The Hundred Languages of Children The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education

The city-run early childhood program of Reggio Emilia, Italy, has become recognized and acclaimed as one of the best systems of education in the world. Over the past 30 years, educators there have evolved an innovative approach that fosters children's intellectual development through a systematic focus on symbolic representation. Young children are encouraged to explore their environment and express themselves through many "languages", or modes of expression, including words, movement, drawing, painting, sculpture, shadow play, collage and music.... This book brings together the reflections of the Italian educators who founded and developed the system, as well as North Americans who have observed and/or studied there. It is a comprehensive introduction covering history and philosophy, curriculum and methods of teaching, school and system organization, the use of space and physical environments, and adult professional roles. -Back cover.