Direct, purposeful experiences are our first-hand sensory experiences that form the foundation of learning. We construct ideas, concepts and generalizations from what our senses experience in the world. To teach effectively, we should give students opportunities to learn by doing and experiencing real things, develop their senses, and guide them to draw meaning and think abstractly beyond just the concrete. Our lack of understanding comes from a lack of attention, which stems from failing to fully use our senses in direct experiences.