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The Cognitive Woods — Season 2, Episode 2

Name: Giving Form to Wonder

Curiosity begins as a spark—but it becomes powerful when it’s named.

In this episode of The Cognitive Woods: Season 2 – The Lantern’s Trail, we explore the second step of the Attention Literacy Framework: Name. This is the moment when vague curiosity transforms into a real, shareable question—one that shapes attention, invites others in, and gives learning a place to begin.

Drawing on research from visible learning, habits of mind, and cognitive load theory, this episode examines why naming questions out loud—or in writing—is one of the most overlooked yet impactful moves in learning, leadership, and everyday life. We explore how giving language to wonder makes thinking visible, strengthens memory, and deepens engagement across classrooms, teams, and families.

Through forest metaphors, familiar moments from daily life, and some of history’s most enduring questions, this episode invites you to slow down and practice shaping curiosity with intention—turning silent hunches into trail markers that others can see and follow.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• Why naming questions changes how deeply we engage and remember
• How language gives structure to curiosity without shutting it down
• What research says about visible thinking and attention
• Simple habits for practicing “naming wonder” in real life
• How shared questions build connection and collective learning

This episode is for:

Educators designing inquiry-rich learning spaces

Leaders guiding conversations through complexity

Parents supporting curiosity without pressure

Anyone who wants to think more clearly by giving language to what they wonder

🎧 Listen to the new season on Buzzsprout

📺 Watch the video episodes on YouTube

🌱 Explore the Attention Literacy Framework and Alder Branch resources at alderbranch.org

Name what you want to know—and watch where the trail begins.

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