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.Find all the links in the episode page Get in touch with me at:Email: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/ Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousOr leave me a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/bloomingcurious☕️ 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 support I need to keep going.☕️

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.For the links and free resources go to the episode pageIf this episode resonates with you, please share it and follow to receive notifications of new episodes. Thanks!To sign up to receive Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious click 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.☕️

Getting Started series: 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.For all the links and downloads mentioned in the episode read the blog post at https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-create-an-inspiring-indoor-learning-environment/If you like the show please consider subscribing and sharing it with others, this is the only way this show can grow and benefit more educators and children.To Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

Getting Started series: 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.For all the details and links read the blog post at https://bloomingcurious.com/setting-up-an-ou…ent-for-children/If you like the show please consider subscribing and sharing, and leaving a review, this is the only way this show can grow and benefit more educators and children. Sign up to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

Today on Blooming Curious we welcome Ashleigh Sharp. Ash 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 academic performance. We chat about Ash's home schooling journey and how the power of loose parts is impacting the way her own child learns.Read the blog post at  https://bloomingcurious.com/exploring-the-be…loose-parts-play/For show notes go to https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/ep-13-exploring-the-benefits-of-loose-parts-play-with-ashleigh-sharp/ Does this content resonate with you? If so, please consider subscribing and sharing, and leaving a review, this is the only way this show can grow and benefit more educators and children. Thank you!Sign up to Get Curious your weekly inspiration for curious educators 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.☕️

Getting Started Series: Observation provides teachers and educators with powerful data and insights to inform their teaching, and make decisions about what's best for their learners.  In this episode I explore different types of observations and provide some strategies to assist classroom and home educators to collect observations easily.Read the blogpost at https://bloomingcurious.com/the-power-of-observation-a-guide-for-teachers/For show notes go to https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/ep-14-the-power-of-observation-a-guide-for-teachers/ Are you enjoying listening to Blooming Curious? If so, please consider subscribing and sharing, and leaving a review.Sign up to Get Curious, for weekly inspiration for curious educators 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.☕️

Getting Started series: In today's episode we explore how educators can encourage children to observe the world around them. Observation is the key that sparks curiosity! 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.For all the details including links mentioned in the episode go to https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-develop-keen-observational-skills-in-kids/For show notes go to https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/ep-15-how-to-nurture-keen-observational-skills-in-kids-to-help-them-learn/To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

Getting Started series: 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 delve into 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.Read the blog post at https://bloomingcurious.com/the-importance-of-play-in-childrens-learning-and-development/Find the show notes at https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/ep-16-the-importance-of-play-in-childrens-learning-and-development/Subscribe to Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

Curiosity and Inquiry series: 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.  For all the links in this episode go to https://bloomingcurious.com/curiosity-is-declining-in-the-classroom-what-to-do-about-it/Links:https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-create-an-inspiring-indoor-learning-environment/https://bloomingcurious.com/setting-up-an-outdoor-learning-environment-for-children/https://bloomingcurious.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-nurturing-curiosity-in-kids/Sign up for your weekly inspiration 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.☕️

Curiosity and Inquiry series: 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 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 are inspired to learn, create and investigate, then this is the episode you will want to listen to. Victoria Hackett can be found at Website: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/Podcast: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1For all the blog post, go to https://bloomingcurious.com/outdoor-learning…back-to-learning/For the episode show notes go to https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/ep-18-outdoor-learning-with-victoria-hackett-of-outdoor-classrooms/Sign up for weekly inspiration 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.☕️

Curiosity and Inquiry series: 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.For all the details and transcript go to https://bloomingcurious.com/how-educators-ca…ir-own-curiosity/Research mentioned in the episode: https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosityWebsite:  www.bloomingcurious.comGet a resource to join the The Blooming Community for support, tips and inspiration HERE Sign up to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter 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.☕️

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.Read the blog post and the transcript of this episode at  https://bloomingcurious.com/best-strategies-for-engaging-children-and-keeping-them-curious/Links to the eGuide are in the blog post.Veronica can be found at Cultivating Confidence and join 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 Inspired Teacher or follow April's Teaching TreeTo sugn up to Get Curious, The weekly inspirational newsletter go HEREIf you would like to support Blooming Curious, and help it grow, then share it, follow, subscribe and write a review. This is really the only way this podcast can find it's way in front of more people. ☕️ 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.☕️

Does your home learning environment 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 into our homes that will allow our children to explore and learn in fun and creative ways.Download a copy of my e-guide which includes a list of open-ended questions (PLUS you get a free lesson plan) HEREGo to the blog post for show notes and information https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-create-an-environment-for-inquiry-based-learning/If anything in this episode resonates with you, then please share it with a friend or colleague so they can benefit too.Sign up to Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

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.Download your free e-Guide: How to Nurture Natural Curiosity in Children (plus a free lesson plan included) HEREExplore posts and resources at https://www.bloomingcurious.comContact: contact@bloomingcurious.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingcurious/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousTo sign up to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter go 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.☕️

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. To listen to the episode on the website go to bloomingcurious.com/podcastLinks mentioned in the episode:https://explicitinstruction.org/download/sample-chapter.pdf an excerpt by Anita L Archer and Charles A Hughes from the publication Explicit Instruction and Efficient Teachinghttps://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1188027.pdf Teachers Taking up Explicit Instruction: The Impact of a Professional Development and Directive Instructional Coaching ModelTo get resources and join the free community go HERETo sign up to Get Blooming Curious, my weekly newsletter for curious educators, go HEREThanks for listening! If you like this episode, or indeed the whole show, please show your appreciation by following, sharing and leaving a review! 😎☕️ 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.☕️

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.To make your life easier, download the planning sheet HEREGet a detailed breakdown of how to start integrating inquiry into your existing lessons here Follow Jessica Vance at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/website: www.bloomingcurious.comSubscribe to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter 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.☕️

Today we welcome Dr Claire Warden, Nature Pedagogist, author, education consultant, entrepreneurial leader and founder of Auchlone, a multi award winning nature kindergarten in Scotland.We unpack 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.To read how you can implement nature pedagogy in an urban environment go to https://bloomingcurious.com/the-meaning-of-n…gogy-in-practice/Website: www.bloomingcurious.comIf you would like to get in touch email me at contact@bloomingcurious.comTo sign up to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

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, creativity, problem solving and language development easily accessible to children everywhere, and simultaneously meeting curriculum outcomes.Purchase Nudel products at https://nudel.shop/Find out all about the Nudel Kart at https://www.nudelkart.com/For more posts and articles about curiosity, learning and inquiry visit Blooming CuriousContact me at contact@bloomingcurious.comSign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

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. Find all the show notes at www.bloomingcurious.com/podcastTo subscribe to Get Curious, my weekly newsletter sign up HEREYou can find and connect with Jessica at https://leadingwithinquiry.com/Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QVTyUpJq5aZ62ZyoOwpCgPublications mentioned : Leading with a Lens of Inquiry By Jessica VanceRon Ritchhart Project ZeroAdam Grant Hidden Potential☕️ 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.☕️

Kids 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.In this episode we explore the questions that get kids thinking and curious. The questions that educators need to ask to get students curious and thinking and even those questions that take learning further and deeper.Go deeper in this blog post https://bloomingcurious.com/how-questions-le…ty-and-knowledge/Download your free list of question starters HEREDownload your free eGuide: How to Encourage Natural Curiosity in Children (plus get a free lesson plan) HEREGet on the mailing list for all the insider information around inquiry, curiosity, teaching and learning by signing up HEREBuy Kath Murdoch's book Getting Personal with Inquiry here Contact Edwina at contact@bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

Learning really is a journey. And like a journey it requires planning, recording, sharing and assessing of how it all unfolded. The map that educators follow as students travel on this journey is usually either Kath Murdoch's Inquiry Cycle or the 3E model of inquiry, and in order to keep children on track, we provide scaffolds for them that help them in their planning and thinking.Educators too, record their own observations of the learner's progress.In this episode the various strategies for recoding  and documenting students' learning is unpacked.Download the Living Things Investigation planning sheet HEREDownload the Integrating Inquiry Planning Template HEREDownload the Observation Record Keeping File HEREDownload the On the Go Guided Inquiry graphic organiser HERESign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter for curious educators HEREGet in touch with Edwina at contact@bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

We are more than teachers. Not only are we facilitators of learning, but curators too. To make learning and the learning environment more exciting than an ipad, we 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.Read this blog post How to Create an Inspiring Indoor Learning Environment https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-create-an-inspiring-indoor-learning-environment/Read this blog post Setting Up an Outdoor Learning Environment for Children https://bloomingcurious.com/setting-up-an-outdoor-learning-environment-for-children/Read this blog post Outdoor Learning - Bringing the Joy back to Learning https://bloomingcurious.com/outdoor-learning-bringing-the-joy-back-to-learning/Download this free checklist for setting up an inspiring indoor space HERESubscribe to the weekly newsletter, Get Curious HEREGet in touch with Edwina contact@bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

As educators we are constantly being watched and copied by our students. 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 must ensure that our attitudes and outlook, mirror that which we would like to see in our students.Read this post How Educators Can Nurture Their Own Curiosity https://bloomingcurious.com/how-educators-can-nurture-their-own-curiosity/Read this post The Power of Observation, A Guide for Teachers https://bloomingcurious.com/the-power-of-observation-a-guide-for-teachers/Read this post How to Nurture Keen Observational Skills in Kids to Help Them Learn https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-nurture-keen-observational-skills-in-kids/Subscribe to the weekly newsletter Get Curious HEREGet in touch with Edwina contact@bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

Technology is here to stay. It's a wonderful thing when used appropriately especially with and in front of young children.They really don't need screens in the hands, when there are alternatives.But 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. Enjoy!Go to https://bloomingcurious.com/raising-children-in-a-world-with-technology/ for show notes and more.If you like the show consider subscribing and leaving a review which will really benefit the show showing up for others.Sign up to Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

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 them create independent learners with inquiring minds.For resources go HERETo sign up to the weekly newsletter Get Curious, go HEREOnline resources mentioned in the episode:https://www.safesearchkids.com/https://www.kiddle.co/https://www.kidzsearch.com/https://kids.britannica.com/https://kidtopia.info/index.htmlIf you like the show please share it and click follow or subscribe to get weekly updates. ☕️ 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.☕️

In this episode, we unpack the 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:https://sqwish.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqwish_resources/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sqwish_resourcesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558864596356Sign up to the weekly Get Curious newsletter for tips, tricks and insights into all thinks curiosity, learning and teaching HEREWebsite for blogposts, resources and podcast episodes : https://www.bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

April is an educator and founder of April's Teaching Tree, which 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/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprilsteachingtree/Facebook group Nature Inspired Teacher: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1843474542616408/Sign up to the weekly newsletter, Get Curious HERECheck out the website: bloomingcurious.comSend Edwina an email at contact@bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

Teaching is the job that's never done! There are always numerous invisible tasks that need to be done, and very often the only time to do them is over weekends or during the holidays. But teachers desperately need time to decompress and recharge those spent batteries. 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!Books mentioned in this episode: Stone Soup by Ann McGovernWombat Stew by Marcia VaughanPumpkin Soup by Helen CooperTalk for Writing Across the Curriculum by Pie Corbett24 fun things to do with kids to get them off screens:Blog post:  https://bloomingcurious.com/24-fun-learning-activities-for-kids/Download the activities for free HEREDownload your ready to go resources HERE Sign up to Get Curious, my weekly inspirational newsletter 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.☕️

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.Show notes and more at https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/lesson-planning-with-picture-books/ To sign up to Get Curious the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators go HEREFollow me:Website: https://bloomingcurious.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/edslessons/☕️ 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.☕️

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.Find all the show notes and links on Blooming CuriousTo sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

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.For all the links and show notes go HERETo sign up to Get Curious the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

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!You will find the show notes and all links mentioned in the episode on the website page.Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators HEREContact Edwina at contact@bloomingcurious.com☕️ 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.☕️

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.For all the links and show notes mentioned go to the episode website.To sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

It's back to school time, and with that comes classroom set up. We teachers love decorating our classrooms, and of course we want our rooms to be attractive and welcoming for students.In this episode I ask the question why. Why are educators spending a fortune of their own hard earned cash to decorate rooms? Is this really necessary and what are the alternatives?Show notes and more on the episode websiteSign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

In today’s world where technology is easily accessible, it can be challenging to 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.Get all the details including your free PDF downloads mentioned in this episode in the blog post https://bloomingcurious.com/24-fun-learning-activities-for-kids/If you like the show then subscribe and leave a review which will really help the show showing up for others.Sign up to Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators 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.☕️

It's back to school time and teachers are preparing classrooms and lesson plans 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. That is half the battle!What does it take to encourage curiosity and how do we keep those young minds curious? This is what we unpack in this episode.Go to the episode page for all the links and shownotes.To sign up for Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators go HERELove this content? Leave a review and share it with 2 friends or colleagues.Thanks!☕️ 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.☕️

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 upack 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 change children's learning for the better.All the links and show notes can be found in the episode website.Sign up to Get Curious, the weekly dose of inspiration for educators who are keen to put the love back into teaching and learning. Sign up 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.☕️

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.For all the show notes and links go to the episode page.To subscribe to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators and parents who want to know more about keeping kids curious, happy and learning go 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.☕️

One of the speakers at the 2024 Inquiry Educators Summit 2024 was Trevor MacKenzie, teacher, Education Consultant, speaker and author.Trevor 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.In this episode I share some of the learning I took away from Trevor's session, and also some of the episodes and blog posts that reiterate Trevor's sentiments about inquiry in practise. For all the links and show notes, go to the episode page.To sign up to Get Curious the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators and parents go 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.☕️

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 the needs of our modern children.Get the links on the episode page.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go 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.☕️

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. Get all the links on the episode pageTo sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go 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.☕️

This episode follows on from the previous episode where we unpacked the key insights into classroom engagement by a recent study conducted by Lego Education.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 ensure that students transfer knowledge, is to better engage them.And the way to better engage students is firstly to make sure that what we are teaching them is relevant to their lives. And when learning is relevant, students are better positioned to take ownership for their learning.For all the links mentioned please go to the episode website.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go 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.☕️

It's term 4 and teachers and students are in the home stretch! We're ticking off the days until the Christmas holidays and students know that most of the learning is done.So how do we keep them 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, all while teaching them lifelong skills in the process.Edwina shares how the project she does with children meets the outcomes in English, Design and Technologies and Digital Technologies.For all the links mentioned please go to the episode website.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go 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.☕️

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 explore historical artefacts hands-on.For all the links mentioned please go to the episode website.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go 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.☕️

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.Visit the episode page HERE for all the links mentioned in the episode.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go 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.☕️

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 correlation between tech use, decreased academic performance and an increase in anxiety and mental wellbeing.I talk about the positive findings into spending time in nature and give you ten tips to help you reduce screen time and get outdoors these holidays.We all need a break from our fast paced lives and hopefully these recommendations will help you click that reset button and create new healthier habits that stay with you well past the holidays.For links, downloads and notes mentioned in the show go to  https://bloomingcurious.com/ten-tips-to-take-a-break-from-screens-and-get-outside/If you like the show please consider subscribing, and leave a review which will really benefit the show showing up for others. Thanks!To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators go 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.☕️

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, and give them the foundational skills they need to grow their curiosity.As parents and educators we must not fail our children when it comes to reading, because the science is clear. In this episode Edwina walks you through the step-by-step approach she takes to successfully teach children to read, which in turn has the power to nurture their curiosity and creativity.For all the links and free downloads go to the episode website.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☕️ 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.☕️

Exploring the 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. Get links to all the popular episodes and links mentioned in this episode on the website page.To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and puts the love back into teaching and learning, go 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.☕️

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 the ultimate bookshelf for educators as well as gifts for curious, smart, creative kids.Let this be your ultimate guide for this gift giving season.Go to the episode website for all the links mentioned in the episode.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☕️ 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.☕️

These days just about anyone who wants to get ahead and bring the best out of themselves has a coach.Why should teachers be any different?In today's episode Edwina explores why every teacher 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 episode website for all the links mentioned in the episode.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☕️ 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.☕️