Mrs. Revette M. Thomas Creates Learning Community Joy Junction at Chicago's Wadsworth Elementary School

Mrs. Revette M. Thomas, a third-grade teacher at Wadsworth Elementary School located at 6420 South University in Chicago, Illinois. There are twenty-four students in Room 219, twelve girls and twelve boys. One distinctive characteristic of this group of children is that all but three of them were taught by her last year, as second graders. Mrs. Thomas decision to maintain this group of students was influenced by the group dynamics and their enthusiasm for knowledge. Foremost, these variables could lend themselves to an eventful transition into their now Learning Community---Joy Junction." Before entering Room 219, you must make a decision based on the large poster on the door Caution, minds under construction. Enter at your own risk." Having read the sign gives understanding as to why they are wearing yellow hard hats.

Mrs. Thomas is working on her teacher action research project, in a Masters Degree Program, at National Louis University. It is entitled Cooperative Group Learning through Unity. Consequently, her classroom has been transformed into a literal learning community. Its daily functions are quite untraditional, as it were. For example, at the beginning of class, everyone stands to recite a wonderful personal declaration that Mrs. Thomas wrote for her students. Additionally, the seating arrangement is unique. Each group of desks is arranged in fours----two boys and two girls. Each group has a street name reflective of a character education trait, (i.e., Trust Court, Helpful Circle, and Share Avenue). Banners that reflect unity can be seen on the walls. Children are not segregated by gender. Thus, they are encouraged to do most things together, as they would within most communities. For example, all students share lockers with the opposite sex. Their line and lunch seating arrangements always alternate by gender.

Already, states Mrs. Thomas, children work busily and cooperatively on assignments and small projects in their respective groups. Mrs. Thomas fully anticipates great things to happen for her students, both now and in the future. She journals and reflects on her daily observations for subsequent preparation and modifications for the Learning Community---Joy Junction" students in Wadsworth Elementary Schools Room 219.
Theyre off and running together...

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