LEAven Blog
Finding Reasons to Say Yes
“Teacher, may I go to the bathroom?”
“Can we have an extra recess?”
“Could this assignment be due Thursday instead of tomorrow?”
Educators field all kinds of questions during the day. Some are important and some are frivolous. In a sense, teachers are gatekeepers, deciding who gets to speak, what activities are a part of our class, and what rules we enforce. While it is easy to answer student queries with a “no”, and it sometimes important to do so, I have seen how being intentional about saying “yes” to students whenever possible can be empowering and allow them to accelerate their scholastic and emotional growth.
Why is saying “yes” meaningful? Let me suggest a few reasons why:
- Fostering a Growth Mindset. By saying “yes,” students learn to speak up and advocate for themselves and their learning, empowering them to try new things and take risks. Students also develop a sense of ownership of their classroom when they know their ideas and suggestions will be thoughtfully considered.
- Building Relationships. We can build positive relationships when we are able to say “yes.” This does not mean that relationships cannot flourish when “no” is the answer, and sometimes it is important to say “no.” But saying “yes” when possible helps students feel heard and respected.
- Encouraging Creativity and Innovation. If students know that a “yes” is a possibility, they will likely feel more comfortable sharing their own unique ideas. In addition, they can be better engaged in problem-solving, both for class work and in other situations within the room.
As we consider the power of “yes” for our students, it is important to consider that our God embraced the power of “yes.” As we wallow in our sin, God could have easily said “no” to us. “No – you sinned and cannot enter My presence. No – our relationship is permanently severed. No – You have failed to meet My standard of perfection.”
How hopeless this would have been! Yet, while God had every reason to say “no” to us, He offered another path. “Yes – I will send my Son to atone for your sins. Yes – You are my beloved child. Yes – I love you so much that I want you in eternity with Me.”
Of course, there are times when “no” is the most loving response to a child for their own safety, for the classroom environment, or for their own growth and development. Yet, let’s seek out those opportunities to say “yes” as often as it is appropriate. After all, we have the God of the “yes” as our model.
