What did you learn about “provocations” from the announcement? How do you think differently about setting up the classroom environment after learning about “provocations”?
Insert a photo of a “provocation” you found online or have set up for children before. *Be sure to cite where you found the photo in your post.
Describe what observation of a child (or children) you might have had that prompted you to offer this provocation. Also describe why you think it is inviting for young children, thought provoking, and how children could engage with it using multiple senses?
Let’s talk about Provocations!
Loris Malaguzzi (founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach to ECE) used the term “provocation” to describe his approach to offering learning materials for young children.
His foundational environmental beliefs highlighted the importance of:
Ample light, fresh air, and aesthetics as a focus
The physical space reflects your “image of the child” (competent, capable, full of potential)
Attention to all areas of the classroom is important
Changing your space (based on observation of children in the space) is an ongoing
and evolving process
How the environment is set up should be viewed as the “third teacher”.
What is a provocation?
In Reggio Emilia, a “provocation” is the intentional placement of materials, and arrangement of space, to intellectually challenge and fully engage children in the classroom.
Provocations are typically…
Aesthetically appealing/Inviting
Thought-provoking
Based on observation of a child or children (i.e. based on their interest)
Provide opportunities to learn using multiple senses
Invitations for open-ended play…not pre-determined ways of using the materials
Teachers may have a research question in mind when they provide a provocation. (i.e. Based on child Z’s interest in dinosaurs, what would happen if I added a dinosaur writing provocation in the writing center? Would child Z use the writing tools or engage in another type of play?)
Where can provocations be?…Everywhere!
-tables
-area shelves
-block area floor -pretend play area -outdoor environment
(This list can not be exhausted-The entire environment can be provoking and inspiring)
Intentional materials can help children take new perspective…create a sense of wonder
Provocations can encourage and inspire more complex play
Thinking beyond typical classroom materials can provoke curiosity and deeper thinking within the exploration
The big idea presented here…
It is a teacher’s responsibility to intentionally provoke wonder, curiosity, and intellectual challenge in the classroom environment.