Blooming Curious

By Edwina Cottino

Weekly inspiration for homeschool parents ( and curious early childhood teachers) who want to raise curious, confident learners. Blooming Curious helps you create natural, engaging learning experie

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FAQs about Blooming Curious:

How many episodes does Blooming Curious have?

The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.

Blooming Curious episodes:

November 24, 2025 91 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 Curriculum Outcomes with Textile Craft Projects
✍️ 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 Welcome to Blooming Curious
00:23 Balancing Holiday Chaos with Learning
01:07 The Magic of Handicrafts
02:18 Handicrafts in the Charlotte Mason Tradition
03:18 Practical Handicraft Ideas for Kids
06:48 Handicrafts and Curriculum Integration
09:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
...more
11min
November 17, 2025 90: 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: [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 Creating Comfortable Rituals
04:29 Reading Aloud: A Daily Ritual
04:46 Building Anticipation and Connection Through Reading
...more
9min
November 11, 2025 89: How to foster Independence and Responsibility in Young Learners at Home
In this episode, Edwina unpacks the importance of fostering independence, responsibility, and self-direction in young learners at home. Through real-life examples and personal experiences, we explore how planning, organisation, and specific strategies can help children become more self-reliant and capable. Learn about establishing routines, teaching decision-making skills, and creating systems that empower children to manage tasks on their own. Discover practical tips to build a strong foundation of independence and resilience in young children, preparing them for future success.
00:00 Introduction: The Chaos of Parenting
01:23 The Importance of Independence
02:18 Personal Stories of Fostering Independence
06:20 Practical Tips for Organizing and Routine
16:37 Teaching Self-Direction and Problem Solving
20:46 Conclusion and Support Resources
Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE
💌Connect with Edwina:
Email: [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.☕️
...more
23min
November 03, 2025 88: How to Model Curiosity in your Homeschool (And Why it Matters)
Discover the power of embracing 'I Don't Know' to foster curiosity and learning in children. This episode explores how admitting when you don't have all the answers can transform the way kids approach learning, encouraging them to take risks and ask questions. Learn practical strategies to model curiosity, make learning an adventure, and nurture natural curiosity in children. Plus, download a free guide with resources to spark wonder and cross-curricular learning experiences. Join us in changing the dynamic from parent-as-expert to co-learner, and help your children become confident knowledge creators.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of 'I Wonder'
00:35 Embracing Failure in Learning
00:53 Modeling Curiosity and Honesty
02:11 Transforming Learning Dynamics
03:37 Practical Tips for Homeschooling
04:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Download your free eguide mentioned in the episode HERE.
Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE
💌Connect with Edwina:
Email: [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.☕️
...more
6min
October 27, 2025 87: 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: [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 Boredom Dilemma
00:17 The Value of Boredom
00:40 The Shift in Childhood Activities
01:09 The Importance of Unstructured Time
02:21 Personal Anecdote: Creative Play
03:28 Practical Strategies for Parents
04:34 The Role of Parents in Fostering Creativity
04:58 Conclusion and Call to Action
...more
7min
October 20, 2025 86: When a Child Says 'This is Boring': What They're Really Telling You
In this episode, Edwina looks at the common issue of children complaining that they're bored, or that what they're doing is boring! She explores the underlying reasons behind this behaviour, categorised into four types: tasks that are too easy, tasks that are too hard, lack of personal relevance, and passive learning experiences. Through evidence-based research and practical strategies, Edwina provides insights on how to diagnose and effectively respond to each type of boredom. Additionally, she discusses the importance of fostering communication skills in children to articulate their needs and the potential benefits of unstructured, free time.
Join Edwina to learn actionable strategies to transform 'I'm bored' into opportunities for meaningful engagement and growth.
Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators HERE
☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.
💌 Connect with Edwina:
Email: [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
00:00 Introduction: Tackling the Dreaded 'I'm Bored'
01:00 Understanding the Real Reasons Behind Boredom
01:20 Types of Boredom: Too Easy, Too Hard, and More
04:48 Diagnosing Boredom: Key Questions to Ask
07:36 Effective Responses to Different Types of Boredom
10:36 Teaching Better Communication and Embracing Productive Boredom
13:00 Conclusion: Recap and Final Thoughts
13:53 Stay Connected: Subscribe for More Tips
...more
16min
October 13, 2025 85: How Questions Encourage Critical Thinking in Children
Not all questions are created equal. In this episode we discuss how open-ended questions stimulate critical thinking and curiosity. We explore strategies to move away from giving direct answers and instead, encourage exploration and inquiry. The episode emphasises the significance of waiting for children to formulate their responses and using concrete materials to help them understand concepts. Additionally, it highlights the importance of raising a generation of critical thinkers who are not afraid to ask questions and investigate biases.
Get your free downloadable PDF with open-ended question prompts HERE
00:00 The Power of Questions in Engaging Children
00:36 The Purpose of Questions: Inviting Thinking
01:05 Encouraging Curiosity: Moving Away from Closed Questions
01:46 Building on Children's Interests: Exploration and Inquiry
02:43 The Role of Wait Time in Questioning
03:23 Handling Incorrect Answers: Encouraging Concrete Understanding
04:21 Raising Critical Thinkers: The Importance of Questions
05:13 Resources for Encouraging Curiosity
05:33 Conclusion and Call to Action
Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious educators HERE
💌 Connect with Edwina:
Email: [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.☕️
...more
7min
September 08, 2025 84: Back to School Set Up for Nurturing Curiosity
This is a replay of episode 40 - Should educators be decorating their classrooms or learning spaces? Before you start stressing over classroom decor and spending your own hard earned cash, or worrying about what to do to start off your homeschooling journey, have a listen to top tips that will help you kick off the new year with confidence.You don't need more resources or more stuff, you need some simple things to help you get started and give children the agency they need to feel like confident learners.
In this episode I ask whether it's really necessary to decorate classrooms, and what are the alternatives?
Listen to previous episodes that focus on getting set up and organised for a new teaching year focusing most importantly on the strategies to get students engaged.
Episode 41 discusses making curiosity a priority.
Episode 12 explores enhancing outdoor learning environments.
Episode 39 covers overall classroom organisation.
Practical advice includes using calming, natural colours, setting up functional learning areas, and incorporating manipulatives for hands-on learning.
Episode 57 Essential Planning Tips for Back to School
Get you Inspiring Space Checklist HERE
Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE
💌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.☕️
...more
15min
July 21, 2025 83: Transforming Learning with Inquiry and Learning Walls: A Conversation with Jessica Vance
In this episode of Blooming Curious, we welcome back Jessica Vance, passionate inquiry educator and author, to discuss her latest book, 'Evidence of Inquiry.' The book offers a hands-on guide to making learning visible and building a culture of inquiry through learning walls. Jessica shares her journey and thought process behind writing the book, offers practical advice on creating and using learning walls, and highlights the benefits of these tools in fostering student engagement and assessment. The conversation also covers the differences between learning walls and wonder walls, and how both can be effectively utilised in various educational settings. Jessica emphasises the importance of empowering educators to adopt inquiry-based practices and provides real examples and resources to get started. This episode is a valuable resource for educators looking to deepen their understanding of inquiry-based learning and innovative assessment methods.
🔗 Visit Jessica's website HERE
Online collaborative whiteboards: Figjam, MIRO and Padlet
Mentions: Trevor MacKenzie
.✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE
💌 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 appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️
00:00 Welcome Back, Jessica Vance!
00:48 The Journey of Writing 'Evidence of Inquiry'
01:09 Learning Walls vs. Wonder Walls
01:41 Building and Utilizing Learning Walls
05:20 Practical Tips for Educators
11:31 Modelling and Explicit Teaching
15:44 Starting with Learning Walls
20:43 Assessment and Documentation
29:44 Virtual Learning Walls32:23 Inspiring Stories and Final Thoughts
...more
41min
July 07, 2025 82: Three Simple Strategies to Integrate Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
In this episode, discover how to seamlessly weave literacy into every subject without adding more prep time. Learn three practical strategies: using picture books to create cross-curricular connections, implementing a vocabulary spiral to reinforce key terms, and leveraging the reading-writing connection in subjects like math, science, and social studies.
Get actionable tips for starting small and find resources for ready-to-use picture book lesson plans designed to enhance your teaching. Perfect for educators looking to boost literacy while managing a busy curriculum.
🔗 For links mentioned:
Q Pootle 5
The Curious Garden
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Resources
.✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE
💌 Connect with Edwina:
Email: [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 appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️
00:00 Introduction: The Curriculum Tetris Dilemma
01:19 Strategy 1: The Picture Book Bridge
03:31 Strategy 2: The Vocabulary Spiral
04:50 Strategy 3: The Reading-Writing Connection
05:55 Implementation Tips and Resources
07:30 Conclusion: Stay Blooming Curious
...more
9min

FAQs about Blooming Curious:

How many episodes does Blooming Curious have?

The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.