The Image of the Child and My Role as Educator

“An environment that grows out of your relationship with the child is unique and fluid.” Malaguzzi, Your Image of the Child: Where Teaching Begins

As a teacher of young children, I have always marvelled at the way children grow and learn. It is through that wonder and excitement I believe that the role of the teacher is to walk alongside a child as they navigate through life and explore the world around them. The relationship is fluid, the teacher learns from the child and the child learns from the teacher. We help explore undiscovered ideas, to marvel at the new discoveries together by watching and listening and asking questions.

The child is one that is “already tightly connected and linked to a certain reality of the world - she has relationships and experiences. We cannot separate this child from a particular reality.” Malaguzzi, Your Image of the Child: Where Teaching Begins

As an educator we meet the child at their level; honor their views of the world, their excitement, their wonders and curiosities, and create a relationship where risks can be taken and problems solved together. Children have an innate sense to explore and play making discoveries along the way not only by themselves but also with others. Our role as teachers is to help navigate their path of discovery by nudging and nurturing them along. 

Slowly I am transforming the way I view the classroom and the student and my role as teacher. As one who likes to have control, it has been a journey to allow myself to let go, to be patient, to listen carefully and to see how I can uncover the curriculum through the eyes of a child. It is a dance that sometimes I do not know the tune or beat to, but am learning to listen for.


Malaguzzi, Loris. Your Image of the Child: Where Teaching Begins, 1994