The Power of Yet

Learning new things can be hard and sometimes creates big feelings like frustration. It helps to remember to use the Power of Yet to remind ourselves that with practice, our skills will grow and grow. When we cannot do something now, it just means that we cannot do it YET, but with practice and help, we will learn to do it.

1. The teacher shares a story about a time she or he wanted to do something but didn’t yet have the skills to achieve the task. For example, she or he might say:

• “When I was your age, I wanted to ride my bike with my sisters. Every time I tried to pedal, I would tip over! I realized I didn’t have the skills the bike with my sisters. My sisters reminded me about the Power of Yet. They told me that I didn’t have the skills yet but that I would grow my skills over time. I kept practicing pedaling, and now I can ride my bike wherever I want to go!”

2. The teacher facilitates a conversation about the Power of Yet. The teacher asks students to reflect on skills they have learned For example:

• Students can share a skill they are proud to have learned or developed (e.g., play an instrument, read a chapter book, learn a new language, etc.).
• Students can share a skill they can do now but that they couldn’t do a year ago.

3. Then, the teacher invites each student share something they cannot do yet, but would like to learn. Anytime a student says “I cannot ____,” the class responds by saying “YET” all together, as a reminder that with practice they will learn.

• How does it feel to use your Power of Yet?
• When else can you use the Power of Yet?
• How might you help others to use their Power of Yet?

For primary school students:

• Remind students that they aren’t alone when they get discouraged when learning something new. You can remind them of their Power of YET by sharing experiences like: “You don’t know how to do it YET. I also didn’t know how to do ___ when I was your age. We can do it together until you’re ready to try it on your own.”

For students in grades 5-6:

• Students can create a poster in the classroom with the skills they would like to learn. When students have learned a particular skill, they can check off a box next tot eh picture or description of the skill.
• Introduce a method of goal planning called “SMART.” The purpose of the planning method if to clearly understand what steps need to be taken to make the desired goal a reality. The students can discuss their progress toward the desired skills together, and support and motivate each other.