From Screens to Stickers: What Happened When We Put Spatial Thinking Back in Students’ Hands
Natalie TeboulI recently had the privilege of presenting at the Esri Education Summit in San Diego, as part of the “Cultivating Spatial Thinking in K–12 Learners” session. The biggest takeaway was simple: the moment we put the screens away, students can actually learn.
Educators walked in expecting a session on GIS and mapping. What they experienced was something refreshingly simple and powerful: Paper, markers, coordinate planes, stickers, and creativity.
As participants began creating their own Math Maps with Traveling Miss T., the energy shifted. People leaned into their work, fully immersed in the process of creating, not just consuming. It was a powerful reminder that while technology has a place in education, it should not replace the foundational experiences that help students truly understand.
Why “Old School” Still Matters
In today’s classrooms, students are constantly interacting with screens. Apps and programs are often seen as the path to innovation. But in many cases, we skip over the experiences that build deep understanding. Spatial thinking is not developed by clicking. It is developed by doing.
When students draw, plot, and design on a coordinate plane, they build mental models. They visualize relationships. They make sense of space in a way that is tactile and lasting. And at the elementary level especially, this kind of hands on learning is essential. Before students can use digital tools effectively, they need to understand the why behind them.
Interdisciplinary Learning in Action
One of the most exciting parts of the session was how naturally interdisciplinary learning unfolded. With Math Maps, students don't just do math. They think about geography, storytelling, design, and place all at once. This is the power of breaking down subject silos. Learning becomes deeper, more connected, and more meaningful.
Moving Forward
This experience reinforced something I believe strongly. We do not need more tools. We need more intention. Especially in elementary classrooms, not every lesson needs a screen. Some of the most impactful learning happens when students create, explore, and connect using simple materials.
Interdisciplinary, creative, place based learning is not a trend. It is essential.
When students do not just learn about the world, but actively map it, everything changes.
To everyone who joined me at the Esri Education Summit, thank you for embracing the process and reminding me why this work matters. Let’s keep making maps. 🗺️
Traveling Miss T. creates coordinate plane worksheets that make learning creative, meaningful, and interdisciplinary. Math Maps © help educators bring curiosity, adventure, and exploration into every classroom.
