Connecting With Kids in Conflict: A Life Space Legacy
by William C. Morse
Edited by L. K. Brendtro and A. B. James
[Reclaiming Children and Youth and Starr Commonwealth, 2008]
Item #3080
Price: $14.95
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This book strikes a fine balance between theory and practical applications. Best of all, these pages reflect so well Bill Morse's legacy of warmth and caring." - Ralph D. Rabinovitch, MD, Child Psychiatrist and Founder, Hawthorn Center
"With one foot in caring and the other in reality, Bill Morse showed how to really understand children, families, and professionals by living in their life space and sharing their struggles." - Howard S. Muscott, EdD, President, CCBD Foundation
Book review by Steve Van Bockern:
Larry Brendtro and Adrienne Brant James, the editors of this book, are two of the many who loved and learned from William C. Morse. This work is a testimony to Dr. Morse’s wisdom, intellect, humanity and humor. For those of us who didn’t have the chance to learn with him, this book, written simply and powerfully, is our chance to learn from him. The book is our window into Morse’s thinking. “With one foot in caring and the other in reality”, Dr. Morse blended practice and theory by living in the life space of hurting children and families.
A student of the early “action research” of Fritz Redl, Kurt Lewin, and colleagues, Morse taught through example how respectful relationships can transform individual and group behavior. Much of what he learned didn’t come from books but from his fifteen years directing The University of Michigan Fresh Air Camp outside of Detroit, Michigan. The camp helped prepare generations of professionals (including the editors of this book) to transform young lives.
I wish I could have met Morse. Things he said suggest to me that he was unpretentious, a breath of fresh air, and straight-forward:
“I was surprised to discover that the professors who taught psychology didn’t seem to live any more effective lives than the rest of us” (p. 4).
“If I’d have just thrown the books down and listened to them [the neighbor kids disturbing his study time], I think I might have had a better sense of childhood and what was going on in their minds.” (p.5) “
The Fresh Air Camp idea was first established to bring poor kids from the city into the country so that they could breathe fresh air and be “fattened” up. They weighed them in and out in those days, and if a kid gained weight, it was considered a success”. (p.9)
“Society once had a lot of free help for raising kids – it was called the family. Mothers donated their lives to raising children.” (p. 20)
“The deepest conversations we can have with youth are about values, which is why I don’t like canned programs.” (p. 29)
“Basically, to be a helper you have to engage in the exploration of life, and you begin by understanding your own life.” (p. 32)
The book is full of these nuggets and they are there to be mined by educators, psychologists, special education teachers, front-line youth workers and social workers.
For those interested in the history of emotional disturbance and special education you will find the book informative. The black and white pictures introduced me to those who had only been names before. The book is short but the bibliography and editorial notations suggest what is written is on solid ground. Brendtro, in an Epilogue section, links Morse’s philosophy and career with early pioneers in the positive, strength-based movement that is part of the reclaiming youth revolution.
