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Rosie Amaguaa
Professor Deadrick
ENGL 101
2 December 2015
Essay 3 Spatial and Linear Thinkers

After evaluating Jack Horners definition of spatial and linear thinkers, I agree with his
theory of connecting spatial thinking and dyslexia. Dyslexia is a common disability that has
affected many Americans. There has been a lot of debate over what dyslexia is and how it affects
people as learners. But many challenges and failures dyslexics have faced have come from trying
to conform to the linear way of thinking. People today do not realize that if the roles were
reversed and the majority of linear thinkers were forced to think a way not familiar to them,
theyd fail as well. But having dyslexia or being a spatial thinker does not always mean failure it
creates uniqueness in thinking that accepts failure and promotes risk taking. Successful people
arise from failure and pursue their dreams. By researching Jack Horners dyslexic theory and
evaluating the personal experiences of a well-known NFL player Tim Tebow, I have learned
dyslexia and spatial thinking have a deep connection.
In this world everyone is different and unique, including their thinking processes. Jack
Horner uses his own perspective and experiences to bring awareness to the difference between
spatial and linear thinkers. According to Jack Horner, a renowned paleontologist and professor at
Montana State University, spatial thinkers work in three dimensions and use visual processing to
form different thoughts. Most spatial thinkers work best when they are able to touch, observe,

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and analyze different situations. However, everyone has spatial abilities. An everyday example
would be, when women use mirrors to apply their makeup because they must use their eyes to
make sure their makeup is on properly. Another example, is when artist and painters use their art
to speak their ideas and emotions. On the other hand, there are linear thinkers who only use two
dimensions and whose thought process uses step by step thinking. For example, most linear
thinkers define success by doing well on a written test. It involves reading and answering
questions. Making time the most important content in their thought process. Linear and Spatial
thinkers are two different thought processes that differentiates between dyslexics and nondyslexics.
As reported by the U.S department of education, More than 2 million students between
the ages of 3 to 21 have been reported to have some type of learning disability ( U.S
Department of Education) . The National Institute of Neurological disorders and strokes, defines
dyslexia as a brain based learning disability that challenges a persons ability to read and perform
well in math (NIH). Even though to the definition states dyslexia as a disability, Jack Horner
thinks differently. Horner does not care for dyslexia as a diagnosis and prefers to think of
dyslexia as spatial thinking. His theory describes how dyslexics have faced many challenges with
education because the educational systems give linear types of tests to spatial thinkers. Its like
trying to fit a cube into a triangle cut out. It will not work.
One story that shows how dyslexia is tied to this spatial thinking theory was how Tim
Tebow has dealt with being a quarterback and having dyslexia. The Yale Center for Creative
Thinking reports, New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow was diagnosed with dyslexia when he
was seven years old.(Yale Center for Creative Thinking) He struggled through school with
retaining such large parts of information and dealt with reading disabilities. Becoming a star

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quarterback means he must remember and study many game plays, which is not easy for a spatial
thinker. Tim Tebow shared his ways to teaching himself to remember more information and
make reading easier. Christine Thomasos, reporter for the Christian Post, confirms the only way
he memorizes every play is by using flash cards. While, traveling he uses different flash cards of
plays to constantly quiz his mind. But he admits, the pictures of the game plays using xs and os
makes remembering how the plays work easier (Thomasos). This supports Jack Horners theory
that with the use of visuals and flashcards, which are spatial characteristics, Tim Tebow was able
to uniquely retain the information which would not have been achieved with using reading or
listening. Raising awareness in society and personal experiences, like Tim Tebows, can change
how students learn and allow both types of thinkers to succeed in this educational based world.
To help spatial thinkers live an easier life; society can change its ways to benefit spatial
thinkers. First, the biggest change that could benefit dyslexics is to change how our education
system teaches. Today, most teachers tend to lecture and lecture or make their students read
information. But, instead teachers could incorporate more visual aids and presentations to help
dyslexics be able to analyze and comprehend information. Teachers should form test different
types of test with more spatial tools like visuals to test spatial thinkers. Another method teachers
can use is to individually work and have dyslexics focus on reading and pronunciation of words.
Besides the education system, society can understand that spatial thinkers are people who think
outside of the box. Since, technology has become a huge part of todays generation technological
companies should create apps or video games that can quiz a dyslexics mind to better their
memory and reading skills. Also can use more audio books so that dyslexics can use their
hearing to read (Understanding Dyslexia). Society has the power to use the characteristics of

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spatial thinking to enhance, engage, and change linear thinkers into taking risks and not be
stopped by failures.
After evaluating Jack Horners theory and researching Tim Tebows dyslexic journey, I
have seen the connection between dyslexia and spatial thinking. His theory shows that society
defines a dyslexics thinking processes as an educational problem but what they do not realize
is their thought processes is a risk taking, out of the box, unique way of problem solving. The
relationship between spatial thinking and dyslexia are connected in the sense that visuals are
necessary in the learning process. Tim Tebows case proves this theory that when more spatial
strategies are used, like visuals, he was able to learn the information. Learning about personal
experiences has shown that the challenges dyslexics face is because we all are accustomed to
believe that spatial thinking is not normal. As a whole, if teachers, mentors, coaches, and parents
include spatial strategies, linear and spatial thinkers can empower themselves to take risks,
handle failure, and achieve their goals.

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Work Cited
"NINDS Dyslexia Information Page." Dyslexia Information Page: National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Office of Communications and Public Liaison, 11
Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
National Center for Education Statistics. U.S. Dept. of Education. "Fast Facts:
Students with Disabilities." http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=64

"Understanding Dyslexia." Understood.org. UNDERSTOOD.ORG USA LLC, 02 Apr.

2014. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
Morin, Amanda. "Success Stories: Celebrities With Dyslexia, ADHD and Dyscalculia."
Understood.org. UNDERSTOOD.ORG USA LLC., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
"Dyslexia in the News & on the Football Field * The Yale Center for Dyslexia &
Creativity." Dyslexia in the News & on the Football Field * The Yale Center for Dyslexia &
Creativity. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
Thomasos, Christine. "Tim Tebow Opens About Dyslexia Affecting NFL Career."
Christian Post. The Christian Post , INC., 3 Aug. 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.