Blooming Curious

Blooming Curious

by Edwina Cottino

How To Parenting

Three Routines for Creating Joyful Learning at Home

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 ✍️ 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.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction to Creating Comfortable Rituals 04:29 Reading Aloud: A Daily Ritual 04:46 Building Anticipation and Connection Through Reading

How to foster Independence and Responsibility in Young Learners at Home

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 06:20 Practical Tips for Organizing and Routine 16:37 Teaching Self-Direction and Problem Solving 20:46 Conclusion and Support Resources 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.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

How to Model Curiosity in your Homeschool (And Why it Matters)

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' 00:35 Embracing Failure in Learning 00:53 Modeling Curiosity and Honesty 02:11 Transforming Learning Dynamics 03:37 Practical Tips for Homeschooling 04:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Download your free eguide mentioned in the episode 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.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

Why Your Child Needs Boredom (And How to Use It as a Teaching Tool)

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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction: The Boredom Dilemma 00:17 The Value of Boredom 00:40 The Shift in Childhood Activities 01:09 The Importance of Unstructured Time 02:21 Personal Anecdote: Creative Play 03:28 Practical Strategies for Parents 04:34 The Role of Parents in Fostering Creativity 04:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

When a Child Says 'This is Boring': What They're Really Telling You

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 Edwina to learn actionable strategies to transform 'I'm bored' into opportunities for meaningful engagement and growth. 💫 Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators HERE 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going. 💌 Connect with Edwina: Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious 00:00 Introduction: Tackling the Dreaded 'I'm Bored' 01:00 Understanding the Real Reasons Behind Boredom 01:20 Types of Boredom: Too Easy, Too Hard, and More 04:48 Diagnosing Boredom: Key Questions to Ask 07:36 Effective Responses to Different Types of Boredom 10:36 Teaching Better Communication and Embracing Productive Boredom 13:00 Conclusion: Recap and Final Thoughts 13:53 Stay Connected: Subscribe for More Tips

How Questions Encourage Critical Thinking in Children

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 in Engaging Children 00:36 The Purpose of Questions: Inviting Thinking 01:05 Encouraging Curiosity: Moving Away from Closed Questions 01:46 Building on Children's Interests: Exploration and Inquiry 02:43 The Role of Wait Time in Questioning 03:23 Handling Incorrect Answers: Encouraging Concrete Understanding 04:21 Raising Critical Thinkers: The Importance of Questions 05:13 Resources for Encouraging Curiosity 05:33 Conclusion and Call to Action Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators HERE 💌 Connect with Edwina: Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

Back to School Set Up for Nurturing Curiosity

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 necessary to decorate classrooms, and what are the alternatives? 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 12 explores enhancing outdoor learning environments. Episode 39 covers overall classroom organisation. Practical advice includes using calming, natural colours, setting up functional learning areas, and incorporating manipulatives for hands-on learning. Episode 57 Essential Planning Tips for Back to School Get you Inspiring Space Checklist HERE 💫 Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE 💌Connect with Edwina: Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

Transforming Learning with Inquiry and Learning Walls: A Conversation with Jessica Vance

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 settings. Jessica emphasises the importance of empowering educators to adopt inquiry-based practices and provides real examples and resources to get started. 🔗 Visit Jessica's website HERE Online collaborative whiteboards: Figjam, MIRO and Padlet Mentions: Trevor MacKenzie .✍️ 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 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE 💌 Connect with Edwina: Email: contact@bloomingcurious.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Welcome Back, Jessica Vance! 00:48 The Journey of Writing 'Evidence of Inquiry' 01:09 Learning Walls vs. Wonder Walls 01:41 Building and Utilizing Learning Walls 05:20 Practical Tips for Educators 11:31 Modelling and Explicit Teaching 15:44 Starting with Learning Walls 20:43 Assessment and Documentation 29:44 Virtual Learning Walls32:23 Inspiring Stories and Final Thoughts

Three Simple Strategies to Integrate Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum

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 Tiger Who Came to Tea Resources 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE .✍️ 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: contact@bloomingcurious.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction: The Curriculum Tetris Dilemma 01:19 Strategy 1: The Picture Book Bridge 03:31 Strategy 2: The Vocabulary Spiral 04:50 Strategy 3: The Reading-Writing Connection 05:55 Implementation Tips and Resources 07:30 Conclusion: Stay Blooming Curious

Five Simple Inquiry Strategies to Spark Classroom Curiosity and Engagement

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 lessons. Get it for just $10 and join the Blooming Curious Community for free! Get you Curiosity Toolkit HERE. Perfect for anyone looking to boost student engagement and curiosity. 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE ✍️ 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: contact@bloomingcurious.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious ☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️ 00:00 Introduction to Blooming Curious 00:02 The Essence of Inquiry 01:04 Real Problems Over Textbook Questions 02:11 Embrace the Messy Middle 04:23 Make Learning Visible with Simple Tools 05:39 Build on Student Questions 07:25 Create Low-Stake Sharing Opportunities 08:19 Bringing It All Together 08:47 Special Offer: Curiosity Toolkit 09:56 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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