Blooming Curious

Edwina Cottino
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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. What Classical Education and Charlotte Mason Got Right That We've Forgotten

    1D AGO

    What Classical Education and Charlotte Mason Got Right That We've Forgotten

    In this episode, I'm looking at two of the oldest — and most overlooked — educational philosophies out there: Classical education and the Charlotte Mason method. I work in a Classical school, and the more I learn about it, the more I realise that the oldest approach to education and the most progressive share exactly the same starting point: wonder. We're talking about who Charlotte Mason actually was, why homeschoolers love her, why mainstream education almost never mentions her, and what her ideas about living books, narration, and nature-based learning can do for your child right now — whether you homeschool, teach in a classroom, or just want to raise a child who genuinely loves to learn. If you've been feeling like something is missing from your child's education, this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn: Who Charlotte Mason was and why her 19th-century ideas are more relevant than everThe core principles of Classical education for early learners (K–2)Why Classical education and Charlotte Mason are far more aligned than most people realiseWhat "living books" are — and why they work where textbooks don'tHow narration builds deeper understanding than any test ever couldWhy mainstream education never talks about Charlotte Mason (and why that's a real loss)How a single high-quality picture book can teach English, maths and scienceHow going on a nature walk with a child is one of the most powerful classrooms in the world 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide HERE 🆓 Download the FREE lesson plan for I Went Walking 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 Wonder Over Worksheets 00:51 Who Was Charlotte Mason 01:52 Why Schools Ignore Her 02:55 Classical Education Explained 04:06 Inquiry Is Ancient 05:37 Living Books In Action 06:58 Narration And Retrieval 08:23 Bring It Home Today 08:57 Free Lesson Plan Offer 10:10 Go For A Wonder Walk 10:42 Final Encouragement

    11 min
  2. I'm Worried About Losing Control — Can Inquiry Learning Really Work in a Real Classroom?

    MAR 30

    I'm Worried About Losing Control — Can Inquiry Learning Really Work in a Real Classroom?

    The number one concern teachers have about inquiry learning isn't time, or curriculum pressure — it's control. In this episode, we talk honestly about why that fear makes complete sense, what "losing control" actually looks like in practice (versus what we imagine), and the four simple structures that make inquiry learning manageable in any early years setting. Whether you're brand new to this or you've tried it and it didn't quite land, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do differently. In This Episode: · Why the fear of chaos is completely valid — and what's really behind it · The crucial difference between productive noise and actual chaos · A real classroom example: floating and sinking, two ways · The four structures that keep inquiry learning contained and purposeful · Why starting with just five minutes is enough · How to use Wonder Time, Think-Pair-Share, and simple thinking frameworks in K–2 🔗 Teaching tools and graphic organisers HERE 🔗 Complete picture book lesson plans with inquiry component seamlessly included HERE 🔗 Inquiry Learning resources HERE 🎧 Listen to this episode on how to transform wonder questions 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity with 10 plug and play curiosity starters 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 Fear of Losing Control 01:21 Chaos vs Structure 02:52 Productive Inquiry Example 03:57 Four Structures Overview 04:22 Clear Entry Point 04:56 Roles and Norms 05:42 Thinking Frameworks 06:33 Strong Lesson Close 07:21 Start Small With Inquiry 08:48 Resources and Wrap Up

    11 min
  3. What Learning Looks Like When Curiosity Leads

    MAR 27

    What Learning Looks Like When Curiosity Leads

    What does learning actually look like when children are genuinely curious? In this episode, I share real classroom stories — from gifted learners who'd switched off, to children who'd come to see school as a place of failure — and explore what changed when curiosity was given space to lead. We also look at what the research says about interest development in the early years, and why the brain is uniquely receptive to curiosity-driven learning right now. In This Episode: The classroom moment that shows what curiosity-led learning really looks like in practiceWhat a 2023 study on interest development in early childhood tells us about authentic engagementThe story of a gifted learner who rediscovered his love of school through self-directed projectsHow a child who struggled found confidence and took risks when given something she truly cared aboutWhat changes for literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing when children are genuinely interestedSimple starting points — for teachers and parents alikeResearch Mentioned: Van Aswegen, E.C. et al. (2023). The impact of interest: an emergent model of interest development in the early years. Early Child Development and Care. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2023.2245575 Mentioned in This Episode / Related Blog post: https://bloomingcurious.com/blog/post/step-by-step-integrated-inquiry-teaching-guide 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity with 10 plug and play curiosity starters 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 Curiosity Led Classroom 00:58 Morning Learning Snapshot 01:54 Research Behind Curiosity 04:01 Why Curiosity Fades 04:48 Project Time For Gifted 06:52 Project Time Builds Confidence 08:42 How To Start Inquiry 09:07 What Changes In Learning 11:25 Try It At School And Home 11:59 Free Guide And Farewell

    13 min
  4. Why children stop asking questions — and what we're doing that causes it.

    MAR 16

    Why children stop asking questions — and what we're doing that causes it.

    Children’s curiosity and fascination with the world is declining. Children are asking fewer questions. This loss of curiosity can be due to depleted dopamine, as referenced in NIH-where they identified contributors such as excessive screen time, sleep deprivation, poor high-fat/high-sugar diet, low sunlight exposure, and rare genetic disorders. Research suggests low dopamine manifests as impulsivity, inattention, fatigue, poor mood regulation, and stimulation-seeking. Edwina argues solutions include removing screens in early childhood, increasing outdoor free play and boredom, raising curricular challenge and expectations (with praise for device-free classical education), and moving away from compliance-based worksheets toward narration and recitation to check for understanding and build mastery. References: Children's Health in the Digital Age How Curiosity Enhances Hippocampus-Dependent Memory: The Prediction, Appraisal, Curiosity, and Exploration (PACE) Framework Get the free e-guide with 10 plug-and-play curiosity starters. 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity 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 Curiosity Is Declining 00:40 Dopamine And Curiosity 02:24 Symptoms We See Today 03:35 Curiosity Needs Effort 05:17 Cut Screens Early 06:47 Get Kids Outside 07:21 Bring Back Challenge 10:07 Beyond Worksheets 10:45 Recitation And Narration 12:10 Free Guide And Farewell

    14 min
  5. Is Curiosity the Secret Weapon Your Students Need to Survive the AI Age?

    MAR 10

    Is Curiosity the Secret Weapon Your Students Need to Survive the AI Age?

    RE-RUN of a popular episode: You became a teacher to light a fire in kids — not to tick boxes. But somewhere along the way, the curriculum took over, the kids started zoning out, and you're left wondering if there's a better way. Spoiler: there is. In this episode we talk about why curiosity isn't just a lovely classroom add-on anymore — in a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse faster than any of us, it may be the most important skill we can nurture in our students. We cover: What educators are really struggling with right now (you are not alone)Why kids who only know how to memorise and recall are already being left behindThe human skills AI can't replicate — and how to start building themHow to bring curiosity into your classroom without overhauling everything you doPlus grab the free Curiosity Bundle — 10 plug-and-play curiosity starters, a short e-guide, and a ready-to-go integrated lesson plan. Download both below: 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE 🆓 Download your FREE lesson plan 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 The Struggles of Modern Teaching 00:19 Survey Results: Teachers' Frustrations 01:23 The Turning Point in Education 02:00 The Importance of Curiosity in the Age of AI 03:35 Introducing the Curiosity Bundle 04:23 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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

    MAR 3

    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. 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)🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity 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 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
  7. 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. 🔗 Sign up for the mini course Curiosity Without Chaos 🔗 Read the blog post HERE 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity 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
  8. 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 🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity 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 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
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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
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Blooming Curious
  • Show Website
    Blooming Curious