Nursery World articles explaining different aspects of spatial reasoning and how to develop these in early years settings:
Spatial reasoning part 1: Using the outdoors to develop this essential skill
Spatial reasoning part 2: Developing body sense
Spatial reasoning part 3: Differences between sliced and whole…
Spatial reasoning part 4: Working out how things fit together
(These are available to download for free when you register on the NW site.)
McCarthy, Farran and Gifford (2024) The Spatial Reasoning Toolkit: Enhancing children’s early mathematical learning – Impact 20
Includes case studies of the impact of the Toolkit in different settings, including SEND.
The importance of spatial reasoning for early education (2025) Webinar by Emily Farran
Early Education Spatial Play. This article originally featured in the Summer 2022 issue (Volume 97) of Early Education Journal from the British Association for Early Childhood Education and is available here with their kind permission. There is a recording of a session on supporting spatial play which was part of the Birth to Five Matters Spring Festival in 2022
Spatial reasoning articles originally featured in the Spring 2022 edition (Volume 26, Number 1) of Primary Mathematics by the Mathematical Association and are available here with their kind permission.
What children know and need to learn about shape and space (2020) – a very useful summary of young children’s development, identifying key aspects and experiences, by Ginsburg & Oppenzato of DREME TE
Farran, E.K. (2019). Spatial ability as a gateway to STEM success. Impact, 6
Mathematics for young children (2020) Ontario-based research programme, including lesson study, investigating mathematical and spatial development
The case for space in the early years (2019)- blog by Sue Gifford, summarising research
LUMEN presentation by Dr Helen Williams. Supporting Spatial Reasoning in the Early Years.
Spatial cognition as a gateway to mathematics and science learning (2018) -blog by Professor Emily Farran, including tips for teachers and parents
The Connection Between Spatial and Mathematical Ability Across Development (2018) – an article summarizing research by Young, C.J., Levine, S.C. & Mix, K.S.. Frontiers in Psychology, 04 June.
Why spatial reasoning is crucial for early mathematics education (2017)- account of a Canadian project, including videos of activities for four to sevens.
