Cultivating a Passion for Exploration in Homeschooling – with Sherri Seligson
Sherri Seligson is the author of Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, Exploring Creation with General Science, and the instructor featured in our Video Lessons and Experiments.
Discovering Passion Through Children’s Eyes
Before diving into homeschooling, Sherri spent her days at Walt Disney World, caring for marine creatures like sharks and dolphins. However, it was being a mother that helped her discover a new passion—instilling a love of learning in children. She effortlessly transferred her enthusiasm for science to a community of homeschool families, where learning felt more like an adventure than a chore.
“Imagine you’re a three-year-old. Taking a walk with a three-year-old takes five times longer because they have to stop and look at the caterpillar crossing the sidewalk or the beautiful flowers,” she says.
This kind of curiosity, eclipsed by adult responsibilities, is a gift we can give back to ourselves and our children.
Embracing a Slower Pace
One of the most profound lessons Sherri imparts is the importance of slowing down. As homeschooling parents, it’s tempting to feel pressure to complete every lesson in every subject. She reassures us that true education comes from allowing our children—and ourselves—time to marvel at the world.
Sherri recommends simple starting points, like taking your kids on a walk and allowing them to explore. Imagine discussing the hydrologic cycle over dinner or marveling at the intricate ecosystem in your backyard garden. The key, she says, is to “channel your inner three-year-old,” to recapture the awe and wonder that children embody so naturally.
Finding Science in Everyday Life
For those who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of teaching subjects like science, Sherri offers encouragement. She suggests integrating science into daily activities—such as cutting up a salad or baking cookies with your children. Talk through the process and ponder questions together. Even seemingly mundane phenomena, like static cling, provide opportunities for a more profound understanding and appreciation of God’s creation.
The Homeschool Lifestyle: Balancing Wonder and Worship
“Learning about the complexity of the simplest creature magnifies God’s creation,” she says.
Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to weave the threads of education, worship, and daily life together. Sherri emphasizes sharing the joy of the intricate beauty of the world He has given us. Rather than being confined to a textbook, learning becomes a holistic lifestyle centered on enthusiasm for God’s designs.
Conclusion: Fostering a Lifelong Love for Learning
In every season of life, there are endless opportunities to share awe and wonder. By fostering an environment where questions are welcomed and exploration is encouraged, we can instill a lifelong love of learning in our children—and perhaps, rekindle the spark of curiosity within ourselves.
