Lesson Plan
SMART Goal Plan
Students will learn the SMART Goals framework and create personalized self-management goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, then document and begin tracking progress.
Self-management is critical for academic and personal success. By mastering SMART goals, students gain clarity, motivation, and accountability to achieve their objectives.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Interactive instruction, guided practice, and reflection.
Materials
Prep
Lesson Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Goal-Setting Guide to familiarize yourself with SMART definitions and examples.
- Print one copy of the My SMART Goals Sheet for the student.
- Print the Goal Progress Tracker and Weekly Goal Reflection.
- Set up slides or display device for the lesson.
Step 1
Introduction to SMART Goals
5 minutes
- Explain the concept of self-management and why goal setting matters.
- Display the Goal-Setting Guide and walk through each SMART component with an example.
- Invite the student to ask clarifying questions.
Step 2
Explore Specific and Measurable
8 minutes
- Define 'Specific' and 'Measurable' using real-life examples.
- Ask the student to brainstorm two personal goals and phrase them specifically.
- Guide the student to add measurable criteria (e.g., numbers, frequency).
Step 3
Discuss Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
7 minutes
- Review 'Achievable,' 'Relevant,' and 'Time-bound' from the Goal-Setting Guide.
- Have the student refine their two goals to ensure they are realistic and clearly time-bound.
- Confirm each element matches SMART criteria.
Step 4
Complete My SMART Goals Sheet
8 minutes
- Distribute the My SMART Goals Sheet.
- Instruct the student to fully document both SMART goals, filling in all fields.
- Provide feedback, ensuring each goal meets all five SMART components.
Step 5
Set Up Goal Progress Tracker
5 minutes
- Introduce the Goal Progress Tracker as a weekly check-in tool.
- Model how to record baseline data and plan weekly updates.
- Have the student transfer their goals into the tracker and note initial measurements.
Step 6
Reflection and Next Steps
2 minutes
- Hand out the Weekly Goal Reflection.
- Explain how to complete a brief reflection each week, focusing on progress and adjustments.
- Summarize today’s session and schedule the next check-in.
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Slide Deck
Goal-Setting Guide: SMART Goals
Today we’ll learn how to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Using SMART goals helps us focus our efforts and track progress.
Welcome the student and set a positive tone. Explain that this guide will introduce the SMART framework for setting clear, powerful goals. Mention the pastel gradient theme (#FFCFDF→#FCE7F3→#E6D6F1) to create a calm, supportive atmosphere.
What Are SMART Goals?
• Specific: Clear and detailed
• Measurable: Quantifiable indicators
• Achievable: Realistic and within reach
• Relevant: Meaningful to you
• Time-bound: A clear deadline
Clarify why vague goals fail and how SMART criteria add clarity, motivation, and accountability.
S = Specific
Make your goal precise.
Example: Instead of “get better at math,” say “complete 10 extra algebra problems each week.”
Define “Specific” and share a relatable scenario: e.g., "Read more" vs. "Read for 20 minutes each evening." Invite the student to suggest one specific goal.
M = Measurable
Include a way to track progress.
Example: “Earn at least 80% on weekly math quizzes” has a clear target to measure.
Explain measurable criteria: quantity, frequency, or quality. Show how adding a number or frequency turns a vague goal into something you can track.
A = Achievable
Ensure it’s realistic for you.
Example: “Practice guitar for 15 minutes every day” is doable, even on busy days.
Discuss how to choose goals you can reasonably accomplish given your schedule and resources. Highlight the importance of stretching—but not overwhelming—yourself.
R = Relevant
Make it matter to your life or studies.
Example: “Improving my spelling will help me write stronger essays and feel more confident in class.”
Connect the goal to personal values and bigger objectives. Ask: “Why is this goal important to you?”
T = Time-bound
Give yourself a clear end date.
Example: “Finish my science project outline by next Friday, May 10th.”
Stress the importance of deadlines to create urgency and focus. Show how a time frame helps measure success.
Putting It All Together
Goal: “Read 20 pages of my novel every evening for four weeks to improve reading fluency.”
• Specific: Read a novel
• Measurable: 20 pages/day
• Achievable: 20 pages fits my evening routine
• Relevant: I want to boost comprehension for English class
• Time-bound: Every evening for four weeks
Walk through a full SMART example. Highlight each component so the student sees how they work together.
Next Steps
• Grab your My SMART Goals Sheet
• Write two SMART goals using what you’ve learned
• We’ll review and refine them together
Encourage the student to transfer their own ideas onto the worksheet. Preview the next activity: completing the My SMART Goals Sheet and starting a progress tracker.
Worksheet
My SMART Goals Sheet
Use what you’ve learned about SMART goals to write two clear, powerful goals. Fill in each section completely for each goal.
Goal 1
Goal Title:
S = Specific
What exactly will you do?
M = Measurable
How will you track or measure your progress?
A = Achievable
Why is this goal realistic for you?
R = Relevant
How does this goal connect to your life or studies?
T = Time-bound
What is the deadline or time frame?
Why does this goal matter to you?
(Explain how it will help you grow or succeed.)
Goal 2
Goal Title:
S = Specific
What exactly will you do?
M = Measurable
How will you track or measure your progress?
A = Achievable
Why is this goal realistic for you?
R = Relevant
How does this goal connect to your life or studies?
T = Time-bound
What is the deadline or time frame?
Why does this goal matter to you?
(Explain how it will help you grow or succeed.)
Rubric
Goal Progress Tracker
A weekly self-assessment tool for monitoring SMART goal progress.
| Week | 1 = Beginning (0–25%) | 2 = Developing (26–50%) | 3 = Proficient (51–75%) | 4 = Exemplary (76–100%) | Notes/Reflection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | |||||
| Week 2 | |||||
| Week 3 | |||||
| Week 4 |
Progress Levels:
- Beginning (0–25%): Minimal progress or only initial planning complete.
- Developing (26–50%): Some progress with key steps started.
- Proficient (51–75%): Steady progress, most tasks on track.
- Exemplary (76–100%): Goal met or exceeded as planned.
Use this tracker each week to select your progress level and write reflections or next steps in the Notes/Reflection column.
Journal
Weekly Goal Reflection
Use this journal each week to reflect on your SMART goals, celebrate successes, and plan next steps. Refer to your Goal Progress Tracker as you reflect.
Date: ____________________
Week #: ____________________
1. My Progress Level This Week
(Select 1–4 on your Goal Progress Tracker)
Progress Level: ____
2. Successes & Achievements
What went well? What small wins or milestones did you reach?
3. Challenges & Obstacles
What difficulties or setbacks did you face in working toward your goal?
4. Strategies & Solutions
How did you address those challenges? Which strategies helped you overcome obstacles?
5. Adjustments for Next Week
What will you change about your plan or approach to improve progress?
6. Specific Action Steps
List 2–3 concrete tasks you will do next week to stay on track with your goal.
7. Overall Reflection
How do you feel about your effort and growth this week? What did you learn about yourself?
Keep this reflection in your goal journal and review it before your next check-in.