Lesson Plan
Future Me: Setting Goals & Overcoming Obstacles
Students will be able to set realistic academic and personal goals, identify potential obstacles, and develop strategies to overcome them.
Developing goal-setting and problem-solving skills empowers students to take control of their future, build resilience, and achieve their aspirations, both in school and in life.
Audience
Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Interactive exercises, peer discussion, and reflective writing.
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Future Me Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Goal Setting Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare the classroom for small group discussions.
- Ensure projector/screen is working for the slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction: What's Your Vision?
10 minutes
- Begin with Future Me Slide Deck Slide 1-3.
- Engage students with a brief discussion about their dreams and aspirations for the future. Use the prompts in the Overcoming Obstacles Discussion Guide (Section: Introduction) to kickstart the conversation.
- Introduce the concept of goal setting as a roadmap to achieving those dreams.
Step 2
Smart Goals: Your Roadmap to Success
15 minutes
- Present Future Me Slide Deck Slide 4-7, explaining what SMART goals are (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Distribute the Goal Setting Worksheet.
- Guide students through the process of setting one academic and one personal SMART goal using the worksheet. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
Step 3
Bumps in the Road: Overcoming Obstacles
15 minutes
- Transition to Future Me Slide Deck Slide 8-10, discussing common obstacles and strategies for overcoming them (e.g., seeking help, problem-solving, persistence).
- Divide students into small groups for a discussion using the Overcoming Obstacles Discussion Guide (Section: Group Discussion).
- Have each group share one key strategy they discussed with the class.
Step 4
Reflection and Commitment
10 minutes
- Conclude with Future Me Slide Deck Slide 11-12.
- Have students complete the My Future Goals Journal Prompt, reflecting on their goals and commitment to achieving them.
- Encourage students to share their reflections with a partner or the whole class if they feel comfortable.
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Slide Deck
Future Me: Setting Goals & Overcoming Obstacles
Your journey to success starts now!
Welcome students and introduce the topic of future planning and goal setting. Ask students to think about what they want to achieve in the future.
Imagine Your Future...
What do you dream of achieving?
What kind of person do you want to become?
What impact do you want to make?
Engage students by asking open-ended questions about their aspirations. Encourage them to think broadly about personal, academic, and even career dreams.
Why Set Goals?
Goals give us direction.
Goals motivate us.
Goals help us measure progress.
Goals turn dreams into reality!
Explain why setting goals is important. Emphasize that goals provide direction and motivation.
What are SMART Goals?
S - Specific: Clear and well-defined. What exactly do you want to achieve?
Introduce the SMART acronym. Start with Specific. Explain what it means to make a goal clear and detailed.
What are SMART Goals?
M - Measurable: How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've reached it?
Explain Measurable. How will students know if they've achieved their goal?
What are SMART Goals?
A - Achievable: Is your goal realistic and attainable? Do you have the resources/skills?
Discuss Achievable. Goals should be challenging but realistic.
What are SMART Goals?
R - Relevant: Is this goal important to you? Does it align with your values?
T - Time-bound: When do you want to achieve this goal? Set a deadline!
Cover Relevant and Time-bound. Explain why the goal should matter to them and have a deadline.
Bumps in the Road: Obstacles
Even with a great plan, challenges can arise.
What are some things that might get in the way of your goals?
Transition to obstacles. Ask students what challenges they anticipate.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles
Identify the obstacle.
Brainstorm solutions.
Seek help from others.
Break down big problems.
Stay persistent!
Discuss strategies for overcoming obstacles. Encourage proactive thinking.
Persistence is Key!
Don't give up if things get tough.
Learn from your challenges.
Adjust your plan if needed.
Every step forward is progress!
Emphasize persistence and learning from setbacks.
Your Commitment to Future Me
What is one goal you are committed to?
What is the first step you will take?
Encourage students to reflect on their commitment and future actions.
You've Got This!
Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve great things.
Your future is bright!
Conclude with an inspiring message about their potential.
Worksheet
Goal Setting Worksheet
Part 1: My Academic SMART Goal
Goal: What is one academic goal you want to achieve?
S - Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
M - Measurable: How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've reached it?
A - Achievable: Is this goal realistic for you? Do you have the resources or skills needed?
R - Relevant: Why is this goal important to you and your future?
T - Time-bound: By when do you plan to achieve this goal?
Part 2: My Personal SMART Goal
Goal: What is one personal goal you want to achieve?
S - Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
M - Measurable: How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've reached it?
A - Achievable: Is this goal realistic for you? Do you have the resources or skills needed?
R - Relevant: Why is this goal important to you and your future?
T - Time-bound: By when do you plan to achieve this goal?
Part 3: Overcoming Obstacles
For ONE of your goals above, think about potential challenges.
Chosen Goal (Academic or Personal):
Potential Obstacle 1: What might get in the way of achieving this goal?
Strategy to Overcome Obstacle 1: What will you do to address this challenge?
Potential Obstacle 2: What is another possible challenge?
Strategy to Overcome Obstacle 2: What will you do to address this challenge?
Discussion
Overcoming Obstacles Discussion Guide
Introduction: What's Your Vision? (Whole Class)
- What are some of your big dreams or aspirations for the future? (Academically, personally, professionally, etc.)
- What do you think is the difference between a "dream" and a "goal"? How can dreams become goals?
- Why do you think it's important to think about the future and set goals?
Group Discussion: Bumps in the Road (Small Groups)
Working in your small groups, discuss the following questions:
- Think about a time you wanted to achieve something, but faced a challenge. What was the challenge, and how did you feel?
- What are some common things that can make it hard to reach a goal (e.g., lack of time, fear of failure, distractions)?
- Brainstorm at least three different strategies you could use to overcome a common obstacle. Be specific!
- Example: If an obstacle is "getting easily distracted by my phone when studying," a strategy could be "putting my phone in another room while I do homework."
- How important is it to ask for help when you're facing a tough obstacle? Who could you ask for help?
- Share one
Journal
My Future Goals Journal Prompt
Take some time to reflect on the goals you set today and your commitment to your "Future Me."
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Out of all the goals you considered or wrote down today, which ONE are you most excited or determined to pursue? Why does this particular goal resonate with you?
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What is the very first small step you can take this week to begin working towards this goal? Be specific and realistic!
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Think about the obstacles we discussed. What is one potential challenge you foresee for this specific goal? How will you prepare for it or plan to overcome it?
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Who in your life (a family member, teacher, friend, coach, etc.) could be a source of support or guidance as you work towards your goal? What kind of help might you ask them for?
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Write a short message to your "Future Self" about this goal. Encourage your future self and remind them of your commitment today.