A Provocation

A Provocation

[an inquiry or exploration activity]

ASK yourself the questions;

"What are they wondering about?"

"What are their interests?"

Where to begin?

They may ask you DIRECTLY 

"What do tigers eat?"

They may SHOW interest or make a comment about their interest.

"I saw a tiger at the zoo on Saturday."

You may NOTICE them doing something intently, like acting the role or incorporating it in their play.

Here...is your opportunity to provide an opportunity which will engage their interests.

Now What?

*Get a feel for what they already know 

[individually or small group discussions]

*Document what they know, what questions they are asking, what things they may be debating about [any misconceptions].

Begin planning an activity based purely on 

your observations & their interests.

What type of activity will you 

present them with?

1. Observation Inquiry [ie. Watching ants]

2. Sensory Activity using their five senses [ie.Hands on,scented]

3. Exploring new materials [ie. Exploration of natural materials]

4. Self-Discovery Activity [ie. Researching, natural walk]

Now...you may begin gathering the materials you would like to incorporate. Connect it with their interests and your earlier observations. 

"You were asking about tigers yesterday and what they ate. I found a great place to do some research."

LISTEN to what they say 

NOTICE what they are doing during the activity

These are all clues that will help you to build up your activity.

 Try to include natural material pieces within all of your activities. Natural materials will allow free exploration of all senses and be more engaging than a closed ended plastic toy.

When you display the activity think about...

...Is it inviting?

..Is it organized allowing free exploration & visual stimulation?

...Does it make you want to play?

Frame your work space.

You can use a mat or a tray. 

This will draw the attention of the children who are interested.  

You can use: 

-Cloth Mats

-Hard surfaces for building

-Mirrors

-Cork boards

-Blackboards/whiteboards

-Picture frames

-Flat Trays

Organize and group your materials using containers such as; cans, jars, sectioned trays and baskets.

Using Mirrors...

Mirrors give perspective.

-3-Dimensional Viewing of building structures

-Reflections

-Opens up a space/Attractive

Here are a few area I tried myself below. 

[More pictures to come this week]

Through observation, you will know if your provocation is successful; if the children of interest approach it willingly.

 You may continue to ask questions, change materials and continue expanding. [If children remain interested] Your ideas may also influence the children to head in another direction. 

Continue to LISTEN, NOTICE & TRY. 

Also, one important thing that I have learned over the last three years is to be PATIENT. 

Enjoy every teachable moment!