What Is An Idea?

Based on our current abilities to come up with choices of characters, who inspire us at the moment, we put efforts in digging deeper by asking ourselves the following questions.

• How do we know an idea is coming?
• Can our bodies sense it?
• How does it work?
• Where does an idea come from?

With those questions in mind, we pull a book titled “What Do You Do With An Idea?”by Kobi Yamada .

This book beautifully tells a story of a young child who has a small idea - represented as a golden-egg like character with a crown. At first, the child is unsure what to do with it and even feels shy or scared about sharing it with others. But as time passes, the child grows more confident, nurturing the idea and letting it grow. Eventually, the idea takes flight and changes the world. Showing that every great thing starts with an idea. No matter how small or strange it seems at first.

As we unpack our plans for the day, Tvisha and Emily begin to share their ideas. For example, when we ask, “What shall we do when we go to nature later?”. Tvisha responds, “My idea is to go biking” .

Her words remind us of the story What Do You Do With An Idea?. How every idea begins small, yet carries the power to grow and transform our thinking. In this moment, Tvisha’s idea becomes a spark that opens possibilities for others to imagine what else might happen in nature.

Emily listens closely, adding her own thoughts as they build on one another’s imagination. Through this exchange, we witness how our ideas shape shared experiences, giving voice to our curiosity and sense of belonging within the group.

Luka, being attentive to details, adds his point by imagining how an idea can grow bigger and bigger. He makes a clear connection to the illustrations in the book, noticing how the golden, egg-shaped character expands in size as the story unfolds.

Through this observation, Luka helps us see how we make meaning not only through words but also through visual cues. Linking our own thinking to the imagery that represents growth, possibly, and imagination.

We find it natural to say,”I have an idea,” yet it becomes interestingly complex when we try to describe what an idea truly is. In this moment, we decide to pause and sit with our pondering. Letting the question linger in our thoughts.

Soon after it is time to let loose and reconnect through our shared play in the game ”What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?” A joyful reminder that ideas often continue to grow quietly, even as we move, laugh, and play together.

On a sunny afternoon, Anthony and Kalyan play on the floor in our classroom. We watch as they begin to tumble gently together, laughing, rolling, and trying to pin each other's arms. We do not rush to stop them; instead, we move a little closer, alert but calm. They, still grinning, keep playing. 

This time round Dhanika joins in. The play resumes. This time slower, gentler. The laughter grows again, and when we are done, friends flip onto the mat, flushed and happy. 

In this small, active game, we practice so much: 

• reading each other's cues,
• setting and respecting boundaries, 
• managing excitement, 
• and feeling what it means to trust someone else. 

We learn that strength can be kind, and that power can be shared. It is a conversation in motion, a place where bodies and hearts learn together. 

"We'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain" is a rich, playful song that invites creativity, rhythm, movement, and imagination. The round begins, and the room fills with motion. Galloping feet, chugging arms. We laugh as we move, our bodies telling the story with rhythm and delight. 

We pause to brainstorm from time to time. Each new idea becomes a new verse, layered with movement and laughter. Through it all, we practice coordination, creativity, cooperation, and language. With a few open-ended questions and invitation to move, a familiar song becomes a living, evolving story that belongs to everyone. 

We move from an idea to another idea! This time round, a material in our dioramas holds a different meaning for each one of us. Whether it be a stick, a cotton ball or a piece of fabric, it can become something entirely new for each one of us. These shared materials invite unique interpretations, reflecting each child's way of thinking and imagining.

As we work on the top section of our dioramas, we share ideas and add thoughtful details to our creations. Each child experiments with different materials, imagining how each character moves, lives, and interacts in these tiny worlds. Though our work and conversations, we see how ideas grow together, shaped by collaboration, curiosity and creativity.

When working with the top of our dioramas, Emily confidently explains her idea. She tells us how her character the "unicorn" has an emergency light and a sprinkler for fire emergencies. As she acts it out we see how she connects materials to a story with meaning and movement.
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Emily helps us see how ideas take shape  through imagination and careful thought.

​Our friends are deeply engaged as we work on adding characters into our dioramas, creating small worlds that reflect our own imagination. Each friend designs and builds a character that lives in our diorama—some make animals, others create people or imaginary friends. As we build, we share stories about who our characters are and what we like to do, showing how storytelling naturally unfolds through play and art-making.

Tvisha first creates “Batman” but later transforms her character into one of the Paw Patrol pups, showing how our ideas can evolve through play and inspiration.

​Ryan also makes Rocky from Paw Patrol as his character, proudly shaping him with details that match his favorite helper pup. 

Rebecca decides her diorama belongs to a wizard, adding a touch of magic and wonder to her creation.

​Through this process, our storytelling and problem-solving skills shine as we imagine who our characters are and how we live in our tiny worlds.

​We also have so much fun during our parachute game! Together, we count numbers as the parachute floats up and down. When one friend goes under the parachute, everyone take turns predicting who it is. Laughter and excitement fill the room as friends use our voices and observation skills to make our predictions. This playful moment reminds us of how much joy comes from teamwork, listening, and shared anticipation.

Rebecca explores the circular loom with curiosity, gently wrapping the yarn along the hollow edge instead of weaving through the center. By trying a new way, she shows how exploration leads to discovery and creative thinking.

​Ryan proudly counts the boxes we stack together, carefully pointing and counting each one aloud. This simple yet joyful moment shows his growing number sense and confidence in sharing his learning with others.

​Luka shares his car book with great enthusiasm, naming each type of car he recognizes. When he comes across one he is unsure, he simply says, “I don’t know,” and when he is given the name, he repeats it happily and proudly. His curiosity and eagerness to learn new words reflects his growing confidence and joy in discovery.

Kindest,
Children & Friends.