ERIC Number: EJ1188468
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-726X
EISSN: N/A
Hundred Languages of Deaf Children: Exploring the Reggio Emilia Approach in Deaf Education
Mitchiner, Julie; Batamula, Christi; Kite, Bobbie Jo
American Annals of the Deaf, v163 n3 p294-327 2018
The study investigated the "hundred languages of Deaf children" (Malaguzzi, 1993) in two schools using the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, which originated in Italy. One principle of this approach, "the hundred languages of children," supports young children in expressing their ideas and thoughts in different ways. The hundred languages include expression through written, spoken, and signed languages, among many other means, and children are empowered to express themselves using these multiple channels. The researchers employed ethnographic study methods: Multiple early childhood classrooms were observed, and focus groups were conducted with school leaders, teachers, and families. The study findings are valuable in that they provide a better understanding of why both schools chose the Reggio Emilia approach with Deaf children and how both schools used it. Both schools regarded Deaf children as capable learners and expected much of them.
Descriptors: Reggio Emilia Approach, Deafness, Early Childhood Education, Communication Strategies, Written Language, Oral Language, Total Communication, Environmental Influences, Family Role, Language Usage, Special Schools, American Sign Language, Bilingualism, Teacher Attitudes, Family Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A