Not many decades ago, families found joy in a simpler lifestyle.  Families of old relied on one another, the land, and God for the provision of all their daily needs.  In the book Laddie by Gene Stratton-Porter, the author portrays the daily life of a Christian family in post-civil war Indiana.  Loosely based on her own life, the author chronicles how Little Sister and her siblings grow in knowledge and wisdom.  The Stanton children’s education parallels the model of education outlined in A Thomas Jefferson Education    by Oliver Van DeMille.  In many ways, the story of Laddie exemplifies the process of educating a child for leadership through the Core Learning, Love of Learning and the Scholar & Depth Phases.

During the Core Phase critical lessons of life are learned that define the individual’s concept of self, family, and the beginnings of their broader worldview.  In the Stanton family, the children learn responsibility through their individual contributions to the family unit through household and animal chores.   They have a keen appreciation for the beauty of God’s creations through plenty of opportunities for play and exploration in the out of doors.  The parents mold their worldview through daily family prayer and bible readings, and principle-based object lessons.  “There’s no place like home” is a theme that reverberates throughout the book Laddie.

The Love of Learning Phase is marked by behaviors of study, self-discipline, passion for learning, a sense of personal mission and a habit of service in and out of the home.  Little Sister memorizes beautiful long poems out of love for the lyrical cadences, observes all forms of animal instincts and draws conclusions about animal behaviors, and knows the names of hundreds of plants and trees as a result of her own curiosity and questioning.  This natural phase of learning, nurtured by her parents is contrasted by her experience when they send her to the school house for formal lessons.  She is a frustrated caged bird in the classroom.  Any fan of Charlotte Mason will love this book for Little Sister’s extensive narratives on nature throughout the story.

Lastly, the Scholar and Depth Phases are characterized by a profound hunger to prepare for oncoming responsibilities and future contributions in society.  As  Little Sister does not grow this old in the story, this process is illustrated through the coming of age of her brother Leon and the actions of her oldest brother, Laddie.   Laddie has studied Greek and Latin, economics and government, but like his father, believes his opportunities as a leader and statesman can be fulfilled in his own community.  Leon matures from a reckless boy to a young man.  Both exhibit a deep knowledge and responsibility of the land, a wise use of resources and the virtues of honesty, perseverance and determination.  The reader observes young men choosing their destinies and developing a conviction toward their chosen pathway.

The book Laddie, by Gene Stratton-Porter is a classic tale of a family’s struggle to raise their children in godly ways.  Through a child’s eyes, the reader gains a better understanding of what it means to educate oneself.  Home educators in particular, will find this classic inspiring in ways to create a learning environment for their children.   All families will appreciate the solid message of family values and standing up for one’s own convictions.  (Copyright February 2007: use only with permission of author, Maureen O'Brien)

Some favorite quotes from Laddie :

“The wisest person knows when to talk and when to keep still” 

“Families were made to cling together and stand by each other in every circumstance of life – joy or sorrow!  You need your family.”

Related Tags: Thomas Jefferson Education, Mentor, Core Phase, Classics, Scholar, Leadership

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