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

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

From Blooming Curious by Edwina Cottino

February 9, 2026 · 8 min · Episode 101

About this episode

In this episode, Edwina Cottino reflects on her first week back teaching kindergarten and shares how two moments inspired powerful inquiry opportunities.

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: If 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 🆓 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…

People in this episode

Host: Edwina Cottino

Topics covered

  • kindergarten teaching
  • curiosity-based learning
  • early childhood education
  • inquiry opportunities
  • engagement strategies

Keywords

  • kindergarten
  • curiosity
  • learning
  • education
  • inquiry
  • teaching strategies
  • engagement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Blooming Curious

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