The Lives of Children: The Story of the First Street School

by George Dennison

Of all the books written on education in the sixties and seventies, The Lives of Children was one of the most significant. When it was first published, Herbert Kohl wrote, "There is no book I know of that shows so well what a free and humane education can be like, nor is there a more eloquent description of its philosophy." John Holt, reviewing the book for The New York Review of Books, wrote, "If anyone felt he had time to read only one book on education, The Lives of Children should be the one." The Lives of Children is George Dennison's story of The First Street School and how he succeeded in helping kids no one had been able to help.

Genres: Education, History, Nonfiction, Teaching, Psychology, Childrens, Parenting

Paperback

First published August 1, 1970

Reviews

[Gea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A narrative and history of the runnings of a street (free) school. Easy to read, interesting, a good perspective to have.

[James Ouma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book changed my perspective and informed how I engage with children as an educator. Very informative and eye opening

[Adelia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about the relationships between children and adults that are at the core of education. And life, really.

[Kirsta Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tends to ramble in some passages which made reading comprehension in some chapters a challenge. Overall, a very inspiring a book on the importance of educators continuing to be a positive, and loving, influence on children.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Page 210

[Nazia Farhad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent depiction of free and human education can be like.

[Rifat Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating tale about the first streer school and the children of the school. I found my inspiration on the quote, " the business of the school is not, or should not be, mere instruction, but the life of the child". I feel as an educator, this should be my motto.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this school existed today, I think it would just be a giant lawsuit waiting to happen. But it was definitely a thought-provoking book. I enjoyed the way Dennison switched back and forth between explanations of the philosophy behind the work and his descriptions of the day-to-day activity.

[Elizabeth Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holt reccommended as "book you should read if you only have time to read one book about education"