Perception and learning of changes of things are
some of spatial abilities. Spatial ability also
involves reading where the child who can perceive
the whole shape of picture as well as define its
components from the overall picture will be a
person having high reading ability. (Worawan
Hemchayart 1993: 1). Furthermore, spatial ability
is also the significant basis for better learning in
mathematics (Luan Saiyos. 2000: 25). Moreover,
spatial ability is a basis for development of
perspective, discrimination ability, interrelation
ability between object and object, object and
person or location of objects or parameter, criteria
or rank, understanding nature of objects, size,
dimension, movement, volume and existence
including timelines (Bracken. 1991 : 241 - 255). In
addition, it is a critical basis for efficient learning
in mathematics and also in line with the objective
of learning in mathematic and science.
Encouraging the child to learning spatial ability
activity will be in accordance with one’s daily life
as well. (Luan Saiyos 2000: 24; citing McGee.
1979; Moses. 1979; Good. 1977; Smith. 1964)
Perception of spatial relationship can be
developed from the early childhood level
(Phichakorn Plaengprasobchoke. 1997 : 3) by
arranging activities which allow the child to use
objects or materials with his/her skill from where
the child is staying. Basic thought about sliding
and rotating of object is a basis for survey of the
child’s spatial relationship (Grande ;& Morrow.
1995 : 1) which is in line with the study of
Chapman (2001 : 110) who gave a perspective
that spatial abilities will be initiated by visual
sensory system adapting input images from
surrounding environment to sharper images. Eye
will function for differentiate colour, shape,
surface, depth, dimension and interrelation. When
this aspect of abilities has begun to develop,
coordination between eye and hand and muscle
control will enable person to express perceived
shape and colour through any media. The method
for enhancing learning on spatial relationship can
be done by applying learning activities which will
allow the child to interact either with physical or
mental picture by showing him/her pictures and
then allow the child to interpret information from
that picture or let him/her close his/her eye and
think of picture and ask the child of what he/she
see in mind. Using colour of picture to compare
with drawing picture in mind by applying graphic
symbol, imagination induction activities, free
thinking activities, creating work by shape, picture
or colour (Vichai Wongyai. 1999 : 35). This is in
accordance with an approach by National Council
of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) which stated
that activities that can help early childhood to
learn and understand spatial relationship are for
development of spatial sense by creation, drawing,
measurement, perception, comparison,
transformation, shape differentiation, survey and
speculation.(Wanwipa Sutthikiat. 1999 : 3;
Kennedy ;& Tipps.1997 : 350 - 351) According to
Bruner’s theory, it is believed that education leads
to better development of the child and
communication, and practice through activities will
lead to more development of the ability relating
to spatial relationship.