Spatial Reasoning Lessons

Spatial reasoning activities are categorized according to the aspects and processes of spatial reasoning identified in Taking Shape (Moss et al., 2016):

  • Composing, Decomposing 2D Objects
  • Composing, Decomposing 3D Objects
  • Gestures
  • Mapping, Locating, Orienting, Coding
  • Mental Rotation
  • Perspective Taking
  • Spatial Language
  • Symmetry
  • Visualization

Instructions
Use the dropdown list below to select one or more categories. Selecting categories will display activities targeting the specified spatial reasoning skills.

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Barrier Game

A binder dividing the space of two people and a title that reads, "Barrier Game".
One student builds a structure and gives instructions to his/her partner to build an identical structure.

Block Party

A grid with different Tetris pieces and dots within it, and a title that reads, "Block Party".
Using their spatial skills, students transform and relocate unique shapes on a coordinate grid, attempting to avoid their opponent's pegs.

Box or Not?

Three Tetris style pieces with a title that reads, "Box or Not?"
Students sort and classify 2D/3D figures by geometric properties and using spatial language.

Can You Draw This?

A child drawing with a title that reads, "Can You Draw This?".
Students are briefly shown a series of designs inside a square and must recreate them from memory.

Can You Make a Square?

A bunch of different shapes with a title that reads, "Can you make a square?"
Students use spatial reasoning to create squares using different tangram combinations.

Collect the Shapes

Random shapes on a grid with a title that reads, "Collect the Shapes".
Children collect 2D shapes on a grid by giving directional instructions and answering questions on shapes attributes.

Copy My Flag

Two flags made of paper with a title that reads, "Copy My Flag".
Students will practice their spatial language as they design and describe their geometric flags to their partner.

Cube Challenge

A bunch of cubes making shapes on a table with a title that reads, "The Cube Challenge".
In this lesson, students work together to build unique structures out of 3, 4, and 5 unifix cubes. Can you build them all?

Don't Break the Hex

Ten hexagons and a title that reads, "Don't Break the Hex".
Students cover hexagon blocks with pattern blocks in this don't-get-caught-with-blocks-in-your-hand game!

Garden Patio

A baking pan with purple coloured squares on it. A title also reads, "Garden Patio".
Children explore measurement and geometry and spatial sense through a narrative about a garden patio.

Hexagon Card Game

Four white hexagons and various other shapes. A title reads, "Hexagon Card Game".
Students race to completely fill in the outline of a hexagon using different combinations of pattern blocks.

Hole-Punch Symmetry

A hole-punch with a piece of paper and a title that reads, "Hole-Punch Symmetry".
Students visualize how folded and hole-punched paper will look when unfolded.

Pentomino Battleship

Coloured tiles on a grid with a title that reads, "Pentomino Battleship".
Students practice reading letter-number coordinates by playing a battleship game with a partner.

Perspective Drawing

A dinosaur with the text, "Draw the top view". A title reads, "Perspective Drawing".
In this collaborative activity, students draw an alternative perspective to the one they are shown.

Perspective Taking

A shape made of blocks, with different views. A title reads, "Perspective Taking".
Students learn perspective taking by identifying the top, side, and front view of 3-D figures.

Secret Shape Code

Six different shapes with a title that reads, "Secret Shape Code".
Students develop spatial skills by practicing how to describe the location and orientation of different cut-out shapes.

Shape Name Game

Six shapes in three different columns with a title that reads, "Shape Name Game"
Students develop the ability to identify and communicate the names of different geometric shapes.

Shape Shifter

A grid with blocks and circles, and a title that reads, "Shape Shifter".
Enhance students spatial sense using grid coordinates, geometric transformations and problem solving.

Shape Slicer

Shapes on a page with a title that reads, "Shape Slicer".
Students are challenged to deconstruct geometric shapes into smaller shapes!

Shape Transformer

A graphic that reads Transformer Machine, with gears around it. A title also reads, "Shape Transformer".
Students work together to understand transformations as a series of inputs and outputs.

Skyscrapers

Four images of skyscrapers built with blocks. A title reads, "Skyscraper".
Students build and view a series of skyscrapers from four perspectives, ensuring no two towers in a row or column are the same height.

Square Moves

A student and instructor with a title that reads, "Square Moves".
Students transform tiles from one configuration to another, using spatial language to communicate their thinking.

Symmetry Game

A bunch of students in a classroom with two instructors, and a title that reads, "Symmetry Game".
Allow children to be creative and practice the basics of symmetry through play with classmates.

Terrific Transformations

Two shapes drawn on two different sheets of graphing paper. A title reads, "Terrific Transformations".
Students get practice visualizing and manipulating features of quadrilaterals as they compete to modify a shape using as few moves as possible.

Upside Down World

A student playing with blocks and a title that reads, "Upside Down World".
Students work with unifix cubes to rebuild "buildings" that have been turned upside down!

References

Moss, Joan & Bruce, Cathy & Caswell, Beverly & Flynn, Tara & Hawes, Zachary. (2016). Taking Shape: Activities to Develop Geometric and Spatial Thinking. Pearson.