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Blooming CuriousAuthor: Edwina Cottino
Weekly inspiration for homeschool parents ( and curious early childhood teachers) raising curious, confident learners. Blooming Curious helps you create natural, engaging learning experiences for PreK-Year 2 childrenusing picture books, nature exploration, and inquiry-based activities that meet learning requirements and make homeschooling feel joyful, not overwhelming. Visit www.bloomingcurious.com for stress-free resources and strategies that put the love back into learning. Sign up for your weekly dose of inspiration with Get Curious. Language: en Genres: Education, How To, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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I'm Worried About Losing Control — Can Inquiry Learning Really Work in a Real Classroom?
Episode 108
Monday, 30 March, 2026
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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcuriousYouTube: 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 Control01:21 Chaos vs Structure02:52 Productive Inquiry Example03:57 Four Structures Overview04:22 Clear Entry Point04:56 Roles and Norms05:42 Thinking Frameworks06:33 Strong Lesson Close07:21 Start Small With Inquiry08:48 Resources and Wrap Up













