6
. .. to use educational
tools in developmentally
appropriate ways to
deepen understanding.
A primary child cutting out geometric
shapes with a pair of scissors and a middle
school child exploring three-dimensional
models on the computer are both involved
in manipulating educational tools. There is
a movement in learning from the concrete
to the abstract, including the body as well
as the mind. When this happens, a deeper
understanding is possible, an understanding
that is more permanent.
“Someday, in the distant future, our
grandchildren’s grandchildren will develop
a new equivalent of our classrooms.
They will spend many hours in front of boxes
with fires glowing within. May they have the
wisdom to know the difference between
light and knowledge.”
—Plato
“He that would perfect his work must first
sharpen his tools.”
—Confucius