Loris Malaguzzi, the interpreter of the child’s hundred languages

Dear families,

Today we’d like to share a brief introduction to Loris Malaguzzi, a key figure in early childhood education.

Who was Loris Malaguzzi?

Loris Malaguzzi was an Italian pedagogue and psychologist, founder of the Reggio Emilia educational approach—one of the most influential models in modern early childhood education.

He advocated for education based on active listening, claiming that children possess “a hundred languages” to express themselves: words, play, art, movement, music and more.

He envisioned schools as spaces of research, dialogue and creativity, where teachers observe and accompany rather than rigidly transmit knowledge.
Family and community play a central role in this process.

His work transformed early education by showing that children are competent, reflective and capable of constructing knowledge from a very young age.

Why is his pedagogy still relevant today?

Malaguzzi’s approach responds to real children in a rapidly changing world.

Key reasons:

• It educates people, not just students

• It recognizes children as capable learners

• It values diversity and inclusion

• It connects emotion, thinking and action

• The environment becomes a teacher

• Teachers act as guides, not instructors

• Families and communities are active participants

Reggio Emilia educates children to:

Think, create and live together—not just memorize.

Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori

While Montessori emphasizes individual and autonomous work,
Reggio Emilia focuses on collective learning, dialogue and collaboration through shared projects.

Closing thoughts

Educating is an act of trust and hope.
Accompanying children through this lens helps them grow confident, creative and happy—knowing their ideas, questions and emotions matter.

Playfully by your side,
Clody - Lady Play at ByBa!