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/ 
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☕️ 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.☕️

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: In this the third episode of the Getting Started in teaching series, we explore timetables and scheduling in the early childhood classroom, including how to integrate inquiry-based learning into our daily teaching schedules, and the benefits of visual timetables.

As educators, we need to find the time to include all teaching areas into our already overcrowded weekly schedules. In this episode we explore how to schedule non-negotiables, and integrate inquiry, so that we can meet multiple curriculum outcomes making learning more relevant for students, and simultaneously meeting curriculum demands.

For all the links and downloads mentioned in this episode go to https://bloomingcurious.com/scheduling-for-inquiry-based-learning/

Does anything in this episode resonate with you? Then please consider subscribing and sharing it with a friend or colleague. Thanks!

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.☕️

Getting Started Series: In this episode, we dive into the art of lesson planning by exploring the innovative strategy of integrating various subject areas within the curriculum. Join me as I unravel the intricacies of seamlessly blending multiple subjects to create comprehensive and engaging learning experiences for students.

Discover the immense benefits of integrating different curriculum areas and how this approach not only enhances learning but also effectively meets the outcomes across various disciplines. I explore how we educators can harness the potential of cross-curricular integration to foster a holistic understanding and application of knowledge.

Moreover, we delve into the integration of inquiry-based learning within this framework, highlighting its pivotal role in engaging students and encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity. Uncover how an inquiry-driven approach complements integrated teaching, empowering students to explore connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the material.

 Learn how to effectively structure lessons that seamlessly weave together different subjects while incorporating inquiry-based methodologies.

Whether you're a seasoned educator seeking to refine your teaching methods or new to teaching and eager to explore innovative approaches, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to harness the power of integrated curriculum and inquiry-based learning, ultimately fostering a richer educational experience for your students.

For all the details and links mentioned in the episode go to https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-plan-inte…ing-a-curriculum/

If you like the show please subscribe and leave 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.☕️

Getting Started series: In this episode I unravel the significance of understanding your teaching beliefs. I know that starting out can feel like stepping into a maze, but fear not! I'm here to guide you through the wonderful world of educational philosophies in a clear and engaging way.

In this episode, I'll talk about something super important: your teaching compass, or as some call it, your educational philosophy. We'll chat about how understanding what you believe about how kids learn can make a huge difference in how you teach.

We'll break down Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner Waldorf and a few other educational theorists in simple terms, and show you how these ideas about teaching can help shape your own approach. Think of it as choosing your own adventure in teaching!

Whether you're just starting your teaching career or diving into homeschooling for the first time, this episode is like a treasure chest filled with ideas to help you find your unique teaching style. By the end, you'll feel inspired and confident to explore and express your own teaching philosophy, making your educational journey a whole lot more enjoyable!

For all the links and downloads go to the blog post at https://bloomingcurious.com/reggio-emilia-steiner-or-montessori-which-approach-is-best/

If you like the show please subscribe and leave 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.☕️

So as we come to the close of 2023, I encourage you to start pondering how you as an educator truly impacted the lives of children in your care. 
 And what about you? Did you grow? Are you just going do the same things next year as you did this past year? Or are you going to challenge yourself this coming year to try something a little different, to take a bit of risk, to have a go and get a little uncomfortable?

We cannot grow or learn without some discomfort. We all know how challenging learning something new can be, but also how rewarding it is.

And so for next year I invite you to join me in embracing a new challenge. Let’s not be so hung up about sticking to curriculum programs, but let’s focus on the strategy like inquiry, that really excites children and gives them ownership over their learning. Inquiry is such an exciting way for kids to learn. Let’s focus on bringing joy to our student’s lives and to our own. Let’s embrace strategies that give us a break and make teaching and the facilitation of learning fun for us too.

The challenge for the rest of the holidays is for you and me just to ponder and wonder and think about how we want to make a difference in the lives of the kids we teach? How do we want to impact their learning and curiosity? And how do we also want to make a difference in our own lives as educators.

For all the details and links mentioned in the show go to https://bloomingcurious.com/top-inspirational-resources-for-early-childhood-teachers/

If you find value in the show,  then please subscribe and leave a review which will really help others find the show too.

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.☕️

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.☕️

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.☕️

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.☕️