Blooming Curious

Blooming Curious

by Edwina Cottino

How To Parenting

Should teachers be decorating classrooms?

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 FREE Inspiring Space Checklist HERE Learn more: How to Set Up An Inspiring Indoor Learning Environment 🆓 Download the 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: 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 Welcome to Blooming Curious 00:04 Back to School: Classroom Setups 00:38 The Cost of Classroom Decorations 01:35 Minimalist Classroom Philosophy 02:23 The Appeal of Podcasts Over YouTube 03:57 Reflecting on Classroom Simplicity 05:11 Encouraging Curiosity with Minimalism 07:16 Practical Tips for Classroom Setup 10:16 The Importance of Intentional Spending 12:38 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Ultimate Back to School Organisation for Teachers

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 in our search for connection and acceptance can find like minded curious educators to connect with. 🔗 Links: Episode 11 Episode 37 Episode 21 Episode 23 Get your E-guide for Inquiry 101 HERE 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE Learn more: Scheduling and Integrating Inquiry Based Learning ✍️ 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: Back to School 00:32 Getting Organized for the Classroom 05:30 Creating a Calm and Inspiring Learning Environment 12:32 The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning 18:16 Building a Supportive Educator Community 20:43 Conclusion and Final Tips

Why and How I Started with Inquiry Based Learning

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 the lessons learnt and the challenges we face today in our classrooms. For me, inquiry based learning has been a game changer and my hope is that all educators will implement this strategy into their toolkit so that ALL children can benefit. For me it's always about what's best for children. The results and the attitude of my students towards learning, has convinced me that this is the way to go if we are to educate the whole child and appeal to their individual needs and strengths. If my message resonates with you, or you find it interesting then share it with a friend, and leave a review...that's the ultimate compliment. Thanks! 🔗 Links: Get your Inquiry 101 e-guide HERE Learn more: Step-by-Step Integrated Inquiry Teaching Guide 🆓 Download the 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: 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: My Journey into Teaching 00:09 Early Teaching Years in South Africa 00:58 A Career Shift and Return to Teaching 01:17 Teaching in Dubai: Embracing Diversity 03:22 Discovering Inquiry-Based Learning in Australia 05:52 Implementing Inquiry-Based Learning 09:05 Practical Examples of Inquiry-Based Learning 11:41 Encouraging Independent Projects 15:23 Final Thoughts and Resources 16:38 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

37: How to Integrate Science into your Teaching

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, and talk about the impact that having specialist science teachers in elementary schools has on student learning. 🔗 Links: Download your Technologies and Design graphic Organiser HERE Learn more: Step-by-Step Integrated Inquiry Teaching Guide ✍️ 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: Why Integrated Curriculum Matters 01:01 The Importance of Real-Life Connections 01:27 The Role of Themes in Early Education 01:51 Developmentally Appropriate Learning 03:57 Integrating English Language Arts with Science and Math 06:41 Planning Integrated Learning Experiences 08:41 The Role of Procedural Writing in Science 12:20 Hands-On Learning: Kites and Boats 15:11 Reflection and Critical Thinking 16:47 Integrating Planting into Learning 19:21 The Elephant in the Room: Specialist Teachers 21:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

The Most Effective Teaching Strategies for Student Learning

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 these strategies form part of an inquiry classroom and explore how teachers can get started with inquiry in their classrooms. 🔗 Links: Learn more: The Most Effective Teaching Strategies for Student Learning Episode 22 Episode 24 Or check out the episodes HERE 🆓 Download the 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: 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 Crisis in Schools 00:29 High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) 03:00 Inquiry-Based Learning: A Deep Dive 06:45 The Role of Teachers and Effective Strategies 12:02 The Importance of Curiosity and Critical Thinking 17:40 Conclusion and Call to Action

Lesson Planning with Picture Books

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 Plan Integrated Lessons Using a Curriculum The Curious Garden Integrated Lesson Plan In Depth Lesson Plan and Activities with QPootle 5 Integrated Lesson Planning with The tiger Who Came to Tea FREE lesson plan for I Went Walking by Sue Williams 🆓 Download the 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: 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 Welcome and Introduction 00:53 The Importance of Picture Books 01:16 Scientific Evidence Supporting Picture Books 03:25 Choosing the Right Picture Books 05:17 Integrated Lesson Plans with Picture Books 06:24 Daily Reading and Phonological Awareness 08:31 Recap and Final Thoughts 09:48 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

What Teachers do in the Holidays.

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 of doing that? Tune in to listen how to plan lessons smarter not harder and simultaneously spark children's interest! 🔗 Links: Books mentioned in this episode: Stone Soup by Ann McGovern Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper Talk for Writing Across the Curriculum by Pie Corbett Learn More: 24 Fun Screen Free Learning Activities for Kids Download: 24 Screen Free Ways to Stimulate Curiosity 🆓 Download the 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: 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 The Reality of Teaching: Beyond the Holidays 00:27 The Invisible Work of Teachers 01:27 Teacher Burnout and the Need for Change 01:50 Preparing for the Holidays: Tips for Teachers 03:26 Collaborative Planning for the New Term 08:58 Integrating Inquiry and Fun into Lessons 09:53 Final Thoughts and Resources

Nature-inspired Play Based Learning with April Zajko

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/groups/1843474542616408/ 🆓 Download the 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: 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 April Zajko and Nature-Inspired Teaching 01:08 April's Teaching Journey and Philosophy 02:05 The Importance of Nature-Based Learning 06:10 Integrating Nature in Urban Settings 08:42 Balancing Technology and Nature in Education 14:31 Practical Tips for Nature Walks and Field Trips 20:14 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Outdoor Learning 28:57 Building Confidence and Resilience Through Nature 36:40 Encouraging Kids to Explore Nature 37:48 Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Activities 40:07 Balancing Technology and Nature 41:36 Integrating Art in Nature-Based Education 46:33 The Joy of Process Art 52:56 Cross-Curricular Connections in Nature-Based Learning 01:03:35 Building Community and Overcoming Obstacles 01:07:22 Final Thoughts and Future Trends

Strategies to Teach and Integrate Inquiry With Sqwish Resources

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.tiktok.com/@sqwish_resources Sqwish on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558864596356 🆓 Download the 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: 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 and Welcoming Guests 00:47 Alana's Teaching Journey 01:33 Meg's Experience with IB Schools 02:32 Understanding Inquiry-Based Learning 05:03 Alana's Transition to Inquiry-Based Learning 08:23 Defining Inquiry-Based Learning 11:40 Engaging Students with Inquiry 17:58 Incorporating Student Voice and Choice 20:29 Making Inquiry Accessible for All Teachers 25:40 The 5E Model of Inquiry 34:45 Integration in Education 35:07 The 5E Model and Extension 35:36 Addressing Fast Finishers 39:24 Reflection and Metacognition 48:17 Success Stories in Inquiry-Based Learning 51:51 The Birth of Sqwish 56:51 Quality Resources for Educators 01:01:20 Advice for New Educators 01:02:42 Conclusion and Farewell

How to help children find the answers to their questions

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 🆓 Download the 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: 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 Inquiry-Based Learning 00:13 Modeling and Practicing Deep Questions 00:38 Facilitating the Search for Answers 01:29 Safe Searching for Students 03:09 Explicit Teaching of Information Skills 04:16 Guided Reading and Cross-Curricular Connections 08:41 Building a Supportive Teaching Community 09:54 Invitation to Join the Community 10:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

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