Juniper Days - 8/20/2020
What is a Provocation Table? (Plus Ideas)
In the Reggio Emilia approach, the goal of a provocation table is to literally provoke. The idea is to ignite curiosity, cultivate discussion or inspire investigation.
A provocation is intentional and displayed in an organized and appealing way.
The table is not a part of the lesson plan, however it serves as an inviting option to explore.
Really anything could be placed on a provocation table, the sky is the limit. It could connect to the current project that your children are working on, but it doesn’t have to.
Here are some examples:
★ An interesting bug that the children found outside in a safe enclosure with magnifying glasses
★ Mirrors along with pencils and paper
★ An array of rocks that could be stacked
★ Bowls of various loose parts and a tray in front of them
★ Nuts and Bolts
★ Balls of clay and straws
★ Photos
★ Magnets and a baking tray
★ Trays with a thin layer of sand and letters in a basket
Another way to use the concept of provocations in the classroom is for setting up ideas in the morning before children arrive. A classroom feels exciting when the tables and carpet area have something different already out and ready to dive into, and drop offs tend to go more smoothly if there is something to catch the child’s attention. Even something as simple as a table prepared with chalk and black construction paper is perfect.
Here are some product ideas to include on your next provocation table: