During the month of February, the children in Toddler 2 have enjoyed exploring daily provocations. A provocation is something that stirs up or stimulates a response or action. It is built to expand or extend children's own unique ideas and interests. They are constructed and created from deliberate and meaningful observation of children's pursuits.
One of the provocations the children experienced was a car track with an extra level of dimension! This track had a suspended road made from duct tape along with various hot wheels vehicles and wooden pieces for the children to utilize in their play. It was up to each child’s individual thoughts and ideas as to how they could incorporate these materials into their play.
Provocations encourage creativity, design thinking, and independence. In addition, there are no specific learning goals, so children have the freedom to develop their own ideas and foster a sense of ownership.
Children were heard saying phrases such as “Vroom vroom”, “Beep beep” and “I’m driving my car!”.
This activity encouraged the toddlers to use not only their imagination but also their social skills as they engaged in cooperative play with one another. Cooperative play is when children play together with shared goals. This can involve sharing as well as turn taking. The toddlers were observed trading cars as well as interacting with one another as they drove their cars to the intersecting points.
Stay tuned to see what fun provocations Toddler 2 explores next!
