Odyssey Nursery: Exploring the Reggio Emilia approach

We decipher this special approach to learning, where loose parts, sensory stimulation, messy art exploration and role play make up the ethos.

In this article, we’ll explore the top five elements that distinguish Reggio Emilia learning at Odyssey, including the unique materials they use for art and creation, how nature plays a key role as teacher, the ‘100 languages’ concept, documentation and trilingual learning.

Open-ended materials

What are the “open-ended materials” used in the Reggio Emilia approach? Odyssey’s ‘Atelier’ has on display a myriad of materials like blocks, fabric and recyclables, for children to engage in problem-solving and critical thinking. The freedom to experiment with these materials fosters collaboration and communication among their little learners. In the Reggio Emilia approach, open-ended materials such as loose parts, natural items and art supplies offer numerous benefits for young attendees. These versatile resources encourage creativity and imagination, allowing children to explore and manipulate them in multiple ways.

The role of nature

What are the benefits of connecting children to nature? Nature is far more than just an ‘outdoor space’ in this ethos, it’s a powerful teacher in Reggio Emilia learning! This is why there’s an ample amount of it at Odyssey, allowing children to explore planting, messy mud play, picnics and animal care at the chicken coop. Afterall, when children engage with the natural world, they not only gain insights into biology and natural cycles, but they actually learn to take responsibility for their environment.

100 Languages

The “100 Languages” concept in the Reggio Emilia approach highlights the diverse ways children can express themselves beyond just spoken language. It includes drawing, music, dance and dramatic play, and ultimately celebrates the multiple ways children make sense of their world. “Art – is not about drawing or painting – it’s about creating!” is a quote that ties together this unique approach. Let’s look at some of the different modes of communication that Odyssey likes to explore:

Art

“For many of us a finished product made of clay or collage materials is called art. But for Reggio Odyssey nursery, art refers to spontaneous, open ended and often messy explorations with little to no direction from the teacher. We use the word art to describe a lively process of engagement that is reflective, creative and deliberate – one that deepens and extends children’s learning”, Hoda, the Reggio Emilia Director at Odyssey. 

Clay modelling

Creativity is nurtured through long-term projects that are based on young learners’ interests, and at Odyssey they use aromatic, cold, messy clay for this! These projects encourage deep thinking, collaboration and exploration.

Exploring light

Children in Odyssey’s Atelier investigate how light behaves, how shadows are formed or how light interacts with different materials. In this way, they learn to make predictions, test ideas and find solutions to challenges, all of which develop their problem solving and reasoning skills.

The ‘language of light’ in Reggio Emilia is a rich, multifaceted concept that connects science, art and communication, allowing children to engage deeply with the world around them in ways that are both playful and profound. Light is often explored through carefully selected materials like prisms, mirrors, magnifying glasses or coloured filters, which invite students to manipulate and experiment with light in diverse ways.

Light can be used to tell stories or convey deeper meanings. For instance, children might create shadow puppets or explore light and dark contrasts in their artistic work to symbolise themes like good and evil, day and night, or the cycles of nature.

Documentation

The concept of ‘documentation’ is a large part of this learning approach, but what are its benefits? Throughout Reggio Emilia spaces, children’s learning is displayed through photos, videos and written observations, which is something you don’t see in many other approaches. This aids in reflective practice, guiding educators in assessing and planning based on real-time insights. Families get to celebrate their child’s achievements, making it a collaborative and informed educational journey.

Trilingual learning

Trilingual learning in the Reggio Emilia approach boosts cognitive flexibility, helping children think adaptively and solve problems more effectively. It also enriches cultural awareness and empathy by exposing them to diverse perspectives. Children are exposed to English, French and Arabic through native speakers from each culture, which aligns with Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on diverse forms of expression and understanding.

Odyssey Nursery and your child

Reach out to Odyssey, Dubai’s premier Reggio-inspired nursery, with twelve locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Their nature inspired philosophy, which originated in Italy by Loris Malaguzzi, views children as “good citizens, with real life practical skills, who can adapt to any job and situation,” which is a vital character trait to have in today’s world. Enrolments are open for term 2, and spaces run out quickly!

Visit https://www.odysseynursery.com/book-a-tour to book a tour or call 800-REGGIO for more information.

Image Credit: Odyssey Nursery