The concept of a play provocation is taken from the Reggio Emilia approach, and is an important practice for a teacher in any kind of play-based program. Chances are you're implementing Play Provocations whether or not you realize it.

A provocation is an open-ended play scenario, picture, or experience set up by an adult to spark creativity, thinking, flexibility, and planning in children. Provocations are also sometimes called Play Invitations, because the goal is to invite children to explore. To set up a provocation, a teacher will set out a variety of materials and then observe how children interact with them. It is a practice that is a good balance between teacher-led and child-led.

If you're just dipping your toes into setting up provocations you can start simple by setting out a table with blocks and cars or blocks and dinosaurs and see how your children play with them. From there, maybe you add in pom poms, egg shakers, corks, or stacking cups.

There are hundreds of ideas for play provocations on Pinterest and entire Facebook groups dedicated to the practice. You can search there for inspiration, but ultimately you might just want to start by looking at what's on your shelves and in your closets.