With a focus on sustainability and nature, Odyssey Nursery offers an inspiring example of how young children can engage with big ideas through art and creativity
At Odyssey Nursery, creativity and care for the planet go hand in hand.
The nursery was recently recognised internationally by University College London and the Bright Start Foundation for its Inspiring Young Voices for Sustainability project, which showcased how children can meaningfully engage with environmental issues through artistic expression.
Reggio Director Hoda El Naddaf shares how Odyssey’s approach helps young children explore big ideas—like pollution, nature, and responsibility—through joyful play, thoughtful conversations, and hands-on experiences, celebrating their natural curiosity.
Teaching big ideas in small steps
How can you talk to a two or three-year-old about climate change? It starts with the world they know.
“We begin with their everyday experiences and what they already understand,” says Reggio Director Hoda El Naddaf.
“Turning off the tap, caring for the garden, picking up litter—these small acts build a foundation of care and respect.”
Complex topics like pollution or protecting nature are gently woven into play through stories, songs, and art. The focus, Hoda explains, is not on fear but on empowerment.
“We focus on agency – what they can do. Children need to feel they can make a difference.”
Art as a language for the planet
Art, with its open-ended freedom, gives children a powerful voice.
“We use recycled materials to sculpt, paint with leaves, and create nature-inspired murals,” says Hoda.
These projects spark spontaneous conversations and questions—from “Why is the tree brown?” to “What happens to the plastic bottle?”
Creativity isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a gateway to empathy, understanding, and thoughtful action.
Whether they’re planting seeds or sorting recycling, children’s responses are heartfelt.
“They show concern when they hear about sea turtles being harmed by rubbish,” Hoda says.
“But they also express joy in helping—watering plants, composting, and watching things grow. They are natural scientists and carers all at once.”
A nursery that reflects nature
With branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, sustainability at Odyssey is more than a concept—it’s part of the environment itself.
“Our spaces are filled with natural light, wooden furniture, and materials that invite exploration,” says Hoda.
Children play in green spaces, observing insects and engaging in messy play. They grow vegetables and even help decorate classrooms using sticks, leaves, and dried fruits.
It’s a living, breathing approach rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which sees the environment as the ‘third teacher.’
Children learn they are not separate from the world but deeply connected to it.
