If you have a toddler or preschooler in your life, you’ve undoubtedly heard their common refrain, “Play with me.” Over and over. And there is every reason to join them in play as often as you're able. However, teaching children to engage with play on their own and in their own way, is one of the most valuable skills they can develop to become adults who are able to self-start and work through problems creatively.
One approach that supports this mighty endeavor is a methodology used in early childhood education, especially in the Reggio Emilia learning space, called invitations to play or provocations. This method offers children carefully arranged materials that invite them to explore, think creatively, and play freely, with no set rules or structured outcomes. The result; imagination is unleashed encouraging children to experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. Through interacting with these provocations, kids make their own decisions and act with independence, igniting curiosity, a sense of wonder, excitement, and a love for discovery.
In this blog, we will look at the overarching what and why of play invitations and then show how simple and fun it is to create these moments of play in your own home.
What is an Invitation to Play?
An invitation to play is a thoughtful setup of open-ended materials arranged in a way that sparks a child’s interest. It encourages children to explore these materials on their own terms, using their imagination to drive the direction of their play. The focus is on the experience itself, rather than achieving a specific goal, allowing children to expand their thinking and creativity without boundaries. The simplicity of the invitation opens up new directions for play, whether that be through nature-inspired objects, toys, or household items.
Some examples are a sensory bin filled with acorn caps and pine cones to celebrate the fall season with a magnifying glass next to it and various forest animal figures such as a squirrel and deer to create play set ups. Or setting out a variety of empty metal cans and loose metal parts like nuts and bolts along side a children's book about robots.
Why Are Invitations to Play Important?
Invitations to play put children in control of their learning, empowering them to make their own decisions and follow their curiosity. This type of play builds independence, encourages problem-solving, and nurtures self-confidence. With little adult direction, children experience a sense of autonomy and ownership over their play, which not only enhances creativity but also fosters a love of learning.
When children are given the freedom to explore open-ended materials, they develop vital cognitive and social skills such as goal-setting, negotiation, and creativity. The process of trial and error—making choices, exploring new possibilities, and even making mistakes—encourages them to build resilience and critical thinking skills.
Elements of an Invitation to Play
To create an effective invitation to play, consider the following three elements:
Open-Ended Activities:
Invitations to play or provocations typically include loose parts or items that can be used in multiple ways, such as shells, stones, or wooden blocks. These objects invite a range of activities—counting, sorting, building, encouraging kids to use them in art or imaginary play.
Inspiration: Arrange seashells of different shapes and sizes with small kitchen tongs and bowls to encourage sorting by color, size, or texture.
Well-Arranged Materials:
To invite curiosity, materials should be neatly arranged in an inviting space—on a tray, table, or a designated zone. The setup should be visually appealing and accessible, allowing children to explore with little explanation.
Inspiration: Set up a tray with sand, twigs, leaves, and toy trucks to invite sensory play and imaginative exploration.
Little Adult Direction:
The beauty of an invitation to play is that it doesn’t require much instruction. It’s an invitation for children to explore on their own terms. You provide the setup, and the child takes the lead, deciding how they want to engage with the materials.
Inspiration: After setting out the materials, simply step back and watch how your child interacts. Offer guidance only when needed, but let their imagination take the lead. After they have reached a natural conclusion, ask them to tell you the story of their play.
Getting Started: How to Create Invitations to Play at Home
Creating invitations to play doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Start by observing your child’s interests and curiosities. Do they love animals? Nature? Building things? Use this knowledge to select a few key materials that will pique their interest. Remember, you don’t need a lot—sometimes, less is more when it comes to sparking creativity.
- Keep it simple: A few well-chosen items are enough to inspire play. For example, wooden blocks, fabric scraps, or natural items like pinecones can serve as the foundation for a whole afternoon of imaginative play.
- Use everyday materials: Items from around the house—like paper towel rolls, buttons, or kitchen utensils—can become exciting new tools for play. Encourage your child to think outside the box and explore different ways to use familiar objects.
- Engage the senses: Sensory play is a great way to encourage exploration. Think about how you can incorporate different textures, sounds, and colors into your invitations to play.
The most amazing part of creating provocations for children is that often what you think is going to happen when you create an invitation of play doesn't always align with what the children envision in the same setting and most often children's ideas are way more creative than what adults can imagine! What an absolute delight! Creating learning invitations or provocations for children often feels like sharing a gift. They receive the materials with delight, bringing their own creativity and perspectives, which in turn becomes a gift back to you.
Whether indoors or outside, invitations to play can transform everyday objects and moments into meaningful opportunities for discovery and imagination. Start small, observe your child, and let their natural curiosity guide the way. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with!
Leave a comment