The Power of YET

I often reflect on the pivotal moments that have positively shaped my classroom communities throughout my years in education. By far, one of the most magical tools I've discovered is Carol Dweck's concept of "the power of YET." What began as a simple phrase has truly transformed the dynamics of my classrooms, empowering students to tackle challenges with resilience and curiosity.

At the start of the school year, it's common to see students struggling with their confidence. Many feel overwhelmed by new and challenging tasks. During our first unit on community building, I emphasize that learning is a beautiful yet complex journey, and it's perfectly okay not to have all the answers right away. This is where "the power of YET" comes into play. I introduce it as a magical word that encourages us to embrace challenges and approach difficult tasks with a positive mindset.

Here’s a memory I cherish. One day, while we were working in math stations, my student Mia threw her pencil down in frustration and exclaimed, "I can't do this!" I saw it as a perfect opportunity to reinforce the concept. I leaned in and said, "Mia, how about we add 'YET' to that sentence?" She rolled her eyes and reluctantly gave it a shot, then suddenly, a little smirk appeared on her little face. I smiled back at her and said, "See? No one can do everything right away. You just can’t do this YET, but with practice, you’ll get there." At that moment, I could see a spark of understanding in her eyes.

I began weaving "YET" into our daily conversations, using it intentionally in various contexts. As I modeled this language, the magic began to unfold. Students started to embrace the power of YET, not just from me but from each other. I often overheard them using it spontaneously, even when they thought I wasn't listening. It was clear they were internalizing the concept.

Another fond memory happened one day during Writer's Workshop. My student Sam felt overwhelmed when trying to come up with a topic. He complained, "I have nothing to write about. I'm horrible at this!" Before I could jump in, I heard one of his group members say, "You might not feel that way YET, but I can help you if you want!" Instantly, Sam shifted his mindset and started brainstorming ideas, fully engaged in the task. Their collaboration led to a beautiful story they were proud to later share with the class.

These moments highlight the true power of YET. It has fostered authentic connections among students, encouraging them to support one another and embrace challenges together. I'm continually amazed at how this simple word has transformed countless classroom communities into a vibrant community of learners.

The Role of Parents in This Journey

As parents, you play a vital role in nurturing a growth mindset at home. Here are some simple strategies to support your child on their journey with YET:

Model Growth Language: Encourage your child to reframe their thoughts. When they say, "I can't do this," prompt them to add YET at the end.

Share Personal Stories: Talk about your own challenges and how you've embraced the power of YET in your life. Your experiences can inspire them.

Set Goals Together: Help your child set achievable goals and celebrate their progress along the way, no matter how small.

Read Books: Explore stories of others who have faced and grown through challenges. (Check out my list of suggested books HERE.)

Conclusion: A Transformative Journey

My journey with the power of YET has genuinely transformed countless classrooms into vibrant communities of learners. By embracing this mindset, my students have developed resilience, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit that extends far beyond academics.

As both an educator and a parent, I'm committed to nurturing a generation that believes in their potential, understanding that every setback is just a stepping stone toward success. By celebrating the power of YET, we're not just shaping students; we're helping create confident, resilient individuals ready to face the world!

* All names have been changed to respect the privacy of families.

In the spirit of empowering our children,