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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
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The Spatial Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition
Published on: February 19, 2018
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Children's exposure to spatial language promotes their spatial thinking
Marianella Casasola1, Wendy S Wei1, Daniel D Suh1
1Department of Human Development.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. General
|March 28, 2020
Summary
Spatial language significantly boosts preschool children's spatial skills, particularly mental rotation. This improvement in spatial cognition extends beyond the initial play context, showing lasting benefits for young learners.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Development
- Early Childhood Education
- Spatial Cognition
Background:
- Preschool children's spatial skills are crucial for academic success.
- The role of spatial language in developing these skills is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if spatial language enhances spatial skills in preschoolers.
- To determine if these benefits transfer to new contexts.
Main Methods:
- Two studies involving 4-year-old children were conducted.
- Children were assigned to play-only or spatial-language and play conditions.
- Spatial skills (mental rotation, spatial vocabulary) were assessed before and after play sessions.
Main Results:
- Children exposed to spatial language showed significantly higher posttest scores on mental rotation tasks.
- The quantity and variety of spatial language used during play predicted mental rotation gains.
- These improvements were replicated in a second study with diverse play activities and Head Start participants.
Conclusions:
- Spatial language actively promotes the development of spatial cognition in young children.
- The positive effects of spatial language on spatial skills are transferable to different settings.
- Early exposure to spatial language during play can enhance mental rotation abilities.
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