June 29, 2026

How One Educator is Building Classroom Connection with Lego Bricks

We are not puzzle pieces. We are Lego bricks, building something bigger.

That’s the insight at the heart of Shonda Yates‘ classroom at Franklin Central High School – and Plus Wonder is thrilled to spotlight her as a 2025 JAG Impact Award recipient.

Puzzle pieces only fit one place. Lego bricks connect with anyone. Shonda built her classroom culture around that idea: our differences aren’t gaps to fill, but strengths to share. Students learned to listen deeply, lift each other up, and grow together.

Last year’s awardees collectively reached nearly 900 students across 11 states. Educators like Shonda prove that intentional human connection changes everything.

Every student deserves a classroom like hers. This summer, take the next step — explore Plus Wonder’s free Six Degrees of Connection™ Certification and become a certified Connection Architect.