Hope · Activity

Setting Goals

5th & 6th Grade

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Activity: Students watch the video and discuss its emphasis on goal setting as an important skill that we can all learn. Students will learn about SMART strategies for goal setting and choose a personal goal. They will reflect on their results using the SMART goals guidelines and participate in a show and tell after 2 weeks of working on these goals.  

 

Materials Needed: the video; a chart about SMART goals guidelines; a journal or a few sheets of stapled paper to write about their goals

 

              SMART GOALS GUIDELINES

 



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  1. What is the goal?


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  2. Why is the goal important?


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  3. SMART goal checklist:



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    1. S – Specific – Is the goal clearly written, with no ambivalence? Is it clear who needs to accomplish the goal, and any support they might expect?


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    2. M – Measurable – Does the goal answer the questions of how many, how much, and/or how often?


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    3. A – Achievable – Can you get the support needed to achieve the goal by the target date? Do you have all the resources needed to achieve the goal? Are the results expected realistic?


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    4. R – Relevant – Does the goal make a difference in your career? Is it going to make an improvement in your personal life? Is it going to significantly make a difference to your business/academic career?


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    5. T – Time-Bound – Does the goal state a clear and specific completion date?






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  4. List potential problems that might keep you from completing your goal.


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  5. Goal Completion Date.




Directions: Show the video and discuss it, emphasizing that goal setting is an important skill that we can all learn. Ask students if they want to be successful in life. Explain: “People who are successful are very good at one particular thing, that is goal setting. I will teach you how to do this with a program called “SMART” which is all about strategies for goal setting.” Lead a discussion on (1) examples of goals that are realistically achievable within two weeks, so that progress can be measured, and (2) examples of goals that they want to accomplish, not ones that they are told to do. Go over the SMART chart that will be displayed in the classroom. Give students time to (1) think about and choose a goal, (2) use the SMART guidelines to write about their goal. Review each student’s written plan and give feedback.  Give students time each day (5 minutes) to write a reflection on their progress. Plan a show and tell at the end of 2 weeks. Students can either show and explain what they achieved or just talk about it.   

Wrap it up: As mentioned, goal setting is super important and since you’re getting started early on, you will be successful in life! I will keep the SMART GOALS GUIDELINES chart posted in the classroom, so you can become really familiar with this process.

 
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