“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/back-to-school-read-alouds/magical-yet
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
The read-aloud book The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi is a story that expands on the 'Growth Mindset' concept of "the power of yet". It describes in rhythmic poetry and beautiful illustrations the many amazing skills and exciting new things one has yet to learn and do. After reading and discussing the story, students can make a storyboard with 3-5 illustrations of things that they are excited to learn and try this year. They should include detailed descriptions in the caption boxes for each illustration. To scaffold, teachers may want students to complete pictures only, as shown in this storyboard example. These storyboards would also make a colorful and inspiring classroom decoration!
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard to illustrate your "Magical Yet": some of the things you are excited to learn and do this year!!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write your name in the left hand cell. Ex: "Mason's Magical Yet".
- In the titles, briefly name the things you are excited to learn and do this year. For example: read a new book, learn a new skill in math or science, try out for the school play, improve your game in a sport, learn a musical instrument, etc.
- Create pictures in each cell using scenes, characters and items to illustrate each new thing.
- You may also add 2-4 sentence description below each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Rubric
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Lesson Plan Overview
The read-aloud book The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi is a story that expands on the 'Growth Mindset' concept of "the power of yet". It describes in rhythmic poetry and beautiful illustrations the many amazing skills and exciting new things one has yet to learn and do. After reading and discussing the story, students can make a storyboard with 3-5 illustrations of things that they are excited to learn and try this year. They should include detailed descriptions in the caption boxes for each illustration. To scaffold, teachers may want students to complete pictures only, as shown in this storyboard example. These storyboards would also make a colorful and inspiring classroom decoration!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard to illustrate your "Magical Yet": some of the things you are excited to learn and do this year!!
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write your name in the left hand cell. Ex: "Mason's Magical Yet".
- In the titles, briefly name the things you are excited to learn and do this year. For example: read a new book, learn a new skill in math or science, try out for the school play, improve your game in a sport, learn a musical instrument, etc.
- Create pictures in each cell using scenes, characters and items to illustrate each new thing.
- You may also add 2-4 sentence description below each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Rubric
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Things I am Excited to Learn This Year!
1
How to support students in sharing their storyboards with the class
Encourage students to present their Magical Yet storyboards to classmates. This builds confidence and fosters a positive, supportive classroom environment.
2
Model a storyboard presentation for your students
Show students how to present by sharing your own storyboard first. Demonstrate speaking clearly and describing your pictures and captions.
3
Organize a gallery walk for students to view each other's work
Set up storyboards around the room and have students walk around to view them. Invite students to leave positive notes or comments for their peers.
4
Facilitate peer feedback with sentence starters
Provide sentence starters like "I like how you..." or "Your picture made me think about..." to help students give constructive feedback to their classmates.
5
Celebrate learning goals with a class reflection
Lead a group discussion on what students noticed or learned from each other's storyboards. Highlight common goals and unique aspirations to build community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things I am Excited to Learn This Year!
What is the 'Magical Yet' activity for back to school?
The 'Magical Yet' activity is a creative lesson inspired by the book The Magical Yet, where students illustrate and describe things they are excited to learn or try during the school year, fostering a growth mindset and self-reflection.
How do I create a storyboard about things I want to learn this year?
To make a storyboard, draw 3-5 pictures showing what you want to learn or accomplish, add captions describing each, and give your storyboard a personal title like "Mason's Magical Yet." Use scenes, characters, and items to represent your goals.
What are some examples of goals students can include in a 'Magical Yet' storyboard?
Examples of goals to include are: reading a new book, learning a math or science skill, auditioning for a play, improving in a sport, or learning a musical instrument.
Why is the 'power of yet' important in the classroom?
The 'power of yet' encourages students to view challenges as opportunities for growth, helping them build resilience, persistence, and a positive attitude toward learning new skills.
Can this 'Magical Yet' lesson be done individually or in groups?
Yes, the 'Magical Yet' lesson can be completed individually or as a group activity, making it adaptable for different classroom needs and student preferences.
More Storyboard That Activities
Back to School Read Alouds
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/back-to-school-read-alouds/magical-yet
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
