Immersive Learning: Bringing the Past to Life
At Wellan, we prioritize immersive learning experiences that connect our students to the rich history and cultures of our region and beyond. Recently, our Primary students engaged in an interactive session that brought the traditions of the Wampanoag people to life.
Tim Turner, an educator from the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, introduced students to the craftsmanship and daily life of the Wampanoag community, indigenous to this region for thousands of years. As he unpacked his collection of artifacts, young hands reached out to touch history—deer hide dolls that once served as cherished toys, the soft fur of deer, otter, beaver, and bear hides that provided warmth and protection, and a traditional cradleboard used to carry infants. Photographs of wetus—dome-shaped Wampanoag homes—illustrated communal living, while stories and traditions passed down for generations offered a glimpse into a way of life that remains deeply connected to the land.
This event was part of our Cultural Celebration, a tradition that marks the culmination of each semester’s cultural and geography studies. Each semester, the Primary division focuses on one continent, anchoring classroom learning in an exploration of its landscapes, traditions, and people. Over their three-year cycle in Primary, students “visit” six continents and in this way are exposed to global cultures. This fall, our focus was North America; in the second half of the year, we’ll turn to South America. Last year, students explored Asia and Oceania, and next year, they will study Africa and Europe.
This semester we invited The Wampanoag Way program to campus because we want students to understand that their current “American” experience is just one of many American experiences. The Indigenous people of this land had—and continue to have—rich, diverse traditions that offer students a broader and more inclusive perspective on what it means to be part of this country.
Research shows that young children learn best when they can see, touch, and explore real objects, making abstract concepts more concrete and personal. By handling these artifacts, our students didn’t just hear about history—they formed a physical and emotional connection to it. This hands-on experience is an example of one of the many ways we incorporate sensory-based and experiential learning into our Primary curriculum.
Beyond the tactile experience, this presentation also reinforced Wellan’s mission to cultivate respect and curiosity about different cultures. As they learned about the sustainable practices and communal values of the Wampanoag, our students developed a deeper understanding of the world beyond their own. These early moments of cultural appreciation lay the foundation for empathy, perspective-taking, and global awareness.
Just as importantly, we believe that learning directly from those who have lived and preserved these traditions is far more powerful and authentic than teaching the content ourselves. That’s why we actively seek out experts and diverse voices, ensuring that our students engage with history, culture, and perspectives in the most meaningful way possible.
As the session ended, students left not just with new knowledge, but with a sense of connection—to the past, to the land, and to the people whose history is woven into our own. It’s experiences like these that make learning at Wellan so dynamic and enduring. When curiosity leads the way, every discovery leaves a lasting impact.