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  • How do we better engage our students?What leads to better engagement in classrooms?In today's episode Edwina unpacks the 4 key findings that Lego Education found in their study of over 6000 administrators, teachers, parents and students into classroom engagement. Student engagement has far reaching effects beyond the classroom, including teacher retention. This report from Lego Education brings home the importance of focusing on those teaching strategies that deliver the highest student engagement. Get all the links on the episode pageTo sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go here.☕️ You can help me to keep going with the podcast by buying me a coffee

  • At the free event The Inquiry Educator's Summit Kath Murdoch spoke about the qualities of inquiry educators. How educators shouldn't just accept things as they are but be open to question, change, and make adjustments to better meet the learning needs of our students.In this episode I unpack my own take aways from the episode, the most profound being, "Don't be seduced into the shallow waters." This is what I unpack in this episode and also offer my own help to educators  that just want to take that leap and begin integrating inquiry so that they better meet the needs of our modern children.Get the links on the episode page.To sign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter with actionable strategies for keeping children and adults curious, go here.☕️ You can help me to keep going with the podcast by buying me a coffee

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  • One of the speakers at the 2024 Inquiry Educators Summit 2024 was Trevor MacKenzie, teacher, Education Consultant, speaker and author.Trevor focused on how we as educators plan for curiosity. How we get children to ask questions and how we use our students' questions as formative evidence to plan the next steps in our students' learning.It all starts with knowing our curriculum and then using our provocations to ignite curiosity and questions from students.Trevor gave some examples of actionable questioning routines and how we use them to stay true to our values as inquiry educators.In this episode I share some of the learning I took away from Trevor's session, and also some of the episodes and blog posts that reiterate Trevor's sentiments about inquiry in practise. For all the links and show notes, go to the episode page.☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • If you've ever had an opinion or just wondered about inquiry based learning then this is the episode for you.In this episode, Edwina debunks the comments and misconceptions made by educators about inquiry-based learning on line.Edwina cuts through all the misconceptions and offers practical, honest and straight forward facts around inquiry based learning.If you found this episode interesting or just thought provoking, then please click the forward button and send it to a few friends.For all the show notes and links go to the episode page.To subscribe to Get Curious the weekly inspirational newsletter for curious educators and parents who want to know more about keeping kids curious, happy and learning sign up here.☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • Victoria Crossan is a wealth of practical knowledge when it comes to using inquiry as a teaching strategy to nurture children's curiosity.In this episode we upack how inquiry benefits children's learning, the difference between an invitation and a provocation and how to use what you have to set up provocations.Victoria walks us through how to use provocations to spark children's interests and gives useful advice to educators who are new to inquiry, and are ready to have a go.Victoria's passion is palpable! Let this be the episode that makes you want to have a go and change children's learning for the better.All the links and show notes can be found in the episode website.Sign up to Get Curious, the weekly dose of inspiration for educators who are keen to put the love back into teaching and learning. Sign up here.☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • It's back to school time and teachers are preparing classrooms and lesson plans in anticipation for that first day and all the days that follow.Of course, ensuring that the learning space is welcoming and sparks curiosity and interest is at the forefront of every teacher's mind, but the greatest  challenge for any teacher is how to get kids to be interested in learning, to spark their curiosity and encourage a love for learning. That is half the battle!What does it take to encourage curiosity and how do we keep those young minds curious? This is what we unpack in this episode.Go to the episode page for all the links and shownotes.Love this content? Leave a review and share it with 2 friends or colleagues.Thanks!☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • It's back to school time, and with that comes classroom set up. We teachers love decorating our classrooms, and of course we want our rooms to be attractive and welcoming for students.In this episode I ask the question why. Why are educators spending a fortune of their own hard earned cash to decorate rooms? Is this really necessary and what are the alternatives?Show notes and more on the episode website☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • If you're getting ready to go back to school then this episode is your ultimate back to school guide.Today we unpack all the big picture stuff that teachers need to keep in  mind when planning and organising for the start of the new school year.Everything from getting organised and why being organised is important, to the best colours for creating a calm learning environment, setting up provocations, thinking about planning, and ultimately our WHY, values and philosophy.We discuss the ultimate strategy for keeping kids curious and how our own mindset matters.Finally, how we as educators in our search for connection and acceptance can find like minded curious educators to connect with.For all the links and show notes mentioned go to the episode website.☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • Inquiry based learning, is a methodology, a pedagogy, a strategy, it's not a seperate subject. It's a methodology that is a part of the very fabric of an inquiry educator. Inquiry-based learning encourages thinking, questioning and discovery. It's a strategy that engages all children, because it arms children with the skills they need to uncover questions, work independently, and apply their learning to other areas.In this episode I peel back the layers of my own teaching career and how I came to teach with an inquiry mindset, and apply inquiry based learning to my own practice. I uncover the lessons learnt and the challenges we face today in our classrooms.For me, inquiry based learning has been a game changer and my hope is that all educators will implement this strategy into their toolkit so that ALL children can benefit. For me it's always about what's best for children. The results and the attitude of my students towards learning, has convinced me that this is the way to go if we are to educate the whole child and appeal to their individual needs and strengths. If my message resonates with you, or you find it interesting then share it with a friend, and leave a review...that's the ultimate compliment. Thanks!You will find the show notes and all links mentioned in the episode on the website page.Contact Edwina at [email protected]☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • In this episode I unpack how to easily and effectively integrate science with English Language Arts and other subjects, thereby making learning not only authentic and relatable for students but a whole lot more fun for educators too.I break down all the important parts we need to consider when planning an integrated curriculum and give examples of how well planned and spontaneous learning experiences can add to children's understanding of the world, and help them make connections to other learning areas and to their own lived experiences.I unpack why we should be thinking about bringing themes back, and talk about the impact that having specialist science teachers in elementary schools has on student learning.For all the links and show notes go HERE☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • Schools are in crisis. Researchers say that children are not performing as well as they should be, and are falling behind.But who is to blame? The curriculum or the teachers, or something else? Are our teaching strategies ineffective?In this episode we look at what research based evidence says are the most effective teaching strategies for student learning. We dig into High Impact Teaching Strategies as developed by John Hattie, and how these strategies align with inquiry based learning.If we are using these evidence based strategies, then surely student learning will be positively impacted.We unpack how these strategies form part of an inquiry classroom and explore how teachers can get started with inquiry in their classrooms with the Inquiry101 e-guide.Find all the show notes and links on Blooming Curious☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • When it comes to planning lessons in an early childhood classrooms, picture books are the one resource educators cannot do without. Picture books are not only provocations, they ignite curiosity, stimulate creativity and imagination and are a source for teaching not only literacy skills, but an appreciation and a love for books. In this episode we unpack how we educators plan our learning experiences using picture books to drive our planning and learning experiences.We also discover what the research around the benefits of reading to children says.Show notes and more at https://bloomingcurious.com/podcast-episode/lesson-planning-with-picture-books/ Follow me:Website: https://bloomingcurious.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/edslessons/☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • Teaching is the job that's never done! There are always numerous invisible tasks that need to be done, and very often the only time to do them is over weekends or during the holidays. But teachers desperately need time to decompress and recharge those spent batteries. So, what should they be doing over the holidays and how can holidays be put to good use not just to relax but also to prepare for the term or year ahead.In this episode we look at the types of things teachers could do to relax, things like getting outside, watching movies, cooking and spending time with loved ones.But when it's time to think about preparing for going back to school, what's the best way of doing that? Tune in to listen how to plan lessons smarter not harder and simultaneously spark children's interest!Books mentioned in this episode: Stone Soup by Ann McGovernWombat Stew by Marcia VaughanPumpkin Soup by Helen CooperTalk for Writing Across the Curriculum by Pie Corbett24 fun things to do with kids to get them off screens:Blog post:  https://bloomingcurious.com/24-fun-learning-activities-for-kids/Download the activities for free here: https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/24-fun-activities-that-instil-curiosity-in-kids/buyTo check out all the ready made resources go to: https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/ Sign up to Get Curious, my weekly inspirational newsletter here: https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcurious ☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • April is an educator and founder of April's Teaching Tree, which helps parents and educators deepen their connection to nature. April divides her time between the classroom and providing in-person professional development and consulting with a focus on integrating nature and art in early childhood. April helps educators and parents find ways to use nature to meet early childhood standards through play-based learning, and nature infused materials in joyful nature inspired environments.Links:April's website: https://aprilsteachingtree.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprilsteachingtree/Facebook group Nature Inspired Teacher: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1843474542616408/Sign up to the weekly newsletter, Get Curious at https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousCheck out the website: bloomingcurious.comSend Edwina an email at [email protected]☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • In this episode, we unpack the strategies, tips and advice to help educators integrate and teach with an inquiry mindset with the help of the creators behind Sqwish Resources, Allanah and Meg.These experienced and passionate educators are on a mission to help bring inquiry to all lessons with their resources based on the 5E model.Listen just how easy it is to flip from chalk and talk to inspiring students to think, wonder and have fun learning.Links:https://sqwish.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sqwish_resources/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sqwish_resourcesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558864596356Sign up to the weekly Get Curious newsletter for tips, tricks and insights into all thinks curiosity, learning and teaching at https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousWebsite for blogposts, resources and podcast episodes : https://www.bloomingcurious.com☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • As inquiry educators we don't jump in with the answers to questions. Instead we facilitate the finding of the answers.In this episode we explore the how and the where to go to help children find the answers to their questions, and in doing so, we're helping them create independent learners with inquiring minds.For resources go to https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/To sign up to the weekly newsletter Get Curious, go to https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousOnline resources mentioned in the episode:https://www.safesearchkids.com/https://www.kiddle.co/https://www.kidzsearch.com/https://kids.britannica.com/https://kidtopia.info/index.htmlIf you like the show please share it and click follow or subscribe to get weekly updates. ☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • As educators we are constantly being watched and copied by our students. Modelling is a powerful strategy that educators use to teach everything from explicit instruction, to being curious and showing grit and determination in the face of struggle. Our attitude towards learning and our enthusiasm for learning are all picked up by children through the power of modelling.Because children learn through observation, we educators must ensure that our attitudes and outlook, mirror that which we would like to see in our students.Read this post How Educators Can Nurture Their Own Curiosity https://bloomingcurious.com/how-educators-can-nurture-their-own-curiosity/Read this post The Power of Observation, A Guide for Teachers https://bloomingcurious.com/the-power-of-observation-a-guide-for-teachers/Read this post How to Nurture Keen Observational Skills in Kids to Help Them Learn https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-nurture-keen-observational-skills-in-kids/Subscribe to the weekly newsletter Get Curious here https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousGet in touch with Edwina [email protected]☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • We are more than teachers. Not only are we facilitators of learning, but curators too. To make learning and the learning environment more exciting than an ipad, we need to curate real life experiences for children that technology cannot hold a candle to.In this episode we unpack the strategies for curating indoor and outdoor spaces and learning experiences that spark curiosity and give children opportunities to explore real life learning.Read this blog post How to Create an Inspiring Indoor Learning Environment https://bloomingcurious.com/how-to-create-an-inspiring-indoor-learning-environment/Read this blog post Setting Up an Outdoor Learning Environment for Children https://bloomingcurious.com/setting-up-an-outdoor-learning-environment-for-children/Read this blog post Outdoor Learning - Bringing the Joy back to Learning https://bloomingcurious.com/outdoor-learning-bringing-the-joy-back-to-learning/Download this free checklist for setting up an inspiring indoor space https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/inspiring-space-checklistSubscribe to the weekly newsletter, Get Curious here https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousGet in touch with Edwina [email protected]☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • Learning really is a journey. And like a journey it requires planning, recording, sharing and assessing of how it all unfolded. The map that educators follow as students travel on this journey is usually either Kath Murdoch's Inquiry Cycle or the 3E model of inquiry, and in order to keep children on track, we provide scaffolds for them that help them in their planning and thinking.Educators too, record their own observations of the learner's progress.In this episode the various strategies for recoding  and documenting students' learning is unpacked.Download the resources to help, guide and track learning, planning and progress here:Investigation planner https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/investigation-plannerIntegrating Inquiry Planning Template https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/integrating-inquiry-planning-sheetObservation Record Sheets https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/observation-recordsInquiry and Investigation Record Planning Sheets https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/inquiry-and-investigation-record-plannerGuided Backyard Inquiry https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/guided-backyard-inquirySign up to Get Curious, the weekly newsletter for curious educators https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousGet in touch with Edwina at [email protected]☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee

  • Kids ask a lot of questions! They ask questions because they have an innate desire for knowledge. But, sadly as children progress through school and eventually adulthood, the questions become fewer until eventually as adults we may not be questioning at all.Questions are the gateway to knowledge, but not all questions are equal.In this episode we explore the questions that get kids thinking and curious. The questions that educators need to ask to get students curious and thinking and even those questions that take learning further and deeper.Go deeper in this blog post https://bloomingcurious.com/how-questions-le…ty-and-knowledge/Download your free list of question starters at https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/questionsDownload your free eGuide How to Encourage Natural Curiosity in Children here https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/how-to-encourage-natural-curiosity-in-childrenGet started with Inquiry 101, which takes you through the step-by-step process of getting started with inquiry and how to integrate it into your existing lessons here https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/inquiry-101Get on the mailing list for all the insider information around inquiry, curiosity, teaching and learning by signing up here https://resources.bloomingcurious.com/getcuriousBuy Kath Murdoch's book Getting Personal with Inquiry here Contact Edwina at [email protected]☕️ Help me to keep the podcast going by buying me a coffee