Spatial intelligence is capability to visualise three-dimensional images, shapes and positions of an object in relation to another object and is vital for developing mathematical thinking and conceptual understanding – Dipta Joshi Spatial intelligence or visual-spatial processing may sound unfamiliar and highfalutin. But the truth is that you are using this intelligence in everyday activities. Think of the times you visualised how to pack differing items into a suitcase. Or how you know which Russian Matryoshka wooden doll fits into another. Spatial intelligence is capability to visualise three-dimensional images, shapes and positions of an object in relation to another object. The development of children’s visual-spatial intelligence gained traction in the 1980s after Dr. Howard Gardner, celebrated professor of education at Harvard University, in his book Frames of Mind — The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983), propounded that all humans have one or more of eight different intelligences — visual-spatial, logical-mathematical, linguistic-verbal, bodily-kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. According to Gardner, individuals with high visual-spatial intelligence are adept at solving puzzles, reading, drawing, painting, reading maps and are better at science and maths as they have the capability to generate sharp mental images. This facilitates calculation, measurement and pattern recognition which is important for excellence in geometry, chemistry and physics. “The right side of the brain controls spatial tasks and ability to comprehend three-dimensional shapes and images. Research has shown that spatial intelligence is critical to the development of mathematical thinking, conceptual understanding, and enables success in careers such as medical surgery, architecture, engineering, professional sports and art. Educators are becoming increasingly aware of the vital connection between spatial intelligence and high academic performance,” says Suzanne Perkowsky, co-founder and head of education, New Nordic School, a Finland-based education solutions company. Though children with higher visual-spatial intelligence are likely to excel in architecture, art or engineering, it’s pertinent to note this intelligence is required even if to a lesser degree, in all careers and to perform everyday tasks. Therefore, it’s important to encourage children to develop this intelligence from young age. A University of Chicago research study titled ‘Relation Between Spatial Skill and Early Numbers Knowledge’, published in Development Psychology (2012) found that exposing children between the ages of five and six to spatial learning activities accelerated their understanding of maths concepts and abstract reasoning. “Spatial reasoning skills can be developed in several ways and are especially important for success and innovation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) careers. Teachers and parents should introduce children to activities such as solving puzzles, using maps, visual aids, and drawing from early age to improve their spatial intelligence. Simple tasks such as asking three-five-year-old preschoolers to copy shapes from a blackboard on paper, helps them develop their spatial and fine motor skills. The development of this intelligence will help them in any career they choose,” says Dr. Akhil Shahani, the Mumbai-based chairman of Global Discovery Schools, a chain of 14 institutions across India. While introducing spatial tasks in early childhood education is important, child development experts believe…
