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Future Focus: Setting Smart Goals

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Students will learn to articulate and plan their future aspirations using the SMART goal framework, establishing clear and achievable objectives.

This lesson equips students with realistic goal-setting skills, fostering a proactive mindset for personal and academic growth.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, group activities, and reflective exercises.

Materials

Lesson Plan, Slide Deck: SMART Goals Introduction, and Worksheet: Goal Planner

Prep

Review and Setup Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to SMART Goals

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief explanation of the SMART goal framework.
  • Use the Slide Deck: SMART Goals Introduction to illustrate each SMART component (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
  • Engage students with examples relevant to their interests.

Step 2

Goal Setting Activity

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups to brainstorm personal or academic goals.
  • Instruct each group to formulate at least one goal using the SMART criteria.
  • Have groups share their examples with the class for feedback and discussion.

Step 3

Individual Reflection and Worksheet Completion

15 minutes

  • Provide each student with the Worksheet: Goal Planner.
  • Guide them through filling out the worksheet, ensuring their goals meet the SMART criteria.
  • Conclude with a reflective discussion on the challenges and benefits of setting smart goals.
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Slide Deck

SMART Goals Introduction

SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Let's explore what each means!

Introduce the SMART goal framework by defining each letter in SMART. Emphasize the importance of setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Use simple, relatable examples that align with middle school interests. Engage the students by asking them if they can think of examples from their own lives.

Breaking Down SMART

Specific: Clearly define the goal.

Measurable: Determine how to gauge progress.

Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic.

Relevant: Align the goal with personal or academic objectives.

Time-bound: Set a deadline for the goal.

Provide a slide that dives briefly into each component. Remind teachers to pause and ask the class for examples at each point.

Example of a SMART Goal

Ambiguous: 'I want to get better at math.'

SMART: 'I will study math for 30 minutes each day and complete at least one extra practice problem by the end of the week to improve my understanding.'

Demonstrate with a relatable example. Ask the class how they might modify an ambiguous goal into a SMART goal.

Your Turn: Brainstorm SMART Goals

Work with your group to come up with one or more personal or academic goals.

Remember: Make it Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound!

Encourage student interaction. Use this slide to set up the group's brainstorming activity. Ask students to think of their own potential goals using the SMART criteria.

Reflection and Discussion

Share your SMART goals with the class. Discuss what makes each goal SMART and what challenges you might face in achieving them.

Conclude the content with a reflective slide. Invite any volunteers to share their SMART goals and discuss as a class.

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Worksheet

Goal Planner: Set Your SMART Goals

This worksheet will help you create a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Follow the prompts in each section and take your time to think about how each part applies to your goal.

1. Specific

What is your goal? Describe exactly what you want to achieve. Be as clear as possible.











2. Measurable

How will you measure your progress? What signs will show that you are getting closer to your goal?











3. Achievable

Is your goal realistic? What steps will you take to ensure that your goal is within reach?











4. Relevant

Why is this goal important to you? How does it fit with your personal or academic objectives?











5. Time-bound

When do you plan to achieve this goal? Set a clear deadline.











Final Reflection

Reflect on your goal. What challenges do you anticipate, and what support might you need?











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Future Focus: Setting Smart Goals • Lenny Learning