The Hundred Languages of Children Explained Simply
One of the most beautiful ideas in the Reggio Emilia approach is the concept of the Hundred Languages of Children. At first, it may sound poetic but hard to understand. What does it really mean? And how can you apply it in your classroom or at home?
Put simply, the Hundred Languages is about honoring all the different ways children learn, think, and express themselves.
What Does the Hundred Languages of Children Mean?
The phrase comes from a poem by Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. In it, he writes that children have “a hundred languages, a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts, a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking.”
In other words:
Children don’t just communicate through spoken words.
They also express themselves through art, music, movement, construction, pretend play, writing, science, nature exploration — and countless other “languages.”
Each child has unique ways of showing their thinking and creativity, and every one of those ways deserves value and respect.
Why the Hundred Languages Matter
When we only focus on academics or verbal language, we risk overlooking the rich creativity, problem-solving, and understanding children show in other ways. The Hundred Languages reminds us to:
Honor diverse expression – a child building with blocks is showing mathematical thinking, not “just playing.”
Respect individuality – each child’s preferred “languages” are part of who they are.
Encourage creativity – children thrive when offered open-ended tools to explore their ideas.
Expand assessment – documentation helps teachers see learning across many forms, not just on paper.
How to Apply the Hundred Languages in Your Classroom
Here are some practical ways to bring this philosophy to life:
Offer a variety of materials. Clay, blocks, fabric, paints, instruments, loose parts, and natural objects all give children different ways to express ideas.
Observe carefully. Pay attention to how children choose to communicate — through movement, storytelling, drawing, or building.
Value process over product. Ask, “What are they exploring?” rather than, “What did they make?”
Document multiple languages. Capture photos, quotes, videos, and artwork to show children’s thinking in different forms.
Encourage collaboration. Let children combine their “languages” — for example, telling a story with drawings, dramatic play, and construction.
Examples of the Hundred Languages in Action
A child paints swirling colors to describe how the wind feels.
A group builds a tower from recycled boxes, learning balance and teamwork.
Another child tells a story through puppet play, giving voice to their imagination.
Children sing and move together, exploring rhythm, sound, and community.
Each example is a valid and meaningful form of learning — a “language” worth honoring.
Final Thoughts
The Hundred Languages of Children is more than a metaphor. It’s a call to see every child as creative, capable, and full of possibilities. When we provide rich materials, observe carefully, and honor every form of expression, we empower children to learn in ways that feel authentic to them.
Want to go deeper? Our Reggio-Inspired Educator’s Course explores practical ways to honor the Hundred Languages in your classroom — with real examples, strategies, and tools you can use right away.
About the Authors:
Megan Haynes and Priscilla Patti are two highly experienced and qualified early childhood educators who are passionate about teaching in a Reggio-Inspired way. They firmly believe in its transformative power in early childhood education.The authors share firsthand accounts of their experiences utilizing the Reggio Emilia Approach in Fort Collins, Colorado.
