The promise of yet: Learning as a journey of growth

Artika Tyner

Learning is like a muscle. You build muscles through exercise, consistency, and dedication. You also establish educational excellence through the same process. With each educational experience, you grow your capacity and increase your intellect. Each time, a child practices multiplication and division or explores the natural sciences in the backyard, the child’s horizons are broadening as the brain grows. Remember, the brain is like a muscle. It gets stronger when you use it effectively.
The more you challenge your mind to learn, the more cells in your brain grow. This is the essence of the “growth mindset,” which was coined by Stanford professor Carol Dweck. She defines a growth mindset as a learned behavior based on the ability to overcome perceived failures and transform them into opportunities for learning and growth. When children are encouraged to engage in a growth mindset, they are more likely to try new things and challenge themselves during times of difficulty. They tend to excel in their academic and personal pursuits. Contrastingly, children who have a fixed mindset tend to believe that they cannot learn new things and that difficult tasks should be avoided.

I interviewed Amir Abdullahi, Wallin Upturn and youth advocate, to learn more about the growth mindset and how to support children on their learning journeys.

Q: What is the growth mindset and how can we use it to teach our children?

A: Children may doubt their skills early on when presented with a difficult task or challenging circumstance. However, when they eventually believe in the growth journey, they can find renewed confidence in their capabilities. For example, First Educators can learn the lesson of the growth mindset and teach young kids positive self-talk, such as saying “I’m not there yet” or “I will keep practicing.” This is an invitation to continue embarking on the learning journey.

Q: What resources do you recommend using to teach children about the principles of the growth mindset?

A: The newly released picture book, “The Promise of Yet: Carl Walker’s Learning Journey,” teaches young children the principles of the growth mindset. The story is about Carl, a young boy who had a passion and a musical talent. During the story, Carl had some self-doubts after a couple of attempts practicing the piano, but his music teacher made sure to let him know that he’s doing a great job improving regardless, and he’s still practicing and getting better each day.

Carl headed to his music teacher’s home for his very first piano lesson. His music teacher, Ms. Olive, asked him to play his first hymn. In this moment, Carl doubted himself because he couldn’t play the hymn at the time, and Ms. Olive noticed and asked him, “Why the sad face, Carl?” Carl said that he’s trying, but he can’t play this song, and it’s too hard. Ms. Olive then adopts a growth mindset for Carl by telling him, “Not to worry. You just can’t play the song yet.”

Q: Why does the word “yet” matter when describing the growth mindset?

A: The book, “The Promise of Yet,” is a good example of using the growth mindset for younger children because by using the word yet, you are telling them that at this moment, you may not be able to do what you want to accomplish, but eventually with continued dedication and perseverance along with hard work, you will be able to complete what you wanted to work on.
Ms. Olive assures Carl that he may not be able to play the song yet, but with consistent practice, he will be able to play this song and many other songs he wishes to play. Ms. Olive also states, “That’s the promise of yet.” She also tells Carl to repeat after her and say, “I am a great musician.” This is also important for adapting the growth mindset into the youth by giving them words of affirmation and boosting their confidence, so they stay with a growth mindset.

Carl continues to practice, and he works on his mistakes and continues using the growth mindset by persevering and continuing to practice. The day finally arrived, and it was time to play for the choir. He played his final note, returned to his seat, and noticed everyone giving him a round of applause for his performance. Carl’s family and Ms. Olive were proud of him and commended his hard work and dedication, and Carl remembered the promise of yet, which ultimately led to his great performance due to Carl using the growth mindset successfully.

This story was a great example of a younger child using the growth mindset because when Carl struggled to learn a new song, he had reassurance from Ms. Olive and his family to keep practicing. The book helps advance the growth mindset through Carl’s story from when he first doubted his skills early on, and eventually, he believed in the promise of yet. First Educators can learn the lesson of the growth mindset and teach young kids positive self-talk, such as saying “I’m not there yet” or “I will keep practicing.”

Strategies for using the growth mindset
First Educators can equip our youth for future academic success by learning and applying the principles of the growth mindset.

“First Educator: refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals, and behaviors.”

Here are a few strategies for using the growth mindset:

Learn more about the growth mindset: Read a book about the growth mindset. It will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about brain science and how learning supports brain growth. You may consider reading “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” by: Carol Dweck or “Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do (Issues of Our Time),” by: Claude M. Steele.

Create growth opportunities:
When you see a child experiencing a challenge, turn this into an opportunity for learning. For example, when a child is struggling with a project for the Science Fair or a math problem, engage in a conversation. Ask questions like: What can you do differently? What lessons have you learned?
Introduce role models:

Representation matters. We often hear the notion that “you cannot be what you cannot see.” Create opportunities for youth to see themselves in key leadership roles. If the child is interested in science, introduce them to trailblazing scientist and educator, Dr. Reatha Clark King. If the child is interested in fashion, show them the designs of Houston White.

By teaching the principles of the growth mindset, we are equipping our youth to learn, grow, and lead. It will empower them to explore new ideas and overcome challenges. This is the foundation for becoming an effective problem solver, team player, and innovative thinker, which are key leadership attributes.

Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner offers resources to foster literacy and education.