Features

Spatial reasoning part 1: Using the outdoors to develop this essential skill

In the first of this four-part series, Professor Emily Farran, Catherine Gripton, Sue Gifford and Alison Borthwick consider the spatial possibilities of outdoor play
Understanding how objects, including ourselves, move and interact with the physical space around us. PHOTO: Guzelian

Are you good at finding your way around? Can you visualise how to turn a box so that it will fit through the doorway? How do you approach packing a bag, a lunch box or stacking the dishwasher?

All of these activities demonstrate spatial reasoning: the ability to understand how objects (including ourselves) move and interact in the physical space around us. Spatial abilities include noticing the size and location of objects and the ability to visualise objects and places in your head.

Spatial reasoning is happening all the time, in everyday activities in and outside the early years setting, often without us noticing. Children are using spatial reasoning when they hide objects in the sand, find a place to sit on the carpet and when they build a tower during block play.

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