisation, setting up different learning zones, how to foster executive function skills in children, the best materials and provocations for sparking curiosity and wonder and how to include children's agency in our learning spaces.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: How to create an ins...

Exploring timetables and scheduling in early childhood, including how to integrate inquiry-based learning into our daily teaching schedules, and the benefits of visual timetables. As educators, we need to find the time to include all teaching areas into our already overcrowded weekly schedules. In this episode we explore how to schedule non-negotiables, and integrate inquiry, so that we can meet multiple curriculum outcomes making learning more relevant for students, and simultaneously meeting curriculum demands.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: Scheduling and Integrating Inquiry Based Learning

Download your FREE eguide: How to Nurture Natural Cur...

How to integrate multiple subject areas within the curriculum. Join me as I unravel the intricacies of seamlessly blending multiple subjects to create comprehensive and engaging learning experiences for students. Discover the immense benefits of integrating different curriculum areas and how this approach not only enhances learning but also effectively meets the outcomes across various disciplines. I explore how we educators can harness the potential of cross-curricular integration to foster a holistic understanding and application of knowledge. Moreover, we explore how to integrate inquiry-based learning within this framework, highlighting its pivotal role in engaging students and encouraging critical thinking...

Learn about your teaching compass, or as some call it, your educational philosophy. We'll chat about how understanding what you believe about how kids learn can make a huge difference in how you teach. We'll break down Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner Waldorf and a few other educational theorists in simple terms, and show you how these ideas about teaching can help shape your own approach. Think of it as choosing your own adventure in teaching! Whether you're just starting your teaching career or diving into homeschooling for the first time, this episode is like a treasure chest filled with...

How to make a real difference in the lives of children you teach. As we come to the close of 2023, I encourage you to start pondering how you as an educator truly impacted the lives of children in your care. And what about you? Did you grow? Are you just going do the same things next year as you did this past year? Or are you going to challenge yourself this coming year to try something a little different, to take a bit of risk, to have a go and get a little uncomfortable? We cannot grow or learn...

Most adults (and many children) spend hours in front of a screen each day. In fact, research from GWI reveals that the typical internet user now spends almost 7 hours per day using the internet across all devices. It’s crazy to think that statistic equates to a person spending 40 percent of their waking life online. The GWI’s broad global survey of internet users aged 16 to 64 also reports that we are spending 2 hours and 27 minutes on social media per day. In this episode I discuss my own findings and experience as it relates to what I believe is a corr...

How do we keep children off screens, especially during the holidays? The constant exposure to technology can lead to a decrease in children’s natural curiosity and creativity. If you want your children to love learning and have curiosity, then check out these 24 fun learning activities that not only benefit your child’s learning but are fun for the whole family, and some even give parents some much needed respite.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: 24 Fun screen free activities for kids

Download your FREE PDF of 24 Fun Activities to stimulate Curiosity HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get C...

Technology is here to stay. In a world where everyone has a screen in their hands almost permanently, what alternatives are there for our kids? Especially when we are out in public places. In today's episode I give you two simple alternatives, or challenges - which on the face of it might appear lame and possibly non-starters, but have a go, stay with it, and see if anything changes in your children's behaviour and in your ability to remain in the moment.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: How to Parent in a Tech Driven Society

Dow...

How to provide children with opportunities to explore and wonder? Children love to learn about the world around them using their senses. It makes sense then to create an environment for children that will allow them plenty of opportunity to do just that. You don't need to invest in tons of plastic toys to create a stimulating environment, but we do need to take some time to think about the objects and toys that will allow our children to wonder, problem solve and express themselves in creative ways. Today, I explore the objects and toys that we can bring...

Curiosity is the one trait that lifelong learners share, and the one trait that we educators and parents must ensure we foster in our children if they are to be interested in learning. Today I share 5 ways we can keep our kids curious so that learning becomes a pleasure instead of a chore.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: How to keep children curious

Download your FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email...

Welcome to the first episode of the Blooming Curious podcast.

Today's episode is an introduction to what Blooming Curious is going to be about, and why I believe that curiosity is the cornerstone for learning.

🔗 Links:

Learn more: How to keep children curious

Download your free e-guide bundle HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcu...