Blooming Curious

Jessica Vance, inquiry educator, thought leader, consultant and author of Leading with a Lens of Inquiry, talks about the role of leadership in cultivating a culture of inquiry and the strategies and practices that promote curiosity and an inquiry mindset in students, teachers and leaders. Find all the show notes at www.edslessons.com/bloomingcurious To subscribe to Get Curious, my weekly newsletter sign up here. You can find and connect with Jessica at https://leadingwithinquiry.com/ Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QVTyUpJq5aZ62ZyoOwpCg Publications mentioned : Leading with a Lens of Inquiry By Jessica Vance Ron Ritchhart Project Zero Adam Grant Hidden Potential

Marcus Veerman is a playground designer, founder and CEO of a charity called Playground Ideas and designer and founder of the Nudel Kart, Nudel Pod and Nudel Rover, innovative open ended toys based on loose parts. These multilayered innovations allow children's creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and language skills not only to develop, but flourish. In this episode Marcus shares his amazing journey from providing children from impoverished backgrounds incredible opportunities for play and exploration to his latest development the Nudel Kart, which allows multifaceted skill development all neatly packaged in a highly sustainable loose part package making play, creativity, problem solving and language development easily accessible to children everywhere, and simultaneously meeting curriculum outcomes. Purchase Nudel products at https://nudel.shop/ Find out all about the Nudel Kart at https://www.nudelkart.com/ For more posts and articles about curiosity, learning and inquiry visit Ed's Lessons Did you enjoy this episode? Follow and subscribe to Blooming Curious and leave a review by going to the show page. Have a question? Send me an email at contact@edslessons.com

Today we welcome Dr Claire Warden, Nature Pedagogist, author, education consultant, entrepreneurial leader and founder of Auchlone, a multi award winning nature kindergarten in Scotland. We unpack what nature pedagogy is, and how educators can include it in their settings and teaching practice. We discuss the benefits of risk, and the importance of curiosity and fascination when it comes to sparking a love for learning in children. In addition Claire discusses the importance of observation and documentation when working with children and gives ideas on how to implement floor books for planning, guiding the line of inquiry, and documenting children's learning. To read how you can implement nature pedagogy in an urban environment go to https://edslessons.com/the-meaning-of-n…gogy-in-practice/ Website: www.edslessons.com If you would like to get in touch email me at contact@edslessons

So you're inspired to integrate inquiry-based learning into your existing lessons, but you 're struggling to know how to go about it. This episode will walk you through the process and give you some ideas of how you can integrate inquiry into your planning and everyday lessons. To make your life easier, download the planning sheet at https://resources.edslessons.com/integrating-inquiry-planning-sheet Get a detailed breakdown of how to start integrating inquiry into your existing lessons here Follow Jessica Vance at https://www.instagram.com/jess_vanceedu/ website: www.edslessons.com Subscribe to Get Blooming Curious at https://resources.edslessons.com/getbloomingcurious

According to the latest Australian news reports, Australian children are performing terribly and the real culprit is the fact that teachers are not teaching using an explicit instruction model. In today's episode I explore very subtly (can you guess what it is?) what the issue might be, and exactly what it is we're trying to achieve if we are not using a whole repertoire of strategies. To listen to the episode on the website go to edslessons.com/bloomingcurious Links mentioned in the episode: https://explicitinstruction.org/download/sample-chapter.pdf an excerpt by Anita L Archer and Charles A Hughes from the publication Explicit Instruction and Efficient Teaching https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1188027.pdf Teachers Taking up Explicit Instruction: The Impact of a Professional Development and Directive Instructional Coaching Model To get the free resource: go to https://resources.edslessons.com/how-to-encourage-natural-curiosity-in-children To sign up to Get Blooming Curious, my weekly newsletter for curious educators, sign up at https://resources.edslessons.com/getbloomingcurious or at www.edslessons.com Thanks for listening! If you like this episode, or indeed the whole show, please show your appreciation by following, sharing and leaving a review! 😎

You cannot expect children to be curious, if you yourself are not curious. In this episode Edwina gives you the tips and strategies you need to nurture your own curiosity so that you are better able to spot opportunities for nurturing it in the children you teach. Curiosity naturally leads to inquiry. Edwina demonstrates how the inquiry process is closely aligned to the strategies for nurturing your own curiosity and takes you through the step-by-step process for nurturing that natural curiosity in children and reawakening it in ourselves. Download your free e-Guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity in Children at https://resources.edslessons.com/how-to-encourage-natural-curiosity-in-children Explore posts and resources at https://www.edslessons.com Contact: contact@edslessons.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edslessons/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edslessonsblog

In this episode two educators respond to the question, "What is your favourite strategy for engaging children and keeping them curious?" Both Veronica Green and April Zajko who are educational consultants and experienced early childhood educators, respond to this question with passion. Their commitment to children's learning is clear and unwavering. Read the blog post and the transcript of this episode at https://edslessons.com/best-strategies-for-engaging-children-and-keeping-them-curious/ Links to the eGuide are also in https://edslessons.com/best-strategies-for-engaging-children-and-keeping-them-curious/ Veronica can be found at Cultivating Confidence and join her Facebook group is All Things Early Years April Zajko can be found at April's Teaching Tree or join her Facebook group the Nature Inspired Teacher or follow April's Teaching Tree If you would like to support Blooming Curious, and help it grow, then share it, follow, subscribe and write a review. This is really the only way this podcast can find it's way in front of more people.

Curiosity and Inquiry series: It's sad but true that curiosity is on the decline, not just among children, but among adults too. If we are to raise and educate children to be the problem solvers and innovators of tomorrow, then we simply must maintain and nurture our own curiosity, in order to be able to nurture it in the children we teach. In this episode I explore some of the reasons for this decline in our curiosity and what we can do to keep nurturing our own curiosity. For all the details and transcript go to https://edslessons.com/how-educators-ca…ir-own-curiosity/ Research mentioned in the episode: https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity Website: www.edslessons.com Link for resources: https://edslessons.com/resources/ Sign up for one on one coaching: https://resources.edslessons.com/inquiry-101-coaching

Curiosity and Inquiry series: In this episode we take learning outdoors and learn from Victoria Hackett creator of Outdoor Classrooms and The Secret Gardens Outdoor Classroom, how we educators and parents can incorporate the curriculum and learning, by creating inspirational outdoor learning environments that bring joy to learning. Victoria takes educators and parents on journey of discovery as she introduces us to the four types of gardens we can include in our outdoor spaces as well as the five phases of successfully teaching outdoors. If you are considering your outdoor teaching area, or even your backyard, to create a space where children are inspired to learn, create and investigate, then this is the episode you will want to listen to. Victoria Hackett can be found at Website: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/ Podcast: https://www.outdoor-classrooms.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor_classrooms/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorClassrooms1 For all the show notes , transcript and the blog post, go to https://edslessons.com/outdoor-learning…back-to-learning/

Curiosity and Inquiry series: In early childhood that drive to explore, question, and play is curiosity! Curiosity forms the cornerstone of all learning and discovery. And that initial interest and curiosity, naturally leads to inquiry. It’s a perfectly natural transition. If curiosity is so innate in all of us, why are we losing it? In this episode I explore some of the reasons for the decline in children's curiosity and offer 9 strategies to nurture curiosity so that that spark that we are all born with is not extinguished. For all the links in this episode go to https://edslessons.com/curiosity-is-declining-in-the-classroom-what-to-do-about-it/ Links: https://edslessons.com/how-to-create-an-inspiring-indoor-learning-environment/ https://edslessons.com/setting-up-an-outdoor-learning-environment-for-children/ https://edslessons.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-nurturing-curiosity-in-kids/

Getting Started series: Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that holds profound implications for children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. In today's episode I delve into the impact of play on children's development and explore some of the research that underscores the immense benefits of play in shaping children's lives and question the lack of play in education despite everything we know about its benefits. Find all the links and the transcript of the episode at https://edslessons.com/the-importance-o…-and-development/

Getting Started series: In today's episode we explore how educators can encourage children to observe the world around them. Observation is the key that sparks curiosity! We talk about how we go about developing observation skills and the strategies that we can employ to get kids curious. Things like modelling, questioning, how to look for answers and even a bit of soul searching to ensure that we are setting a good example of what a curious person looks like. For all the details including links mentioned in the episode go to https://edslessons.com/how-to-develop-keen-observational-skills-in-kids/

Getting Started Series: Observation provides teachers and educators with powerful data and insights to inform their teaching, and make decisions about what's best for their learners. In this episode I explore different types of observations and provide some strategies to assist classroom and home educators to collect observations easily. For all the details, links and downloads go to https://edslessons.com/the-power-of-observation-a-guide-for-teachers/ Are you enjoying listening to Blooming Curious? If so, please consider subscribing and sharing, and leaving a review, this is the only way this show can grow and benefit more educators and children. Thank you for being here!

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. For all the links and the full transcript of the interview go to https://edslessons.com/exploring-the-be…loose-parts-play/ Does this content resonate with you? If so, please consider subscribing and sharing, and leaving a review, this is the only way this show can grow and benefit more educators and children. Thank you!

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, links and downloads go to https://edslessons.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.

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 go to https://edslessons.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.

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://edslessons.com/scheduling-for-inquiry-based-learning/ If you like the show please consider subscribing and sharing it with others. Thanks!

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://edslessons.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.

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! Find all the links and downloads here https://edslessons.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.

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://edslessons.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.