In this video I’m sharing simple, easy-to-set-up provocations I put out for my boys to spark interest and inspire play and learning first thing in the morning. I follow an adapted, Reggio-inspired approach (I call it “Reggio At Home”) because the full Reggio Emilia approach can only truly be carried out in the Reggio Emilia preschools in Italy. These invitations are all about calm routines, open-ended materials, and giving children a clear starting point—while also giving me a little bit of breathing space in the morning because I know they’ll be engaged straight away. I filmed these provocations over about a week, and I don’t set up fresh ones every single morning. Usually they’re out for around two-ish hours; if the children stop engaging, I’ll put them away and either reuse them another day or switch things up. You’ll see ideas like a quick craft/sticking station (card, glue sticks, bottle caps, buttons, sequins, paper scraps), simple puzzles (rocket/whale), Duplo with a few pieces pre-started, sensory rice with a sieve/funnel/glass stones, and super-child-led favourites like masking tape, bean bags, kinetic sand with glass beads and shapes, Magna-Tiles with vehicles, and even just paper scraps with a stapler. The big takeaway is that “simple” really works—especially when it’s set up with intention and your child’s interests in mind.