Loris Malaguzzi and the Educational Project of Reggio Emilia, Italy

Loris Malaguzzi was an imaginative, inspired thinker with a pedagogical vision that became the foundational philosophy of the infant/toddler centers and preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. With influence from artists, philosophers, neuroscientists, anthropologists, psychologists, historians, and many others across countless disciplines, Malaguzzi envisioned an education for the youngest children that emphasized relationships, research, group learning, communication, and transdisciplinary experiences. Among Malaguzzi’s strengths as an innovative educator was his noted openness to new thoughts and new ideas throughout his life. Since it began in 1963, the educational project in Reggio Emilia has become renowned around the world for its complex understanding of learning and for its unique approach to teaching. Malaguzzi’s contributions to pedagogy and educational philosophy continue to inspire educators from around the world, as do the schools of Reggio Emilia.