The purpose of the study: to analyze the scientific activity of outstanding psychologists P. Ya. Galperin and N. F. Talyzina. The methodology is determined by the interaction of such methods as: social and cultural, biographical, conceptual and methodological analysis. The work of P. Ya. Galperin is characterized generically and for the first time the periodization of the development of N. F. Talyzina as a scientist and her contribution to psychology and pedagogy, to the creation of conditions at Moscow State University with P. Ya. Galperin for experimental study and the formation of reflexive and creative thinking are presented. The connection of the formative and developing approaches in ensuring the modernization of education is shown.

The article discusses the general and specific features of the formation of spatial representations in older preschoolers with mental retardation and older preschoolers with general speech underdevelopment. Spatial representations play an important role in cognitive activity and serve as the foundation for building an individual’s inner world, the psychological basis for successful schooling. The results of the study revealed the general and specific features of the formation of ideas about space in older preschoolers with developmental disorders of two nosological groups.