Facts In Action

The ability to represent and manipulate spatial information is an essential skill for many everyday activities. "Spatial skills" refers to the ability to reconstruct three-dimensional forms from two-dimensional images (such as using a map to find your way around a new city) and to mentally rotate objects (such as finding your car in a parking lot when approaching from a different direction).

It was commonly thought that boys do not begin to perform better than girls on spatial tasks until they reach adolescence. However, a recent study from researchers at the University of Chicago suggests that gender differences in some spatial skills begin as early as preschool. In the study, boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 7 were asked to mentally rearrange pictures of simple shapes, and by the age of 4½, boys were quicker and more accurate in their responses than girls.

It is unclear why boys perform better on spatial tasks than girls. Researchers suggest that biological differences in brain development may play a role. Researchers also suggest that environmental influences - how children are raised and taught - may account for these gender differences.

While it is not the case that all boys have better spatial skills than girls, parents and other key adults need to recognize the gender difference and give extra help and encouragement to girls in performing spatial tasks. Parents and providers should encourage preschool girls to use puzzles, blocks, construction toys, sand play areas, and climbing areas to help them practice spatial skills.

Source:
"Early Sex Difference in Spatial Skill," S.C. Levine, J. Huttenlocher, A. Taylor, and A. Langrock, Developmental Psychology, Volume 35, Number 4, 1999.

Facts in Action, August 2000