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"I continually use the word 'idea' and talk about its meaning with my group of 18-to-28-month-olds," writes Deb Curtis in her new book, Really Seeing Children. "When I observe them closely, I see that formulating and exploring ideas is central to these very young children’s daily lives. They respond readily to the notion that they have an idea when I say things like, 'You must have an idea about what you want to make happen with the…' 'I see you have an idea you are trying.'

"Children who are verbal have begun to use the word 'idea' in their play as well as at home. I delight when I hear a child say, 'I have an idea' and then proceed to demonstrate a new action. And the children eagerly take up the invitation to see and try out each other’s ideas. In fact, describing one child's idea to another child and inviting them into the discussion often helps dissolve conflict over a coveted toy before it erupts. It seems children are just as interested in each other’s ideas as they are in their own."

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