For much of history, education was built on a narrow belief: that children could only succeed through words. Reading, writing, and reciting were seen as the gold standards of intelligence, while children who expressed themselves differently were often overlooked. This one-dimensional view left many children feeling that their voices didn’t matter, limiting their creativity and imagination.

Today, research in neuroscience and education shows that children express and process knowledge in countless ways. This is the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach, which recognises that children are born with 100 Languages. They communicate not only through words, but also through painting, clay, music, dance, construction, shadow play, digital media, storytelling, role play, and more. Each is a valid, powerful language that reveals how they think, feel, and understand the world.

“At Odyssey, we believe every child has a voice, a story, and a path,” says Janet Ghanem, Director of Odyssey Nurseries in Dubai. “The Reggio Emilia approach recognises that every child has a hundred ways of speaking and a hundred ways to ask, to learn, to explore, and to shine.”

Learning Beyond Words

At Odyssey Nursery, the Reggio Emilia approach is embedded in everyday learning. Odyssey is a Reggio Emilia-inspired early years centre in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, developed by Kids First Group, and serves children aged 3 months to 6 years. With a trilingual programme in English, Arabic, and French, the nursery offers a holistic, project-based learning experience rooted in nature, creativity, and community.

Children explore ideas through materials, light, sound, and nature, not only through books or worksheets. They sculpt emotions in clay, build towers to explore balance, tell stories through puppetry, choreograph dances, and create music from recycled objects.

To ensure the approach remains authentic, responsive, and future-ready, Odyssey regularly hosts educator training sessions led by Reggio Emilia experts from Italy, reinforcing the depth and integrity of the philosophy in every classroom.

This approach is especially beneficial for children with speech challenges or for those new to Dubai who are still learning English, providing alternative ways to express themselves, engage, and build confidence.

The Atelier: Where Voices Multiply

At the heart of each Odyssey campus is the Atelier, a creative workshop filled with recycled and natural materials. Here, children experiment with materials, develop problem-solving skills, collaborate with peers, and express complex ideas in multiple forms, from sculpting emotions to storytelling with shadows.

By exploring freely, children strengthen creativity, curiosity, and communication skills that extend far beyond words.

Families as Partners

In the Reggio Emilia approach, learning extends beyond the classroom. Parents participate in projects and view documentation of children’s discoveries, showing children that their thoughts, questions, and creations matter. This reinforces self-confidence, encourages reflection, and nurtures a sense of ownership and pride, motivating children to continue exploring and experimenting.

A Multicultural Learning Landscape

In Dubai, where children come from dozens of nationalities and speak many languages, the Reggio Emilia approach is especially powerful. It celebrates cultural diversity, allowing children to share their heritage and ideas in ways that go beyond translation. Through art, music, storytelling, and movement, children connect across differences, building empathy and understanding in a truly global city.

Building a More Inclusive Future

Where traditional systems limited children to a single form of expression, the Reggio Emilia approach ensures every child is heard. By recognising the 100 Languages, education develops problem-solving, collaboration, communication, creativity, and adaptability, skills essential not only in school but also in future careers where innovation and teamwork are key.

To get in touch, call 800-REGGIO, send a WhatsApp message to 052 347 2059, or visit www.odysseynursery.com for more information.