Lesson Plan
SMART Goal Mastery
Students will learn to articulate a personal goal using the SMART framework and create a step-by-step action plan in a focused, 30-minute one-on-one session.
Developing clear, measurable goals and a realistic plan builds students’ self-awareness, intrinsic motivation, and accountability—skills critical for academic success and lifelong achievement.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
30 Minutes
Approach
Direct instruction with guided practice
Materials
- SMART Goal Definition Handout, - Personal Goal & Action Plan Worksheet, and - Stopwatch or Timer
Prep
Review Materials & Setup
5 Minutes
- Print or have digital copies ready of SMART Goal Definition Handout and Personal Goal & Action Plan Worksheet
- Familiarize yourself with the SMART criteria examples on the handout
- Prepare a timer to keep the session on track
Step 1
Introduction to Goal Setting
5 Minutes
- Greet the student and explain the session’s purpose: setting an effective personal goal
- Ask the student to share one short-term or long-term goal they have
- Emphasize why clear goals matter for progress and motivation
Step 2
Explain SMART Criteria
10 Minutes
- Distribute the SMART Goal Definition Handout
- Walk through each SMART component (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) with 1–2 examples
- Invite the student to ask clarifying questions about any criteria
Step 3
Guided SMART Goal Creation
8 Minutes
- Give the student the Personal Goal & Action Plan Worksheet
- Ask them to draft a goal using the SMART structure
- Provide targeted prompts: “How will you measure progress?”, “Is the timeline realistic?”
- Offer constructive feedback to refine their phrasing
Step 4
Action Plan Development
5 Minutes
- On the worksheet, have the student list 3 concrete action steps with deadlines
- Encourage specific details (e.g., "Study vocabulary 20 minutes every day at 6 PM")
- Confirm that each step aligns with the SMART goal criteria
Step 5
Reflection & Next Steps
2 Minutes
- Ask the student to reflect: “What part of the plan excites you most?”
- Set a follow-up check-in date to review progress
- Congratulate the student on crafting a clear, actionable goal and wrap up
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Slide Deck
Aim High Blueprint: Setting SMART Goals
• 30-minute one-on-one session
• Learn to set SMART personal goals
• Create a step-by-step action plan
Let’s get started!
Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that today’s focus is on setting clear, actionable goals to help them achieve academic and personal success.
Why Goal Setting Matters
• Provides clear direction and focus
• Increases motivation and persistence
• Builds self-confidence through measurable progress
What goal would you like to work on today?
Emphasize why goal setting is critical: it boosts motivation, focus, and accountability. Ask the student to name one goal they have.
What Is a SMART Goal?
SMART goals are:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
Using SMART helps turn vague ideas into concrete plans.
Introduce the SMART framework. Distribute the SMART Goal Definition Handout now.
SMART Criteria Explained
Specific: What exactly will you do?
Measurable: How will you track progress?
Achievable: Is it realistic?
Relevant: Does it align with your priorities?
Time-bound: What is your deadline?
Walk through each component with 1–2 quick examples. Invite questions after each.
Example SMART Goal
“I will raise my math grade from 75% to 85% by studying 30 minutes every day after school for the next 4 weeks.”
• Specific: raise math grade by 10%
• Measurable: track weekly quiz scores
• Achievable: 30 min/day study
• Relevant: supports overall GPA
• Time-bound: 4 weeks
Show this as a model. Highlight how each element appears in the example.
Your Turn: Draft Your SMART Goal
Use these prompts:
• What do you want to accomplish?
• How will you measure success?
• Is the timeline realistic?
• Why is this goal important to you?
Hand over the Personal Goal & Action Plan Worksheet. Guide the student to draft their own SMART goal using these prompts.
Action Plan Development
List 3 action steps:
- ____________________________________ (deadline: ______)
- ____________________________________ (deadline: ______)
- ____________________________________ (deadline: ______)
Ensure each step is specific and time-bound.
On the same worksheet, have the student list three concrete action steps with deadlines. Provide feedback to refine each step.
Reflection & Next Steps
• What part of your plan excites you most?
• When shall we check in on your progress?
Great work on crafting a clear, actionable goal!
Ask the student to reflect on what excites them most. Set a follow-up date to review progress.
You’ve Got This!
Keep your goal and action plan handy.
Stay committed and track your progress.
See you at our next check-in!
Thank the student and encourage them to keep their goal visible. Remind them you’ll follow up on the agreed date.
Worksheet
SMART Goal Definition Handout
Use the SMART framework to turn vague ideas into clear, actionable goals.
S – Specific
Definition: Your goal should state exactly what you want to accomplish.
Why it matters: Specificity eliminates confusion and gives you clear direction.
Example: "I want to improve my math grade by focusing on problem areas in algebra."
M – Measurable
Definition: Include concrete criteria to track progress and know when you’ve achieved your goal.
Why it matters: Measurement keeps you motivated by showing tangible evidence of growth.
Example: "I will increase my algebra test scores from 75% to 85%."
A – Achievable
Definition: Choose a goal that is realistic given your current skills, resources, and time.
Why it matters: An achievable goal builds confidence and prevents frustration.
Example: "I can study algebra 30 minutes every school day after class."
R – Relevant
Definition: Ensure your goal aligns with your broader objectives, values, or needs.
Why it matters: Relevance keeps you committed because the goal matters to you.
Example: "Improving my algebra grade will raise my overall GPA and support my college plans."
T – Time-bound
Definition: Set a clear deadline to create urgency and help you prioritize.
Why it matters: A time frame prevents procrastination and helps you schedule action steps.
Example: "I will reach my target score within the next four weeks, by May 15th."
Worksheet
Personal Goal & Action Plan Worksheet
Use the SMART framework from the SMART Goal Definition Handout to guide your planning. Write clearly and thoughtfully—this plan is your roadmap for success!
1. Draft Your SMART Goal
Write your goal here, making sure it is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound:
2. Break Down Your Goal by SMART Criteria
How does your goal meet each SMART component? Briefly explain below.
Specific (exact outcome):
Measurable (how you’ll track progress):
Achievable (realistic given your resources/time):
Relevant (why this matters to you):
Time-bound (deadline or timeframe):
3. Action Plan: List Your Steps and Deadlines
Identify three concrete actions that will move you toward your goal. Be specific about what you’ll do and when.
- Action Step:
Deadline:
- Action Step:
Deadline:
- Action Step:
Deadline:
4. Reflection & Next Steps
What part of this plan excites you the most?
What potential obstacles might you face?
How will you overcome those obstacles?
When shall we check in on your progress?
(Check-in Date: ____________)
Great work! Keep this worksheet visible and refer back to it often to stay on track. Good luck achieving your goal!