Dear Bates,
We enjoyed a Community Meeting this week. We sang songs about fall, shared a book, and visited with our mascot, Tux. Also, the fifth graders taught us one of their favorite energizers called “Double Double This This.” The fifth graders modeled the activity, then taught and supported younger students as they learned it. The fifth graders were excellent teachers.
Next Week is STEAM Week
This year, STEM week in Massachusetts is celebrated from October 21- 25th. In Wellesley we say STEAM to acknowledge the art and creativity involved in STEM. This year, Wellesley elementary schools will focus on the Math in STEAM with our students. During this week, your child will be exploring and trying to solve a challenging spatial puzzle.
Why a Spatial Puzzle? What’s important about Spatial Reasoning?
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Spatial reasoning provides multiple entry points and equitable access to mathematics.
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Spatial reasoning is critical to mathematics and to STEAM more broadly. Research indicates a strong relationship between spatial reasoning and mathematics achievement across grades.
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Spatial reasoning is also an important predictor of achievement in STEAM careers.
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Spatial reasoning is malleable and can be improved at any age.
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Spatial puzzles are fun and provide productive struggle.
If you are interested in continuing and enriching this type of spatial reasoning for your child at home, there are many commercial activities available. Here is a list of a variety of spatial awareness games for elementary age children. Please reach out to Toni Carlson at carlsont@wellesleyps.org if you have any questions about STEAM week.
Finally, congratulations to our night custodian Paulo Regis who will be transitioning to another custodial role in the district next week. Paulo has been an outstanding member of our community for the past seven years, and we are truly grateful for his service. We wish him all the very best.
I hope you have a nice weekend.
Warmly,
Toni
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