How?

We are still in the process of "de-schooling." (Aren't these words so fun?) It means that we are still in the process of removing the barriers in our minds between learning and life. When I say "we" I mean "me" because kids don't put those barriers up until they go to school. I have 16 years of de-schooling to accomplish. I have to learn that worksheets and volumes of paper do not equal true knowledge. I keep the following principles in mind as I go through the process: (1) Learning is not separated into subjects and (2) ALL activity has value.  We no longer have math time, and reading time, and science time. We do what needs to be done plus what we want during the day and take opportunities to learn as they present themselves. Number two is harder to swallow (for some initially). Television and video games are tools for learning. I am not talking about "educational" shows and games though we do some of those too. I am talking about honest to goodness popular, mainstream games, movies and TV shows. Initially, there was a binge which was to be expected. But now I am seeing that kids get bored with TV just like adults and move on to other things without prompting. Or I can offer something as an alternative and they usually bite. Some days they just want to veg out. I get that - I am the same way. So are you! Everyone has to learn to self-regulate. I offer guidance but ultimately they have to learn personal responsibility in all areas of life. I won't always be there directing their choices .