Poleidoblocs

Dr Margaret Lowenfeld invented Poleidoblocs in the 1950s as a way of portraying basic mathematical relationships in a medium attractive to children. Poleidoblocs are designed for children to gain sensual and visual images of the mathematics behind them. They are widely used in schools.

Poleidoblocs consist of 54 coloured blocks shaped as cubes, cuboids, cylinders, triangular prisms, cones and pyramids. They are made of wood and come in four colours, red, blue, yellow and green. More info.

Young children use their senses to investigate the balance and relationship between the shapes, and in their free play they construct aesthetically pleasing complex structures with a sense of proportion and balance. The child can compare lengths, areas and volume by eye and by fitting together, as they build a structure that is intrinsically satisfying.

Dr Margaret Lowenfeld was aware of the key role of play in children’s learning, and how the development of mathematical ideas arise from real practical activities. Play enables children to go on to investigate the abstract mathematics underlying the structure. As this learning arises out of their own sensorial experience, they acquire a basic self-confidence that informs their subsequent learning.

To acquire a set of Poleidoblocs, contact BEAM Education or visit their website at www.beam.co.uk

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