We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: B.322-2012
Find out about our images

Not currently on display at the V&A

The First Year, Part One: Pre-Number Mathematics

Textbook
1964 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This pupil workbook accompanies the Colour-Factor Set of wooden blocks used for teaching mathematics. This method was devised by Seton Pollock to develop 'number-sense' in young children without burdening them with abstract concepts. Instead, they learn by manipulating a range of brightly coloured blocks into patterns and sequences.
H. A. Thompson wrote a range of books for pupils and teachers, expanding the Colour-Factor method and providing models for activities. This book, with its brightly coloured illustrations, simple instructions and large typeface, was intended to guide pupils through increasingly complex operations.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe First Year, Part One: Pre-Number Mathematics (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Paper, printed and cloth bound.
Brief description
Book for pupils using Colour-Factor Set, by H. A Thompson, Heinemann, London, 1964
Physical description
Cloth covered paperback textbook, of 62 pages. The cover, designed by John Wyatt, is mostly grey and black, with a geometric design in pink, red and white to represent the wooden blocks of the Colour-Factor set. The text throughout is large and written in a direct mode of address to the pupil. Diagrams in the book are printed in colour and are the same size as the wooden blocks, allowing the printed page to be used as a template.
The instructions in the book direct the child to match wooden blocks to outlines on the page, or to experiment with finding patterns. It introduces mathematical vocabulary such as 'plus' and 'equals' to describe the reationships between coloured blocks. Towards the end of the book, children are encouraged to internalise the operations: 'Think of a block of any colour. Can you think of some patterns for this block?'.
Dimensions
  • Height: 26cm
  • Width: 21.5cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Mark and Julie Miller
Object history
Used by the donor's daughter with the Colour-Factor set. Originally cost 5 shillings.
Summary
This pupil workbook accompanies the Colour-Factor Set of wooden blocks used for teaching mathematics. This method was devised by Seton Pollock to develop 'number-sense' in young children without burdening them with abstract concepts. Instead, they learn by manipulating a range of brightly coloured blocks into patterns and sequences.
H. A. Thompson wrote a range of books for pupils and teachers, expanding the Colour-Factor method and providing models for activities. This book, with its brightly coloured illustrations, simple instructions and large typeface, was intended to guide pupils through increasingly complex operations.
Other numbers
  • B.319-2012
  • B.320-2012
  • B.321-2012
  • B.323-2012
Collection
Accession number
B.322-2012

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdOctober 19, 2012
Record URL
Download as: JSON