Hundred Languages of Children. Poem written by Loris Malaguzzi

Loris Malaguzzi and The Reggio Approach to Early Childhood Education

It was Loris Malaguzzi (1920-1994) who became the inspiration behind the educational experiences in Reggio Emilia. Malaguzzi was a primary school teacher who later went on to study psychology and brought to his lifetime work in education, his interests and experience in theatre, journalism, sport and politics. He is remembered by his colleagues as a very strong character but highly collaborative. Malaguzzi described himself as stubborn, with an iron will. He wanted to win and to carry along with himself everyone who thought like himself, better than himself or differently from himself. As a result, Malaguzzi worked tirelessly with colleagues in Reggio to further his understanding of how children learn, and to publicize his passionate belief in his image of the competent, confident child.


The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it.

Sources: http://www.baliadvertiser.biz/articles/teach_children/2007/loris.html

The Reggio Emilia Approach originated in the town (and surrounding areas) of Reggio Emilia in Italy out of a movement towards progressive and cooperative early childhood education. It is unique to Reggio Emilia, it is not a method, there are no international training colleges to train to be a Reggio Emilia teacher. Outside of the town of Reggio Emilia, all schools and preschools (and home schools) are Reggio-inspired, using an adaptation of the approach specific to the needs of their community. This is important as each student, teacher, parent, community, and town are different. No two Reggio-inspired communities should look the same as the needs and interests of the children within each community will be different.


Sources: http://www.aneverydaystory.com/beginners-guide-to-reggio-emilia/main-principles/