Customer Reviews

The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach Advanced Reflections, Second Edition

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This book was assigned to me to read by a masters program professor. Before reading the book, we were prompted by stories of the Reggio Emilia Approach. It sounds phenomenal! The professor liked it so much, his own children took part in the school here in the United States.

The approach itself is an amazing idea for educators. This early childhood program encourages hands-on learning. The teachings behind the children exploring through "languages" or modes of exploration. These languages include drawing, painting, sculpture, physical play, words, and music. It is an approach far from that of traditional schooling. However, it is known for it's amazing results. It binds together the world of teaching, children, and parents exceptionally well.

While the book supports a wonderful approach to schooling, the book itself is one that does not hold the reader's attention. I found myself rereading paragraphs because I was unable to pay attention to the words. The book is a dialog between educators and philosophers from Italy and the United States. While some of the questions posed are thought provoking and interesting, the reader is left bored after pages upon pages of questions.

If you are interested in early childhood development, this book is definitely one that you should read for ideas. However, if you are looking for a light and easy read this book is not for you. This book deserves careful attention, that only the truly patient and interested can give it.

I am glad I was asked to read it because of it's enlightening approach to child development. As an educator, I will take away with me the approach's distinct style of exploration to adapt to my classroom and even think of sending my children there someday. I just wish I would have been able to pay closer attention to it and fight my urge to put the book down.

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.

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.

This book is a must for anyone interested in the Reggio Emilia approach. I have had an opportunity recently to visit Reggio Emilia and study at the Loris Malaguzzi centre. This book expresses the sentiments and understandings of Loris Malaguzzi who has cultivated this highly intellectual yet natual approach to guiding and supporting children as they learn about themselves and the place where they live and are part of. The culture, history and food of this little town can not be separated from the educational approach developed here after the war. This book expresses the dialogue of those involved with Reggio children, firstly Loris Malaguzzi as well as other world renown speakers and educators such as Howard Gardner, Lella Gandini, Carolyn Edwards, George Forman, Lillian Katz, Vea Vecchi and Rebecca New.The role of the Pedagogista is explained and supported in depth. I highly recommend this book above all other resources when exploring the Reggio Emilia approach.

The Hundred Languages of Children is a fascinating philosophy originating in the Italian city of Reggio Emilia about 50 years ago. The "hundred languages" refer to how many ways children express themselves, or modes of expression. It's not just with words, but movement, drawing, collages, music, sculpture, etc. Reggio has gone through continuous reform and updating, as the approach relies heavily on questioning, reflection, research, and adaptation.
This book discusses the critical aspects of the philosophy such as community involvement, constructivist environment, teacher collegiality and heavy/various means of documentation of the educational process.
I was intrigued by the similarities of Joe Renzulli and Sally Reiss' work at UCONN, with their enrichment learning and teaching model. In addition, it is evident that the Reggio philosophy has had a major impact on America concerning expansion of earlier childcare or preschool, and the least restrictive environment legislation for children with disabilities.
The book is not really for leisure reading, but you will be inspired by its content. The read is for educators, and for anyone who is concerned about education.

Powerful, Knowledge Building, Thought Provoking...these are a few words that may come to your mind as you read The Hundred Languages of Children. The book is a must read for all educators, especially those that work with primary age children. It will make you reflect on your own practices as an educator and rethink your philosophy of education. One Hundred Languages of Children is an overview of the approaches used in Reggio Emilia's schools in Italy. The focus of the book centers around the roles of the teacher, children, parents, and community in a learner centered environment. Each stakeholder plays an important role in the processes of the child's learning experience. The children are encouraged to explore their environment through movement, dancing, singing, music, drawing and other modules of expression. One Hundred Languages of Children provides an excellent insight in ways to engage children in problem solving, communication, and exploring possibilities.

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.

This was a very thorough discussion and analysis of the Reggio Emilia approach. It's basically a compilation of individual perspectives - of American and Italian views and explanations of the approach. If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia, this is a good choice. It's just a bit lengthy at 488 pages. It's written in a simple style (except for one chapter by an American) so it's easy to read. Nice pictures throughout.

The book I ordered was received during the holidays and it still arrived before I had expected it to. The book was in better shape than described. I am very satisfied with the service and the product. And I have it in time for the upcoming school semester. It's a textbook for my advanced early childhood education class. And I know it's going to be very interesting.

I was not impressed with the 'Reggio Emilia' approach. Some of the 'hands on' parts don't make alot of sense. Some do, but the rest I was not truly taken by. In general, I feel this book could have done much better with the information which was true, but not used correctly. Just my opinion, I hope it does help with the educators out there, much like myself.