These handouts were designed for use in our teacher professional-development workshops. They describe different modes of spatial reasoning in different ways.
- Basic Spatial Reasoning – simple examples of each mode
- Spatial Brain Diagrams – Expert Map User – basic handout pair
- Spatial Reasoning at Different Scales – matrix of examples
- Spatial Reasoning Graphic Organizer – basic note-taking form
- Spatial Reasoning Math Connections – matrix of examples
- Spatial Reasoning Questions About a Place – questions that invoke each mode
- Spatial Reasoning Questions Early Grades – questions for grades K-2
- Spatial Reasoning Schemas Summary – how the modes reduce memorization
- Spatial Reasoning Trigger Word List – words that engage each mode
One of the most intriguing and controversial aspects of human neuroscience
is the role of spatial reasoning in the so-called “foundational” subjects
of reading and math. Much of the research, unfortunately, is being done
in other countries, notably Australia, China, Italy, and, especially, France.
This research suggests that a beginning reader (whether child or adult)
starts by using a very large area across the back of the brain, including
areas known to be engaged when people study maps, graphs, and other
visual aids. Later, as learning progresses, the brain seems to “repurpose”
several relatively small areas on the lower side, behind/below the left ear.
This file an “idea-prompt” poster to support a discussion about ways
in which carefully constructed geography lessons could contribute
to developing (or at least reinforcing) an awareness and appreciation
for the idea of representation, as well as some of the shape, sequence,
direction, proximity, and pattern-recognition skills that could help
students on the path to fluent reading.
- Reading is a Geographic Skill (well, at least partly!)
Presentations
- wakeup-call-about-maps-and-memory – students “study” a map of Africa
- books-on-tables – remember the location of a treasure under a book
- spatial-reasoning-review – modes of thinking about Michigan maps