Blooming Curious

Edwina Cottino
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Blooming Curious is for K-2 teachers and homeschool parents who want children to genuinely love learning. Hosted by early childhood educator Edwina Cottino, each episode shares practical, ready-to-use strategies built around curiosity, hands-on activities, nature-based learning, and the magic of picture books — because that's what actually works with young children. You'll find ideas for curiosity-driven lessons, early literacy, oral language development, and simple ways to bring inquiry and play into everyday learning — at school or at home. If you believe the early years matter, and that learning should be joyful and meaningful, you're in the right place. Subscribe for weekly ideas that keep children curious, focused, and excited to learn. Let's be blooming Curious. Visit www.bloomingcurious.com for stress-free resources and strategies that put the love into learning. Subscribe to Get Curious for a weekly dose of inspiration and strategies to keep you and the children you teach curious!

  1. Why Your Child's Brain Needs Beauty to Develop Well

    4D AGO

    Why Your Child's Brain Needs Beauty to Develop Well

    Are bright colours and fast-paced screens harming your child's development? In this episode, we take a close look at what the research says about children's media, classroom colour, and why beauty matters more than we think. There's a reason the old Disney films, the gentle pace of Heidi and Little House on the Prairie, and those exquisite hand-illustrated picture books felt so different from what children are watching today. Studies show that just nine minutes of fast-paced cartoons can measurably impair a four-year-old's ability to focus, self-regulate, and solve problems. And it's not only screens — research on classroom environments finds that heavily decorated spaces with competing bright colours actually lower children's academic performance and increase disruptive behaviour. We've somehow convinced ourselves that louder, brighter, and faster is better for children. This episode will push back hard on that. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or both — this one will make you look at your child's environment differently. 🔗 Links and research mentioned: The Substack article that sparked this conversation: The Colours of Childhood: Bauhaus, Crayola and the History of the Ugly PrimaryBlogpost and FREE download - How to Create An Inspiring Indoor Learning EnvironmentLillard & Peterson (2011), published in Pediatrics — fast-paced TV and executive function in 4-year-oldsFisher et al. (2014) — classroom decoration and children's academic performancePMC study on colourful play surfaces and preschooler disruption (Ksantini-Hovev & Sebba)✨ 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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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 From Bambi to Bright Noise 00:52 Why Beauty Matters 01:11 When Childhood Looked Softer 01:57 How We Got Garish 03:18 Fast Screens and Focus 04:25 Cocomelon vs Calm Stories 05:21 Color Overload in Classrooms 06:56 Muted Tones and Calm Minds 07:18 Beauty as a Necessity 08:40 Create Calmer Spaces 09:13 Subscribe and Farewell

    11 min
  2. Why Your Students Won’t Focus (And What Actually Fixes It)

    FEB 23

    Why Your Students Won’t Focus (And What Actually Fixes It)

    Are your students refusing to start? Struggling to focus? Disinterested in learning? In this episode, we explore a powerful but often overlooked truth: lack of focus is often a lack of curiosity. Instead of choosing between structure (classical education) and engagement (inquiry learning), what if the real solution is combining both? In today’s conversation, I break down: Why children disengage in the first placeHow Classical education and Inquiry-based learning actually complement each otherHow to spark curiosity without creating chaosPractical strategies for K–2 teachers to increase focus and participationIf you're tired of behaviour charts, constant reminders, or children refusing to do the work — this episode will give you a calmer, more effective way forward. In This Episode We Discuss: The real reason children struggle to focusWhy compliance doesn’t equal engagementThe strengths of classical educationThe strengths of inquiry learningHow curiosity improves cognitive focus6 practical steps to implement structured curiosity in K–2How to design lessons that children actually care about 🔗 Sign up for the mini course Curiosity Without Chaos 🔗 Read the blog post HERE ✨ 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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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 Disengage: It’s Not Laziness, It’s Lost Curiosity 02:05 Traditional vs Classical vs Inquiry: What’s Missing When We Separate Them 02:51 The Sweet Spot: Combining Classical Structure + Inquiry to Ignite Focus 04:12 6 Steps to Spark Curiosity (1–2): Rich Content & Ask Before You Tell 05:03 6 Steps (3–4): Teach Explicitly After the Spark + Keep Tasks Purposeful 06:06 6 Steps (5–6): Protect Cognitive Load & Build Focus with Narration 07:12 Wrap-Up + ‘Curiosity Without Chaos’ Framework & Final Thanks

    9 min
  3. Why Kids Are Losing Curiosity (And What Teachers Can Do About It)

    FEB 16

    Why Kids Are Losing Curiosity (And What Teachers Can Do About It)

    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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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)

    9 min
  4. I Almost Ruined Kindergarten on Day One… Here’s What Saved Me

    FEB 9

    I Almost Ruined Kindergarten on Day One… Here’s What Saved Me

    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 resourcesThe question a four-year-old asked that instantly became an inquiryHow to spot “curiosity moments” and turn them into meaningful learningIf 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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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

    8 min
  5. How to Plan Rich Learning Experiences Without Curriculum Overwhelm

    JAN 26

    How to Plan Rich Learning Experiences Without Curriculum Overwhelm

    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 stressWhy comparison is making teaching harder than it needs to beHow to use picture books to plan integrated, cross-curricular lessonsHow to create deep learning experiences without worksheetsHow to assess learning through observation (and save time)Why slowing down leads to better learning and less burnoutIf 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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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

    22 min
  6. Why More Teaching Resources Won’t Fix Teacher Overwhelm (and What Actually Will)

    JAN 19

    Why More Teaching Resources Won’t Fix Teacher Overwhelm (and What Actually Will)

    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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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

    7 min
  7. Why Curiosity Matters More Than Curriculum in Today’s Classrooms

    JAN 12

    Why Curiosity Matters More Than Curriculum in Today’s Classrooms

    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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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

    7 min
  8. January Lesson Planning for Teachers: Using Picture Books to Prevent Burnout

    JAN 6

    January Lesson Planning for Teachers: Using Picture Books to Prevent Burnout

    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: contact@bloomingcurious.com 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

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Blooming Curious is for K-2 teachers and homeschool parents who want children to genuinely love learning. Hosted by early childhood educator Edwina Cottino, each episode shares practical, ready-to-use strategies built around curiosity, hands-on activities, nature-based learning, and the magic of picture books — because that's what actually works with young children. You'll find ideas for curiosity-driven lessons, early literacy, oral language development, and simple ways to bring inquiry and play into everyday learning — at school or at home. If you believe the early years matter, and that learning should be joyful and meaningful, you're in the right place. Subscribe for weekly ideas that keep children curious, focused, and excited to learn. Let's be blooming Curious. Visit www.bloomingcurious.com for stress-free resources and strategies that put the love into learning. Subscribe to Get Curious for a weekly dose of inspiration and strategies to keep you and the children you teach curious!

Information

  • Creator
    Edwina Cottino
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Blooming Curious
  • Show Website
    Blooming Curious