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Spatial Thinking and STEM: How Playing with Blocks Supports Early Math

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Title: Spatial Thinking and STEM: How Playing with Blocks Supports Early Math
Language: English
Authors: Zimmermann, Laura, Foster, Lindsey, Golinkoff, Roberta Michnick, Hirsh-Pasek, Kathy
Source: American Educator. Win 2018-2019 42(4):22-27.
Availability: American Federation of Teachers. 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. Tel: 202-879-4400; e-mail: amered@aft.org; Web site: http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 6
Publication Date: 2019
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Preschool Education
Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Spatial Ability, STEM Education, Play, Toys, Preschool Education, Preschool Children, Skill Development, Active Learning, Problem Solving, Visualization, Informal Education, Learning Readiness, School Readiness
ISSN: 0148-432X
Abstract: The last 15 years have witnessed a quiet revolution in the understanding of spatial skills, and the authors are finding that these all-important science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competencies are rooted in spatial knowledge. Spatial skills are the tools use to visualize and navigate the world. Spatial skills allows people to manipulate objects in their environment and in their minds. They allow people to compute and store relations between objects. Like gravity, these skills for granted, although they are use them all the time. Despite important research findings on the impact of early spatial and math learning on later academic success, many schools lack the knowledge, resources, and capacity to focus on STEM and spatial learning in developmentally appropriate ways. In this article, the authors propose that spatial learning and STEM should be taught as early as preschool. To build upon supporting children's learning through guided play, educators can incorporate project-based learning to encourage spatial and mathematical learning in the early years. Project-based learning is a teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by working to investigate and respond to a complex problem, question, or challenge.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1200228
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Spatial Thinking and STEM: How Playing with Blocks Supports Early Math
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  Data: American Federation of Teachers. 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. Tel: 202-879-4400; e-mail: amered@aft.org; Web site: http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae
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  Data: The last 15 years have witnessed a quiet revolution in the understanding of spatial skills, and the authors are finding that these all-important science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competencies are rooted in spatial knowledge. Spatial skills are the tools use to visualize and navigate the world. Spatial skills allows people to manipulate objects in their environment and in their minds. They allow people to compute and store relations between objects. Like gravity, these skills for granted, although they are use them all the time. Despite important research findings on the impact of early spatial and math learning on later academic success, many schools lack the knowledge, resources, and capacity to focus on STEM and spatial learning in developmentally appropriate ways. In this article, the authors propose that spatial learning and STEM should be taught as early as preschool. To build upon supporting children's learning through guided play, educators can incorporate project-based learning to encourage spatial and mathematical learning in the early years. Project-based learning is a teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by working to investigate and respond to a complex problem, question, or challenge.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 6
        StartPage: 22
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Play
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      – SubjectFull: Toys
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      – SubjectFull: Preschool Education
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      – SubjectFull: Preschool Children
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      – SubjectFull: Visualization
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      – SubjectFull: Informal Education
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      – SubjectFull: Learning Readiness
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      – SubjectFull: School Readiness
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      – TitleFull: Spatial Thinking and STEM: How Playing with Blocks Supports Early Math
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