Spatial Reasoning

The ECMG’s spatial reasoning toolkit. What is spatial reasoning? How do we develop young children’s spatial reasoning? The answers are in the Toolkit which includes posters, videos, guidance and a learning trajectory from birth to 7.  It is all based on recent research. Watch our short introduction to these materials.
NEW: Spatial reasoning posters and key rings:  trajectories and activity suggestions for printing on double sided cards and posters. These show trajectories for key aspects of spatial reasoning:

  • Movement and navigation
  • Shape properties
  • Shape composition and construction


**********Introductory video**********

We would appreciate your feedback on the toolkit. Please send us your comments.

‘Spatial reasoning’ (also referred to as ‘spatial thinking’ or ‘spatial awareness’) involves how we understand location (where things are positioned and where they are in relation to other things), dimensions (for example, how long something is or how big something is and the properties of objects (such as spiky or flat).

The ECMG has reviewed recent international research into the development of spatial reasoning from birth to seven years of age and has developed this into a trajectory of early learning experiences.  Contexts for these include outdoor play, construction and puzzles, which are well-established in early years practice and will come as no surprise to practitioners. This guidance aims to clarify the mathematics in early spatial experiences such as these, suggesting what to emphasise in order to support the development of children’s spatial reasoning in sensitive, appropriate and playful ways.

Suggested books to use with children for developing spatial reasoning. Click the tab for books on Space, Shape or Measures.

 

You can download and print the posters to use in your setting:

Posters for different age groups

Trajectory posters for Movement and navigation, Shape properties and Shape composition and construction

View or download the ECMG spatial reasoning toolkit

View or download the Toolkit trajectory STAGES not ages Useful for SEND

We have produced a series of videos explaining what spatial reasoning involves for different age groups in the home or classroom context. This series of videos accompanies our spatial reasoning toolkit.

The ECMG mathematical moments contain examples of children and adults engaging in spatial reasoning.  In addition to the research summarised in this toolkit, there are links to research about shape and space in our recommended links.

Download our new key rings that detail the learning trajectories for different aspects of spatial reasoning from birth to 7 years. These provide suggestions for ways to support children, with spatial language prompts.

There are 3 sets, each focused on a different aspect of spatial reasoning:

    • Movement & navigation
    • Shape composition and construction
    • Shape properties

Instructions for printing and assembling are included in the PDFs.