On the Side of the Child: Summerhill Revisited

A. S. Neill’s radical approach to child rearing is as controversial today as it was in 1960. Neill’s “code of freedom” emphasized the principles of freedom, love, and positive discipline in the care and education of children. These ideals continue to evoke admiration by many who have found them key to not only raising healthy, happy children but also to stemming the tide of violence in our schools and society. Others dismiss these same principles for being idealistic at best and harmful at worst.

In this wonderful account, Bill Ayers speaks as a parent and an educator who has spent years in the classroom experimenting with Neill’s progressive approach. While Ayers admits to being a long-time fan of Neill’s, he also admits that Neill’s techniques sometimes “seemed more than a little loony” when they first appeared. It is Ayers’ honest, straightforward approach that makes his treatment of Neill so valuable and relevant to how we treat and raise our children today.

This vital and unique volume is a great read for parents, teachers, and anyone considering alternative visions for raising children and overcoming violence in today’s society. It also features key sections from the original text of Summerhill: A Radical Approach to Child Rearing that Ayers identifies as critical to understanding Neill’s philosophy.