Blooming Curious
Blooming Curious is for K-2 teachers and homeschool parents who want children to genuinely love learning. Hosted by early childhood educator Edwina Cottino, each episode shares practical, ready-to-use strategies built around curiosity, hands-on activities, nature-based learning, and the magic of picture books — because that's what actually works with young children. You'll find ideas for curiosity-driven lessons, early literacy, oral language development, and simple ways to bring inquiry and play into everyday learning — at school or at home. If you believe the early years matter, and that learning should be joyful and meaningful, you're in the right place. Subscribe for weekly idea...
I'm Worried About Losing Control — Can Inquiry Learning Really Work in a Real Classroom?
The number one concern teachers have about inquiry learning isn't time, or curriculum pressure — it's control. In this episode, we talk honestly about why that fear makes complete sense, what "losing control" actually looks like in practice (versus what we imagine), and the four simple structures that make inquiry learning manageable in any early years classroom. Whether you're brand new to this or you've tried it and it didn't quite land, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do differently.
In This Episode:
· Why the fear of chaos is completely valid — and what's...
What Learning Looks Like When Curiosity Leads
What does learning actually look like when children are genuinely curious? In this episode, I share real classroom stories — from gifted learners who'd switched off, to children who'd come to see school as a place of failure — and explore what changed when curiosity was given space to lead. We also look at what the research says about interest development in the early years, and why the brain is uniquely receptive to curiosity-driven learning right now.
In This Episode:
The classroom moment that shows what curiosity-led learning really looks like in practiceWhat a 2023 study on interest development in e...Why children stop asking questions — and what we're doing that causes it.
Children’s curiosity and fascination with the world is declining. Children are asking fewer questions. This loss of curiosity can be due to depleted dopamine, as referenced in NIH-where they identified contributors such as excessive screen time, sleep deprivation, poor high-fat/high-sugar diet, low sunlight exposure, and rare genetic disorders. Research suggests low dopamine manifests as impulsivity, inattention, fatigue, poor mood regulation, and stimulation-seeking. Edwina argues solutions include removing screens in early childhood, increasing outdoor free play and boredom, raising curricular challenge and expectations (with praise for device-free classical education), and moving away from compliance-based worksheets toward narration and re...
Is Curiosity the Secret Weapon Your Students Need to Survive the AI Age?
RE-RUN of a popular episode: You became a teacher to light a fire in kids — not to tick boxes. But somewhere along the way, the curriculum took over, the kids started zoning out, and you're left wondering if there's a better way.
Spoiler: there is.
In this episode we talk about why curiosity isn't just a lovely classroom add-on anymore — in a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse faster than any of us, it may be the most important skill we can nurture in our students.
We cover:
What educators are...Why Your Child's Brain Needs Beauty to Develop Well
Are bright colours and fast-paced screens harming your child's development? In this episode, we take a close look at what the research says about children's media, classroom colour, and why beauty matters more than we think.
There's a reason the old Disney films, the gentle pace of Heidi and Little House on the Prairie, and those exquisite hand-illustrated picture books felt so different from what children are watching today.
Studies show that just nine minutes of fast-paced cartoons can measurably impair a four-year-old's ability to focus, self-regulate, and solve problems. And it's not only screens — re...
Why Your Students Won’t Focus (And What Actually Fixes It)
Are your students refusing to start? Struggling to focus? Disinterested in learning?
In this episode, we explore a powerful but often overlooked truth: lack of focus is often a lack of curiosity.
Instead of choosing between structure (classical education) and engagement (inquiry learning), what if the real solution is combining both?
In today’s conversation, I break down:
Why children disengage in the first placeHow Classical education and Inquiry-based learning actually complement each otherHow to spark curiosity without creating chaosPractical strategies for K–2 teachers to increase focus and participationIf you're tire...
Why Kids Are Losing Curiosity (And What Teachers Can Do About It)
Feeling like your students have lost curiosity and focus?
If you’ve been noticing more disengaged students, shorter attention spans, and a lack of enthusiasm for learning, you’re not imagining it.
In this episode of Blooming Curious, I’m sharing what I’ve seen change over my 14+ years teaching early childhood, and the exact strategies I use to re-engage children, spark curiosity, and bring learning back to life — without adding more to your workload.
Because here’s the truth: Most children aren’t “naughty” or disengaged on purpose. They want to succeed. They want to pleas...
I Almost Ruined Kindergarten on Day One… Here’s What Saved Me
Teaching kindergarten is a little bit like herding cats… but this week gave me two moments that reminded me why curiosity-based learning works.
In this episode, I’m sharing a real behind-the-scenes reflection from my first week back teaching kindergarten, and how two small moments (acorns + a daytime moon!) turned into powerful inquiry opportunities.
We talk about:
If you teach early years and you want to keep children engaged without worksheets, pressure, or overwhelm, this episode will give you practical inspiration you can use immediately.
✨ Want to learn how to do this c...
How to Plan Rich Learning Experiences Without Curriculum Overwhelm
Ep 100 Feeling overwhelmed by curriculum demands and struggling to make time to plan rich, deep learning experiences?
In this episode, I’m sharing the exact planning approach I use to reduce curriculum overwhelm, save hours of planning time, and create integrated learning experiences that truly engage children.
You’ll discover:
How to stop curriculum overwhelm and reduce planning stressWhy comparison is making teaching harder than it needs to beHow to use picture books to plan integrated, cross-curricular lessonsHow to create deep learning experiences without worksheetsHow to assess learning through observation (and save time)Why slow...Why More Teaching Resources Won’t Fix Teacher Overwhelm (and What Actually Will)
Ep 99 A common struggle teachers face with resource overload and the misconception that more resources equate to better teaching. The core issue is often a lack of clarity, not a lack of resources. By understanding and harnessing curiosity, educators can turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences without the need for constant new materials. Curiosity Without Chaos is a framework that helps educators plan with confidence, use fewer materials, and keep students genuinely engaged. Listen to learn why trusting yourself and focusing on student curiosity, rather than buying resources can transform your teaching experience.
🔗 Links:
<...Why Curiosity Matters More Than Curriculum in Today’s Classrooms
We're addressing the challenges educators face in maintaining student engagement and exploring how traditional teaching methods might fall short in today's rapidly changing world. I share insights from a survey of educators, revealing a common struggle with student disengagement and the pressure to meet curriculum standards. The key takeaway is the critical role of curiosity in driving authentic engagement and learning. I introduce 'Curiosity Without Chaos,' a professional learning framework designed to revitalise curiosity within structured lesson plans without adding extra workload. Join the waitlist for practical tools and rethink your approach to teaching for a more engaging...
January Lesson Planning for Teachers: Using Picture Books to Prevent Burnout
Tackling the common challenge of post-holiday burnout in teachers and homeschoolers by introducing a practical strategy that can transform lesson planning. Learn how to use picture books to teach multiple subjects, allowing for more cohesive and engaging learning experiences. Discover how to select books with rich vocabulary, strong story structures, and content connections to subjects like math, science, and social studies. Follow Edwina's step-by-step guide to integrate one powerful picture book into your curriculum, preventing burnout and making planning easier.
🔗 Links:
Integrated Lesson plans with picture books
Integrated Inquiry Planner
✍...
Small Habits That Transform Teaching: Make It Fun Again
In this episode, inspired by James Clear's 'Atomic Habits,' we explore how to make teaching fun and impactful by developing small, enjoyable habits. Edwina talks about creating systems instead of just setting goals, the importance of making your environment conducive to habit formation, and practical steps to ensure you consistently engage in rewarding teaching practices. Reflect on your past experiences, and download the goal-setting planner designed for educators to start building habits that will transform your teaching practice and make the new year more enjoyable for both you and your students.
Download the Goal Setting Planner...
Tech-Free Kids: 24 Holiday Activities That Actually Work
Wondering how to keep kids engaged during the holidays without screens? Here are 24 screen-free activities that build curiosity and problem-solving skills—no technology required.
The holidays are here, and if you're dreading weeks of "I'm bored" or battling over screen time, this episode is for you. I'm sharing practical, low-cost activities you can do at home that keep children learning without them even realizing it.
From building indoor forts to discovery walks, these activities work whether you're dealing with extreme heat, freezing cold, or just need ideas to fill long holiday days. Plus, I'm sharing wh...
Stop Teaching Worksheets Start Teaching Thinking: Inquiry-Based Learning Made Simple
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!
🔗 Links:
FREE e-guide: How...
Eight Weeks to Successful Homeschooling
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...
Curriculum VS Traditions - Which delivers deeper learning?
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.
🔗 Links:
Join the private Facebook Group HERE
🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE
✍...
Learning Through Handmade Handicrafts - And Why Children Need This
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...
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...
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<...
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'
<...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
In...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 les...
The Simple Secret to Raising Naturally Curious Kids at Home (Without Buying Anything!)
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:
🆓 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 t...
How to Model Curiosity for Children: Five Practical Strategies
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
🆓 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.
💌 Con...
How to Spark Lifelong Curiosity in Early Learners: The Secret to Raising Inquisitive, Joyful Kids
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.
🔗 Links:
The Curiosity Toolkit
🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE
✍️ To sign up to Get Cur...
Rest, Reflect, and Reignite: How Educators Can Use the Summer to Recharge and Grow
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
🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE
...
The Ultimate Engagement Strategy: A Toolkit for Every Educator
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...
Why Curiosity, Not Curriculum, Is the Key to Future-Ready Learning
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...
Transforming Wonder Walls into Learning Tools
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
🆓 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 inspiratio...
Integrated lesson planning with The Tiger Who Came to Tea
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...
Taking a Stand for Children's Curiosity
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...
Unlocking the Transformative Power of Play with Sally Haughey
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...
Strategies for Improving Children's Mental Health: Insights from Toolbox Education
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...
Building Children's Confidence in Math with Foundational Strategies
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...
