Promoting Spatial Language in Mathematics Through a Body-Based Task

• In Event: 52.030 - Investigations in Geometry, Measurement, and Spatial Reasoning

Abstract

This study examined the frequency and type of spatial language used by third and fourth grade students completing a body-based learning task designed to build understanding of angle measurement. Throughout the task, 12 percent of the words spoken by students were spatial in nature. The most common spatial words used had to do with the location of objects in space and the features and properties of objects. Male and female students used a similar amount and variety of spatial words. Lastly, there is evidence that the use of spatial language in this study was closely related to the students’ body movements.

Authors

• Barbara Anne King, Florida International University

• Carmen Petrick Smith

• Natalie Paul, Florida International University

• Diana Gonzalez, University of Vermont