The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach--Advanced Reflections

Long heralded as early childhood education in one of its purest forms, Edwards, Gandini, and George Foreman give us this complete volume laying down the fundamentals of this non-transplantable approach to teaching young children that has been used in Reggio Emilia, Italy for generations. There are many superlatives. First, we get seven chapters detailing Reggio Emilia from those who were instrumental in its creation (i.e. Loris Malaguzzi) to those who actually administered the system (Sergio Spaggiari) to actual Reggio teachers (Carlina Rinaldi). You cannot get a more authentic viewpoint than that! Second, we get a pluralistic view through both American and Italian scholastic eyes of how classic early childhod theory undergirds and buttresses Reggio's approach. Lastly, we get six chapters directly focused on how we can use Reggio's experiences to enhance early childhood education in the US. Is Reggio Emilia the "perfect" approach? I doubt any early childhood approach can claim that characteristic. I also doubt that Reggio Emilia's approach can be accurately executed in the United States--we might be to cynical for that. Not even small cities could truly reflect the seemlessness it needs. If, however, you use this book to educate yourself on the approach by parsing out the myths, I believe it will do nothing short of enlightening you on the fact that the United States is behind in some important areas on how to correctly nurture young children.

This book outlines an early childhood program originating in schools in Italy. Since the 1980's, schools in the United States have been intrigued by the way education for young learners is designed. The Reggio Emilia approach is a community effort that requires heavy involvement from administrators, teachers, parents, children, and government. Teachers guide student learning based completely on student interest and take students through learning experiences that encompass these interests. Teachers work side-by-side with students not only as facilitators of learning, but as learners themselves. While the book itself is not a pleasure-filled experience, the content is inspiring! It requires careful reading and rereading. Some of the dialog between educators can prove to be dull and it is easy to get lost in the words. The documentation of truly authentic work that captivates the abilities of children, however, is moving. A book for all educators, The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emelia Approach Advanced Reflections, Second Edition, is one that will force one to take a close look at how children learn and how to effectively reach them.

Thought-provoking. It's not an "easy" read but well worth the effort if you appreciate children and their thinking. The writing is pretty complex and deep - which makes it a great book for ongoing reflection and discussion. This book offers understanding and insight into an alternative approach to educating young children. The high regard for children as thinkers, emphasis on professional collaboration, recognizion of different "languages" (modes?)for learning, attention to aesthetics and environmental factors, and genuine support for children and their parents to play an active role in education is defintiely refreshing.

For educators and parents truly interested in school reform, this book is a must read. Educators in the United States have been captivated by the "Reggio Emilia approach" to education since the late 1980s. The extensive documentation of Reggio children's work has toured the world as The Hundred Languages of Children exhibit. This book will allow anyone to see what is truly possible in early education if we are willing to let go of our long-held beliefs about how children learn. The Reggio Emilia approach is much more than "hands-on learning." It is a community effort that involves administrators, teachers, parents, children, and government. Although not a light read, the book is a fascinating dialog among the varied members of the Reggio Emilia community and American researchers and teachers.

The Hundred Languages of Children presents a fascinating and comprehensive overview of the remarkable schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. It can also serves as an example of what learning can be like for children when it is focused on their interests and needs. One of the essays, an interview with founder Loris Malaguzzi, offers insight into the history, ideas and philosophy behind the approach. Discussing the environment of the RE schools, Malaguzzi states, "Our objective, which we always will pursue, is to create an amiable environment, where children, families and teachers feel at ease." This comment provides a stark contrast to the lip service many American schools pay to families and teachers. It signifies a deep abiding respect for the developmental nature of children and for childhood itself. Comparing the curriculum of the RE schools to American schools and early childhood programs also reveals fundamental differences. Two things are notable as the curriculum of the RE schools is described: the development of the curriculum project grows out of the teachers' observations of students, "The teachers took note, valuing the interest in dinosaurs as an opportunity to learn more about the children." Another important difference is the role reciprocity plays in curriculum building in RE. "... the teachers decided to begin a journey together with the children and study dinosaurs in depth." "...learn more about children" and "journey together" aren't phrases common to American education. Small phrases that reflect a world of difference. This excellent book offers inspiration to educators starved for a more creative and just approach to teaching and learning. To paraphrase an essay title from the book, what we can learn from Reggio Emilia is how to value the learning experiences of our children.