The "100 languages" metaphor, as introduced by Loris Malaguzzi, beautifully captures the idea that children express their understanding of the world in a multitude of ways beyond just speech. This concept lies at the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach, where each child's unique forms of expression—whether through art, movement, play, or emotions—are honored and encouraged. It's a way of recognizing that learning is not one-dimensional but deeply personal and diverse, tapping into expressive, imaginative, and cognitive realms.

Our preschool’s commitment to embracing these diverse modes of learning, as demonstrated through our adoption of the Reggio Emilia philosophy since fall 2022, speaks to a dedication to nurturing well-rounded, inquisitive children. It’s also noteworthy that your faculty and staff have immersed themselves in the rich, transformative content of The Hundred Languages of Children by Carolyn Edwards, Lella Gandini, and George Forman as an elective summer reading choice. While challenging, this kind of commitment helps ensure your students are receiving a deeply thoughtful, developmental experience as they prepare for their educational journey.

The Reggio Emilia approach's emphasis on observation, reflection, and child-led discovery promotes a shift in teaching, as beautifully stated by Malaguzzi’s quote: “Stand aside for a while and leave room for learning.” This philosophy is indeed challenging to explain in words, but the outcomes—children who explore, create, and grow in their own unique ways—speak for themselves.