In a Reggio Emilia preschool, recognizing that children are natural communicators is an important pillar.

March 18, 2026

Principles of Reggio Emilia: Children Are Natural Communicators

Little Sunshine's Playhouse Early Childhood Education Emotional and Social Development Reggio Emilia Approach

By Stephanie Rino, Director of Curriculum and Learning

From the moment they enter the world, children are communicating. Even before strong verbal language develops, children are constantly expressing ideas, feelings, and discoveries. Communication is one of the most natural parts of early childhood.

In a Reggio Emilia preschool, this understanding forms an essential foundation of learning. The philosophy recognizes that children are not passive learners waiting to be taught. They are active thinkers who are already sharing their ideas in many different ways.

At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, embracing this principle helps create classrooms where children feel heard, valued, and confident sharing their thoughts with the world around them. Our goal is for this feeling to follow them for all of the life that’s to come.

As the Director of Curriculum and Learning at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, I see this principle come to life in our classrooms every day. When we truly recognize children as communicators, we begin to notice the incredible depth of thought, creativity, and curiosity they are already sharing with us.

What Does It Mean That Children Are Natural Communicators?

In many traditional educational settings, communication is often associated mainly with speech and vocabulary development.

But the Reggio Emilia approach invites us to think much more broadly about how children express themselves.

Children communicate through:

  • Drawing
  • Building
  • Movement
  • Music
  • Dramatic play
  • Facial expressions
  • Storytelling
  • Sculpting with materials
  • Collaboration with peers

In Reggio Emilia approach preschools, these forms of expression are recognized as meaningful communication.

For example, a painting filled with bold shapes and colors might reflect emotions or observations that are difficult to describe in words. Read our blog here about what your child’s drawings mean! Even a child quietly watching others is absorbing information and forming ideas.

In a thoughtfully designed Reggio Emilia preschool environment, educators understand that communication is happening constantly, even when children are not speaking.

When adults slow down and observe closely, they often discover complex thinking, creativity, and curiosity unfolding right in front of them.

The “Hundred Languages of Children”

One of the most well-known ideas within the Reggio Emilia philosophy is the concept of the hundred languages of children. This poetic phrase reflects the belief that children have many ways to express their ideas and make sense of the world.

Rather than limiting learning to traditional academic skills, Reggio Emilia approach preschools intentionally provide children with opportunities to explore a wide range of expressive mediums, such as:

  • Art and painting
  • Clay and sculpture
  • Music and rhythm
  • Building and engineering
  • Storytelling and dramatic play
  • Nature exploration
  • Sensory experiences

Each of these becomes a “language” children can use to communicate their ideas.

For example, imagine a group of children fascinated by birds they’ve spotted outside during outdoor play. In a Reggio Emilia preschool, this curiosity might grow into a deeper investigation. Children may:

  • Draw birds and their habitats
  • Build nests using twigs and natural materials
  • Act out birds gathering food
  • Ask questions about migration and seasons

Through these experiences, children are not simply playing. Our teachers at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse are specially trained to recognize these early languages of children. By truly listening, we are able to guide children more effectively into learning.

As I support our educators across Little Sunshine’s Playhouse schools, I am continually inspired by how children use these “hundred languages” to share their thinking. When teachers recognize and nurture these expressions, learning becomes deeper, more meaningful, and truly driven by children’s curiosity.

The Role of Teachers: Listening With Intention

If children are natural communicators, then educators have an important responsibility: to truly listen.

In Reggio Emilia approach preschools, teachers view themselves as partners in learning rather than simply instructors delivering information. Listening goes beyond hearing children’s words. It involves observing their play, noticing their interests, and recognizing the ideas they express through actions and creativity.

Teachers might notice:

  • The patterns a child repeatedly draws
  • The materials children choose during free exploration
  • The stories that emerge during dramatic play
  • The questions children ask about the world around them

In a high-quality Reggio Emilia preschool, these observations help guide meaningful learning experiences.

For example, if children become fascinated with insects they discover outside, teachers may introduce magnifying glasses, books about bugs, drawing materials, and outdoor exploration opportunities. What begins as a moment of curiosity can grow into a rich learning experience inspired by the children themselves.

This approach sends a powerful message to children: their ideas matter.

In my role overseeing curriculum and learning, one of my greatest priorities is helping our teachers develop the skill of listening with intention. When educators truly observe and respond to children’s ideas, classrooms transform into places where curiosity leads the way.

Why Communication Matters in Early Childhood

Encouraging children to express themselves has benefits that extend far beyond early childhood classrooms.

In both Reggio Emilia approach preschools and supportive home environments, children who are encouraged to communicate develop important lifelong skills.

These include:

  • Language and vocabulary development
  • Creative thinking
  • Confidence in sharing ideas
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Social and emotional awareness
  • Collaboration with others

When children feel safe expressing their thoughts, they become more engaged learners. They begin asking deeper questions, exploring new ideas, and building meaningful relationships with peers.

This focus on communication is one reason many families seek out a Reggio Emilia preschool, where children’s voices and ideas are valued as an important part of the learning process.

Encouraging Communication at Home

Families can support children as communicators in simple, meaningful ways at home. You don’t need special tools or elaborate activities. Often, the most powerful support comes from simply making space for children’s ideas.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of questions with simple yes-or-no answers, try asking:

  • “Tell me about what you’re building.”
  • “What do you think will happen next?”
  • “How did you choose those colors?”

Questions like these invite children to share their thinking.

Provide Creative Materials

Simple materials like paper, crayons, blocks, clay, or recycled items allow children to express themselves through different mediums, something strongly encouraged in Reggio Emilia approach preschools.

Observe Play

Children often communicate through play. Watching what captures their attention can offer insight into their interests and ideas.

Listen With Curiosity

Children are more likely to communicate openly when they feel truly heard. Even small moments during everyday routines can become opportunities for meaningful conversation.

A Classroom Full of Voices

Step inside a Reggio Emilia preschool, and you may notice something special.

Children are discussing ideas with one another. They are drawing, building, experimenting, and asking thoughtful questions. Their artwork and projects are often displayed alongside documentation of the learning process, showing the ideas behind their creations.

In Reggio Emilia approach preschools, communication isn’t limited to answering questions correctly or speaking during circle time. Instead, classrooms become vibrant environments where children share ideas through art, conversation, exploration, and collaboration.

Sometimes, all it takes is one adult who pauses, listens closely, and says: “Tell me more.”

 

Keep reading about the seven principles of Reggio Emilia! We’ll be posting the following four shortly!