The Image of the Child

In an article in Exchange magazine, adapted from a talk by Loris Malaguzzi, the visionary teacher, humanitarian and founder of the Reggio Emilia approach to education, professor Malaguzzi explained how important it is for educators to reflect on their image of the child:

"There are hundreds of different images of the child. Each one of you has inside yourself an image of the child that directs you as you begin to relate to a child. This theory within you pushes you to behave in certain ways; it orients you as you talk to the child, listen to the child, observe the child. It is very difficult for you to act contrary to this internal image. For example, if your image is that boys and girls are very different from one another, you will behave differently in your interactions with each of them.

The environment you construct around you and the children also reflects this image you have about the child. There's a difference between the environment that you are able to build based on a preconceived image of the child and the environment that you can build that is based on the child you see in front of you - the relationship you build with the child."

Find more about the Reggio Emilia approach on the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance website: https://www.reggioalliance.org/

Source: "Your Image of the Child: Where Teaching Begins," by Loris Malaguzzi, Exchange magazine, March/April 1994

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