Curiosity: Your Secret to Teaching with Calm

Here’s a quote, resource, and affirmation to help power you through the rest of the week. If you enjoy today’s email, pass it along to a friend.

Quote

“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” — James Stephens

Resource- The Curiosity Pause

Fear and frustration often creep in when lessons stall or students hesitate. Instead of pushing harder, try a curiosity pause. The next time your class hits a roadblock, ask one simple, open-ended question:

• “What do you notice?”
• “What makes you wonder?”
• “What’s another way we could look at this?”

These quick prompts reframe the moment—not as failure, but as discovery. When students (and teachers) shift from fear to curiosity, energy returns, creativity sparks, and solutions emerge.

The curiosity pause works in your personal life too. When faced with stress—whether it’s a tough conversation, a stack of grading, or even a household challenge—replace “Why is this happening to me?” with “What can I learn here?” or “What might I try differently?” Curiosity doesn’t eliminate difficulty, but it transforms it into a chance for growth.

“I was recently listening to a podcast interview with a business school professor about crafting effective questions, and one point stood out: the foundation of asking good questions is leading with curiosity. This idea applies far beyond business. When we approach a conflict, a problem, or even a tense conversation with genuine curiosity, something shifts. We suspend assumptions. We listen differently. We start to reflect—not just on what others are saying or doing, but also on our own beliefs, decisions, and reactions. Curiosity helps us pause long enough to ask: What else could be true? What if I’m missing something?” - Can curiosity solve all our problems?

Now Repeat…

I lean into curiosity when challenges arise. My wonder is stronger than my worry, and my questions lead me forward.

Journal Prompt

Where in your teaching—or your life outside school—could curiosity help lighten fear or open new possibilities?

Have a great day!

Jeremy