This class has really challenged me to evaluate
myself and my personal biases. It has also allowed me to open my mind and look
at all things from a different perspective.
I have always loved this poem and I think it really applies for this
class.
The
Hundred Languages of Childhood
The
child
is
made of one hundred.
The
child has
A
hundred languages
A
hundred hands
A
hundred thoughts
A
hundred ways of thinking
Of
playing, of speaking.
A
hundred always a hundred
Ways
of listening of marveling of loving
A
hundred joys
For
singing and understanding
A
hundred worlds
To
discover
A
hundred worlds
To
invent
A
hundred worlds
To
dream
The
child has
A
hundred languages
(and
a hundred hundred hundred more)
But
they steal ninety-nine.
The
school and the culture
Separate
the head from the body.
They
tell the child;
To
think without hands
To do
without head
To
listen and not to speak
To
understand without joy
To
love and to marvel
Only
at Easter and Christmas
They
tell the child:
To
discover the world already there
And
of the hundred
They
steal ninety-nine.
They
tell the child:
That
work and play
Reality
and fantasy
Science
and imagination
Sky
and earth
Reason
and dream
Are
things
That
do not belong together
And
thus they tell the child
That
the hundred is not there
The
child says: NO WAY the hundred is there--
-Loris
Malaguzzi
Founder
of the Reggio Approach
http://www.reggiokids.com/the_hundred_languages_of_children.html
In
reflecting on this poem, I would love to say that I have given every child their
hundred, but I have not. I have learned that
children are innocent and learn what they are told and shown, so show them
patience, kindness, right and wrong, love, and how the world should operate. Create your classroom (and personal life) to
reflect a place of openness – full of diversity of cultures, abilities, ages,
classes, genders, religions etc. Answer
their questions factually and not with what you
believe. Give children the opportunity to think and speak for themselves
but guide them when they veer toward a way that is hurtful or closed.
Thank
you for all of your support and guidance!
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your post. I especially agree with your comment about how children should be given the opportunity to speak and be themselves. Children need to know that they have a voice and that their opinion does matter whether right or wrong and we as the adults are to guide them in the right direction.
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteLove the Rigeo method of education. The poem holds so true. That is why I am a Montessori guide. Education should be a life style and we can all embrace it if we will
Hi Danielle,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I have never read this poem before but you pointed out how impressionable children are. This class has been eye opening for me as well. It has reminded me how influential educators are for children and families.
I loved your poems! The hundred languages of a child is such a true depiction of how children are as learners, thinkers, and creators. I have gained so much from this course. It has made me more aware of how big of an impact I have on the children I teach, as well as the impact the children have on me. We all learn from one another. Great blog!
ReplyDelete