Publisher Harold Hart approached Neill to write about his controversial school, and together compiled this book from Neill's other works, which bec...
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Dec 16, 2009
Elizabeth
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This book blew my mind as a teenager. Basically it is a description of a "radical" school in England that believed - back when this was not a popular idea - that the child is born inherently good, and should be allowed to discover the world/academics at her own pace. A.S. Neill, the founder of the school and the book's author, is a little heavy on Freud but it's a very, very interesting documentation of a social experiment.
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May 16, 2011
Stephanie
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The author of The Idle Parent, which I loved, makes frequent reference to Summerhill and A. S. Neill's parenting and teaching methods. So I decided to read Summerhill and found very little to recommend it. The beginning section, in which Neill describes his unique boarding school (Summerhill) was interesting and informative. But the rest of the book, in which Neill explains his philosophy toward children, felt very dated and way off-base to me.
Neill turns out to be a Freudian (thi More...
Neill turns out to be a Freudian (thi More...
Aug 25, 2011
Harry
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This was the book Bob Whitlow strongly recommended and indeed the first section on Summerhill School was a lot like Charquin. The author was the strong philosophical center of the school and contributed a large part to it actually working. The last two thirds of the book were his philosophy or opinion on all aspects of child rearing and culture. He ran his school from 1920-1960 so some of his ground breaking radical ideas weren't very radical by today's standards. In many areas he took thing
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Jul 02, 2008
Maureen
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A.S. Neill had a great idea for an experiment in education where children were able to learn and discover at their own pace. Since I was one of those children who did not learn to read on schedule, I was particularly taken with his ideas. This book is in no way radical now, and its reliance on Freudian ideas further dates it, but I still feel that in many ways, he was ahead of his time.
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Mar 26, 2008
Miriam
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So very interesting and right up my alley. While occasionally too Freudian and often too reliant on anecdotes, the ideas are fascinating and display an understanding of human nature.
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Dec 17, 2009
Gea
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Classic work on the most famous and influencial free-school. Neill is funny (and a little sexist) - but still a great book and very cutting age for its time.
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Dec 14, 2011
Hernan
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The theories the author portrays in this book are very revolutionary and I like them. Every parent should read it in order to evaluate if the way he raises his children is the appropriate. The most important contribution is that punishment is unsuccessful at all and that it only generates hate. It’s also essential to mentionthat the author advises that obligating children to do what we adults consider right, is indeed wrong. I support Neill when he talks about religion, sex and manners, and that
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Nov 13, 2008
Erik
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The Educational Psychology professor at Grinnell College was so personally lackluster, so unusually straight for the time, that I cannot recall his name. His class, however, despite a bow to orthodoxy by having us go through Ausibel and Robinson's textbook, included some great ancillary reading, the best and most provocative of which was A.S. Neill's Summerhill. For one who was going out of his way to read radical literature, Summerhill was still impressive, maybe the most challenging and eye-
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Apr 26, 2009
James
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This is a great book about a man who started an experimental school where children are treated as equals and freedom is the main objective. It's so hard to explain, and the book is old and dated, but there are some great ideas about child-rearing which also makes me think about how I treat my own friends and family and the children I get to hang out with. Read it knowing that it was written a long time ago and that some of the language and ideas are outdated. Otherwise, I love this book.
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May 03, 2010
Samantha
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It is way to think about schools when a traditional school is not working for your child. If done correctly, like described in this book, they learn about democracy as well as learn about topics that interest them. This book is out of date. What it does not show is some schools like this kids choose not to learn to read until age 10 and play video games all day. They learn about making their own rules and governing themselves. This is a good starting piece when looking at free schools.
Jun 04, 2010
Ruby
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A remarkable overview of a remarkable private school by the man who conceived and ran it. Is it amazing or not surprising that most children can self-regulate their own pace of learning, pick subjects they are good at and interested in, study them with sufficient effort to ace exams, etc.? Given the chance, which nobody much is willing to give their children. A fascinating explanation of Neill's philosophy of pedagogy, plus real examples of the adult results, mentioned and quoted. Also lots of a
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Dec 16, 2011
Jodie
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I am so glad I came across and read this book. Although it has undoubtedly added to my concerns about "normal schooling", I have also found it profoundly challenging, thought-provoking and inspiring for how I want to raise my daughter. I'd love it if any of you guys would read it and maybe we could debate some of the ideas! I have been reading bits to Ben but he tends to take refuge in the toilet before too long.
Sep 30, 2011
Rob
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Neill provides a great read about how he used the concept of "freedom not license" while educating children at a private school. His approach to education helped each child to reach their learning potential, while fostering a sense of personal responsibility in each individual. I still use Neill's advice after more than 30+ years of teaching.
Jul 31, 2009
Anna
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I think everybody who is connected with children should read this book. It is very thought-provoking. It impressed me very much.
It helps us understand the children, their needs, their feelings, their world. And it also helps us to understand ourselves by understanding how we felt, reacted, thought when we were children.
It helps us understand the children, their needs, their feelings, their world. And it also helps us to understand ourselves by understanding how we felt, reacted, thought when we were children.
Jun 18, 2009
Deena
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A little too radical even for me- that's why I can remember it so well after all these years. Maybe because it was given to me to read by a really creepy older guy that my views may be clouded. Obviously my opinion is in the minority but I'm comfortable with it.
Feb 09, 2012
natalia
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A classic about free education, a very easy and insightful read. Keep in mind that it was written quite a while ago, so Neill has some dated ideas on gender and homosexuality. Still very well worth a read.
Jan 11, 2009
Jess
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even if i can't agree with all the idea's in this book, it is still an awesome book and made me change alot of my thoughts about raising my child and teaching others children as well
Jun 29, 2011
Glen
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One of the most beautiful and inspirational books I have ever read. If only Neill's ideas were implemented on a large scale, the planet would be a whole lot happier and saner.
Apr 22, 2010
Nicole
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I read this book 35 years ago and now my daughter is reading Summerhill. When I read it, it was considered revolutionary. I wonder what people think about it now.
Aug 16, 2010
Becky
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Thought it would be wise words from a kind democratic socialist. Felt like I was being lectured to by someone's angry libertarian grandpa. And way too much Freud.
Oct 27, 2008
Chad
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I found A.S. Neill's approach to education to be a breath of fresh air. His compassion and intuitive nature towards children is one that I wish all teachers had toward their students. In essence, I believe it is the direction in which public schools should eventually go. Which basically means, an elimination of all things public schooling: test evaluation, curriculum, formal classes, and required subjects, with the standard teacher vs. student authoritarian atmophere. But when, if ever, that's
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Sep 22, 2007
kimberly
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I read this a long time ago when I was thinking of becoming a teacher. Neill had more control over his microcosm than most teachers ever will have over their classrooms, but nonetheless, it underscores the need for educators - and anyone who works with or has kids - to understand the symbiotic relationship between freedom and responsibility in a way that diminishes dependence on hierarchic models of teaching and learning. It's also just plain inspirational.
Oct 14, 2008
Crystal
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My husband made reading this book a requirement if we were to get anywhere serious early in our relationship. The book stresses how children are individuals born with capacities that are unique. They should be allowed to fully express themselves as individuals. It's a great book for those who have children or those who plan to have children.
Aug 06, 2008
Jan
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I read this book multiple times as a child. I was so intrigued by the permissiveness of the school that I hoped to go there - until I was finally too old to be accepted....then I stopped reading it.
