Spatial Reasoning
Why it matters
It's the biggest predictor of mathematics achievement
Helps individuals orient themselves and objects within space
Supports visualization of numbers and quantities
Activities
Copy it
Idea taken from the Developing Mathematical Thinking Institutedmtinstitute.comMaterials Needed
Image cards
(can create your own using index cardsPaper and pencil
Something to color with
Directions
Choose an image card
On your paper, draw the image so it looks the same
If desired, turn the image into a picture and color it.
CHALLENGE: Have your child create their own image cards
Hide and Describe
Idea taken from the Developing Mathematical Thinking Institutedmtinstitute.comMaterials Needed
Cut out shapes or physical shapes
Visual divider like a book, folder, paper tent, etc.
At least two people
Directions
The first player creates an image behind the divider.
They describe the image they created to the other player(s).
The other player(s) then has to recreate the image based on the directions given.
Building Structures
Materials Needed
A variety of objects that can be used to build structures
(sticks, paper clips, blocks, LEGOs, paper, playing cards, etc.)Structure cards or list with different structures to build
Directions
Choose a structure to build
Choose one or more materials that will best help you build it
Build your structure!
CHALLENGE: use only one type of material
Hidden Positions
Idea taken from Teaching Student Centered Mathematics by Van de Walle et al.Materials Needed:
4 pairs of different small objects
(eg. two toy cars, two cheerios, two hair ties, etc.)2 game boards- paper with a 3x3 grid or larger
Visual divider such as a folder, paper tent, or box
2 players
Directions:
Give each player a game board and one of each object. Place the visual divider between the two players.
Player 1 places each of their objects in a different location on their game board.
Player 1 then tells player 2 where to place the objects using only verbal directions.
When all 4 pieces have been placed, check to see if the game boards match.
Switch roles and play again.