ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the stages by which the human infant enters his full relationship with the material world can be traced fairly clearly. The things we make or buy are governed by the nature and the amount of the materials available on this earth, but inside these limits man can create his environment, his cups and chairs and playgrounds and towns, to the shape and form he desires. This concept of maturation or ripeness is one of immense educational significance, but its implications have hardly affected our teaching because where research has been done on our specific problems it is not readily available. The maturation is a recognized phenomenon in physical growth, and can be contrasted with that type of growth which is the result of exercise or training. The change of vision which takes place in early adolescence has been discussed at length in books on education.
