By Margaret Lowenfeld

For generations the use of tactile structured materials has been advocated by eminent psychologists and educators as essential for children’s learning and practice confirms the wisdom of this advice. Dr Margaret Lowenfeld wrote of ‘non-verbal thinking’ and Piaget of ’learning by doing’ and such theories need to be reflected in the opportunities that are provided for children in their early years of schooling. Current developments in school mathematics, however, place an emphasis on number learning and on mental thinking and there is a need to ensure that the curriculum is not distorted so that practical experiences and geometric thinking become neglected. The new technology of video recorders and computer games means that many children have fewer opportunities outside school for practical experimentation with quality materials.