Reggio Emilia-Inspired Learning: Nurturing Curiosity, Creativity, and Character
by on 11/03/2026 ...
When you picture a preschool classroom, you might imagine children sitting in rows, memorising letters or copying from worksheets. But in one small town in Italy, a very different philosophy emerged after World War II, one that changed early childhood education around the world. This is the Reggio Emilia approach, a way of teaching that sees children not as passive learners, but as curious, capable individuals ready to discover the world in their own way.
Today, Reggio Emilia has inspired schools across the globe, including in Malaysia. While few can claim to follow it in its purest form, many preschools, like Odyssey The Global Preschool, proudly identify as Reggio Emilia-inspired. What does that mean, and why does it matter for your child’s growth?
The Heart of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy
This approach redefined education by seeing children not as empty vessels to be filled with facts, but as active participants in their own learning journey. The philosophy rests on several key ideas:
- Children are competent and capable – They are naturally curious and able to construct their own knowledge.
- Learning is a journey of discovery – Exploration, questioning, and experimentation matter more than memorising answers.
- Relationships are central – Children learn best in collaboration with teachers, peers, families, and their environment.
“Reggio Emilia is about equipping children for the 21st century. Change will never stop, and this approach teaches children to adapt to an ever-evolving environment,” shares Ms. Dora Yusiska, principal of Odyssey The Global Preschool.
The Three Teachers
A hallmark of Reggio Emilia is the concept of the three teachers:
- The classroom teacher – not a lecturer, but a facilitator who guides and provokes curiosity.
- The child – a learner with agency, whose voice, questions, and discoveries matter.
- The environment – the classroom, materials, and surroundings, which are designed intentionally to inspire learning.
“The way we set up our environment is very intentional. Every corner, every display has a purpose; to enhance curiosity and enrich learning,” says Ms. Dora.
In practice, this means that a classroom is not just four walls and desks. It is a living space filled with textures, colours, objects, and opportunities to explore, where children learn through interaction with everything around them.
The Environment as the “Third Teacher”
In Reggio Emilia, the environment is not just a backdrop, it actively shapes learning. A thoughtfully designed classroom encourages children to experiment, observe, and reflect.
At Odyssey, for example, classrooms are carefully arranged to provoke questions. Children may collect leaves, stones, or shells during nature walks, then return to create art or conduct science experiments with them. Even urban environments from buildings, traffic, or markets become part of the learning journey.
“Children learn from the environment. Our role is to help them adapt. Technology, for example, is part of today’s world. We integrate IT responsibly, not as screen time, but as a skill children need for the future,” explains Ms. Dora.
Learning Through Curiosity and Exploration
Traditional classrooms often provide answers first, expecting children to memorise them. Reggio Emilia flips this process, so, children are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and draw conclusions before teachers step in with explanations.
Take the concept of sinking and floating. Instead of being told “heavy objects sink,” children collect items, test them in water, and debate why some float while others sink. One child might say, “This one is big, so it will sink.” Another may observe, “It’s big, but it’s full of air, so it floats,” This way, along with science, they learn to think critically, hypothesise, and reason.
Building Character Alongside Knowledge
A Reggio Emilia–inspired education goes far beyond academics. It develops qualities that last a lifetime:
- Curiosity as a mindset – Children form the habit of asking questions and exploring possibilities.
- Confidence through respect – Teachers value children’s voices, creating self-assured learners.
- Emotional resilience – Spaces like mindfulness corners help children regulate feelings and build coping strategies.
- Collaboration and empathy – Group projects teach children to listen, negotiate, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
“Confidence cannot be taught—it can only be caught. When children are respected consistently, they naturally grow more confident and inquisitive,” says Ms. Dora.
Why Pure Reggio Emilia is Rare in Malaysia
While the philosophy is admired, applying it fully outside of Italy is complex. Local education systems, parental expectations, and cultural norms often shape how it is interpreted.
That’s why preschools like Odyssey describe themselves as Reggio Emilia–inspired. They uphold the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and respect for children while adapting to the Malaysian and Asian context. For instance, Odyssey integrates Mandarin immersion into its programme, reflecting the linguistic needs of families here, while still embracing Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on child-led learning.
Odyssey as a Reggio Emilia–Inspired Role Model
As part of the Busy Bees group, Odyssey The Global Preschool brings the Reggio Emilia philosophy to Malaysia, reimagining global best practices for local families. Its Mont Kiara centre offers learning spaces where curiosity thrives – indoors and outdoors – through projects, storytelling, and hands-on discoveries. Mandarin is woven naturally alongside English and Bahasa Malaysia, preparing children for a multilingual future.
Central to this approach is Odyssey’s commitment to its teachers. Since few arrive with Reggio Emilia experience, Odyssey trains passionate early childhood educators to shift from being authority figures to facilitators. Instead of giving ready answers, teachers provoke curiosity, ask questions, and engage in meaningful two-way conversations. For example, a teacher might say, “You may sit on the floor if you wish, but it feels cold. What do you think?” a simple exchange that empowers children to reason, negotiate, and make thoughtful choices.
Equally important is role-modelling. Odyssey’s teachers know children absorb behaviours as much as lessons, so they consciously demonstrate respect, patience, and inquisitiveness. “Confidence cannot be taught, but it can be caught,” notes Ms. Dora. By embodying the values they nurture, teachers inspire children to grow into confident, thoughtful learners, an impact that lasts long beyond preschool.
“We always try to give the best experience in life to children, even if it’s just for a few years. But we want to impact their lives in a way they will carry forever,” Ms. Dora reflects.
Preparing Children for a Changing World
As parents, the preschool years are our chance to plant seeds that will grow for a lifetime. Reggio Emilia reminds us that education is not about conformity, but about nurturing curiosity, creativity, and an independent character.
“Reggio Emilia is about bringing up a generation that questions, thinks critically, and knows how to decide for themselves. These are survival skills for the future,” says Ms. Dora.
In Malaysia, preschools like Odyssey The Global Preschool give families a glimpse into how powerful this philosophy can be and it’s long-term impact on children.
Discover more about Reggio Emilia–inspired learning at Odyssey, and see how curiosity can shape your child’s future.
