Provocation

Provocation, coming from the verb to provoke, meaning to stir up, arouse or call forth feelings, desires, or activity; to incite or stimulate to action; to give rise to, induce, or bring about.  When we intentionally prepare invitations for children we should ask ourselves, what could possibly result from such enticements?

It is here, in the children’s response to the provocations that we begin to gauge their thoughts, theories and understanding. It is here that we formulate questions and negotiate learning.

An invitation to explore leaves becomes much more when it is presented in this context!

I think of a provocation as a beautifully set dinner table. Consider how you feel when you walk into a dining room illuminated by soft candles, with a table dressed in fine china and a beautiful center piece.

The same can be said for thoughtful provocations.

We seek to lure the children to explore so we must be mindful, creative and fresh in our enticements.

This requires teachers to be constant researchers and "seekers".