The Passionate Learner----Jennifer Walker, MS

Welcome to The Passionate Learner website! What is a passionate learner?  

In my mind I conceptualize a passionate learner as someone who never stops learning and pursues their passions. Children are born with the natural curiosity to learn about the world around them. If you have ever watched an infant, toddler, or preschooler in action you would notice a young budding scientist. They test out their environment, make predictions, try out new things, and start over again. They are busy , in motion, and play is their work.   As children enter elementary school the love for learning tends to fade as they are forced to learn by sitting at a desk and completing busywork.

My goal at The Passionate Learner is to keep the passion and love of life-long learning alive in children.   It is there burning inside them and we owe it to our children to fuel their passions and interests. Passion leads to self-directed learning, which is the catalyst to living a life in accordance with one’s dreams and goals. I write about homeschooling because that is where we are currently in our lives ,but most of the experiences and ideas can be applicable to anyone who is interested in learning. So whether you are a homeschooler, child, teen, or adult I welcome you to this site!

WHO AM I?
Although my older children have attended a Montessori school , I have technically homeschooled since birth. Because I see learning as a natural process, I used my children’s interests from a young age to teach them reading and writing in an engaging way when they were ready.  While still in preschool, I immersed them into their passions by following their interests–from Egyptians to Spanish to art. Now we are all at home together and I continue to feed their insatiable curiosity by providing a self-directed learning environment inspired by Maria Montessori, Peter Gray, and even some Charlotte Mason.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master of science degree in clinical psychology, I have provided counseling services to children and adults. I have also taught in a Montessori school. My interests include developmental psychology , learning theories and education.  Currently I am on the board of iMontessori School in Rock Hill and vice-president on the 4H Advisory Board of York County.