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 please. So if they’re switched off, something deeper is going on.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why many children struggle with curiosity and focus more than ever before

✅ The difference between passive learning and active learning

✅ Why hands-on learning is the missing ingredient for engagement

✅ How to use a simple “hook” to instantly pull children into learning

✅ How to plan curiosity-led learning without overwhelm

✨ Want to learn how to do this consistently?

🔗 Sign up for the mini course Curiosity Without Chaos

✨ If you value curiosity, deep learning, and hands-on teaching, don’t forget to subscribe and follow for weekly inspiration.

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 Why Kids Seem Disengaged (and What You Can Do About It)

01:16 The Big Shift: Hands-On Learning Beats Passive Screens

02:31 Strategy #1: Ditch the Worksheet Default—Make Learning Memorable

04:45 Strategy #2: Use a Curiosity Hook to Pull Them In

06:06 Strategy #3: Keep It Simple—Engagement Without Extra Work

06:37 Curiosity Without Chaos: Mini Course + Resources & Next Steps

08:02 Wrap-Up: Stay Curious (Subscribe & See You Next Time)

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:

• A mistake I almost made on day one (and why it matters in early years)
• How a pile of acorns sparked curiosity and learning without any fancy resources
• The question a four-year-old asked that instantly became an inquiry
• How to spot “curiosity moments” and turn them into meaningful learning

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 consistently?

🔗 Sign up for the mini course Curiosity Without Chaos

✨ If you value curiosity, deep learning, and hands-on teaching, don’t forget to subscribe and follow for weekly inspiration.

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 First Week Back

00:41 Avoiding a Rookie Mistake

01:24 Joyful Moments with Acorns

04:01 Curiosity About the Moon

05:03 Encouraging Everyday Curiosity

06:07 Conclusion and Next Steps

06:58 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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 stress
• Why comparison is making teaching harder than it needs to be
• How to use picture books to plan integrated, cross-curricular lessons
• How to create deep learning experiences without worksheets
• How to assess learning through observation (and save time)
• Why slowing down leads to better learning and less burnout

If you’re a primary teacher, early childhood educator, or homeschool parent looking for a simpler, deeper way to plan lessons, this episode will help you rethink how you plan — and give you permission to go slower, deeper, and enjoy teaching again.

🔗 Get the Me on the Map lesson plan HERE.

🔗 Get the observation and record keeping template here: https://bloomingcurious.com/b/observation-and-record-keeping-template-for-educators

🔗 Read about the research into picture books here: https://bloomingcurious.com/blog/post/teaching-k-2-curriculum-with-picture-books

✨ If you value curiosity, deep learning, and hands-on teaching, don’t forget to subscribe and follow for weekly inspiration.

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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: Overcoming Overwhelm in Lesson Planning

00:39 The Comparison Trap and Finding a Mentor

03:48 Integrating Lessons with Picture Books

04:11 The Cognitive Benefits of Reading to Children

06:20 Strategic Use of Picture Books in Lesson Planning

08:18 Deep Learning Through Repetition and Hands-On Activities

13:27 Effective Assessment Beyond Worksheets

15:39 Recap and Final Thoughts

17:45 Introducing the 'Me on the Map' Lesson Plan

20:12 Conclusion and Upcoming Plans

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:

Sign up for Curiosity Without Chaos - a mini professional framework for educators

💻 Read the blog post HERE

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 Real Reason for Teacher Burnout

00:46 The Clarity Problem in Teaching

02:09 The Power of Curiosity in Learning

03:20 Introducing Curiosity Without Chaos

04:16 Conclusion and Next Steps

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 and meaningful experience both for you and your students.

🔗 Links:

Sign up for Curiosity Without Chaos - a mini professional framework for educators

💻 Read the blog post HERE

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 Struggle with Student Engagement

00:39 Traditional Teaching Methods: Why They Fall Short

02:42 The Real Issue: Lack of Curiosity

02:56 The Power of Curiosity in Learning

04:11 Introducing Curiosity Without Chaos

05:33 Invitation to Join the Waitlist

06:02 Conclusion: Embrace Curiosity

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

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 New Year, Same Challenges

01:00 The Reality of Planning

02:35 A Different Approach: Picture Books

03:21 Choosing the Right Books

04:27 Implementing Integrated Lessons

08:38 Steps to Get Started

10:02 Resources to Simplify Planning

10:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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 and reflection tool below

🔗 Links:

The Goal Setting Planner and Tracker for Educators

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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: Making Teaching Fun

00:23 The Importance of Enjoyment in Teaching

00:59 Reflecting on Past Experiences

02:28 James Clear's Wisdom on Habits

03:20 Implementing Small Daily Habits

03:43 Prime Your Environment for Success

04:19 The Power of Reflection and Goal Setting

06:21 Recap and Final Thoughts

07:25 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 why I believe the real solution to technology concerns isn't government bans—it's intentional parenting.

You'll learn:

· 24 specific activities to try with your kids (free PDF included)

· How to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities

· Why teaching independence matters more than fitting in

· Simple ways to rebuild communication and connection at home

Free downloads: 24 Activities That Instill Natural Curiosity in Kids + How to Instill Natural Curiosity in Children eGuide (links in show notes)

Perfect for parents and educators who want practical alternatives to screen time that actually work.

🔗 Links:

FREE e-guide: How to Nurture Natural Curiosity

24 Fun Activities That Instil Curiosity in Kids

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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: Holiday Dilemma

00:12 Government's New Law on Social Media

00:27 The Case Against Technology for Children

01:36 Parental Responsibility vs. Government Intervention

05:31 Creative Indoor Activities for Kids

06:20 24 Fun Activities to Instill Curiosity

06:53 Bonding and Communication Through Activities

07:46 Creative Ideas: Picnics and Forts

09:15 Discovery Walks and Natural Learning

11:01 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

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 to Nurture Natural Curiosity

Inquiry 101 - Unlock the joy of learning

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 Facing the End-of-Year Blues

00:39 The Power of Inquiry-Based Learning

01:38 Addressing Common Concerns About Inquiry

03:05 Practical Steps to Implement Inquiry

05:43 Resources to Get Started

07:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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 our limited 12-person group starting mid-January. Join the waiting list today to secure your spot!

🔗 Links:

Get on the Homeschool Jumpstart waiting list

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

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

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 Homeschooling Challenges

00:59 Introducing the Homeschool Jumpstart Program

01:27 Detailed Weekly Breakdown of the Program

02:32 Enrollment and Final Thoughts

03:48 Conclusion and Call to Action