The Power of Yet

On Mondays our lesson plan in to learn how to write in Cursive after completing our homework.

If a student does not have homework, we supply a worksheet for them to complete. We make use of all the time we spend with them to pour into them. 

While we're doing our homework, one of the Mentees says, "I can't do it."

I respond, "We don't use the word can't, we ask for help.  Because you really 'can do it'.

Our youngest Mentee says, "You forgot to add 'yet'.  Use your power of yet."

From the look on my face, the Mentees know that I am both clueless and hoping they will share it with me.

"Mrs. Barbara, you don't know about the power of yet?"

"No, I don't. tell me about it." (Now while they are saying the 'power of yet,' my mind is hearing, 'the power of not yet.") So I have to listen carefully.

They explain to me where I can go to find the video on YouTube.

While they explain to me the concept of 'the power of yet', it becomes obvious that the Mentee who was being challenged with her homework assignment knows about its power.

After encouragement from the others, she begins to write her spelling words with a spirit of Excellence.  Which is what we've been teaching them.

Once when she stops and say's why she can't do it, one of the other Mentees responds, "You've just given us two reasons why you can't.  Give us a reason why you can."

She eventually completes her homework assignment. (Not quite with the spirit of Excellence, but it was much better than what she was trying to offer.)

There is certainly 'Power of Yet" and I've seen it today in our Mentoring session.

We're going to add this to our Mentoring arsenal. 

So in what area(s) do you need to apply the "power of yet"?  

Let me suggest that you watch the video of Janelle Monae sing/teach on the Power of Yet. 

I know my area and I'm going to apply it immediately. 

Picture credit: Jen Theodore @ Unsplash.com.