Supporting Preschoolers’ Spatial Thinking Through Hands-On Activities and Digital Experiences

• In Event: Mathematical Thinking and Learning

Abstract

Children’s spatial skills are positively related to success in school, the pursuit of STEM majors in college, and STEM careers in adulthood. Yet, spatial thinking is often neglected in preschool curriculum despite the growing evidence of its’ importance. This paper describes our approach to developing and researching an eight-week preschool math curriculum module and connected family resources to specifically support preschoolers’ spatial skills. The curriculum module includes hands-on activities, digital games for touch-screen tablets, and an augmented reality game prototype to explore the potential of this new technology to enhance learning. Preliminary findings from a comparison study are shared, including teachers’ and caregivers’ feedback on the activities, and preschoolers’ growth in spatial orientation skills and interest in math.

Authors

• Emily Braham, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Ashley E. Lewis Presser, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Regan Calabro Vidiksis, EDC Center for Children and Technology