What is the difference between art education and the theory of the Hundred Languages of Children?
The Reggio educators suggest that the work initiated by Loris Malaguzzi is a parallel alongside the work of Howard Gardner of Project Zero and his theories of Multiple Intelligences.
The Hundred Languages is a pedagogical strategy for the construction of concepts and the consolidation of understanding, a way of structuring knowledge and organising learning.
The employment of an artist (atelierista) in each of the preschools and the sharing of an artist across three infant/toddler centres provides an additional possibility for collaborations. The knowledge of materials and a different way of viewing learning from traditionally trained teachers makes many rich materials and skills available to children. Initially these experiences allow children to explore, experiment and play but children are also supported in developing skills and to eventually becoming literate in many different media to assist in concept development and in extending understanding.
