Lesson Plan
Goal Setting Blueprint Plan
Students will learn to define and differentiate between various types of goals, apply the SMART criteria to develop well-defined and achievable personal goals, and create a structured plan to monitor progress and overcome potential obstacles.
Understanding and practicing effective goal setting empowers students to take control of their academic and personal journeys, fostering self-discipline, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. These skills are crucial for success in school and beyond.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive lecture, individual reflection, and hands-on planning activities.
Materials
Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation, SMART Goal Planning Sheet, My Personal Goal Map Project, Whiteboard or projector, and Markers or pens
Prep
Review Materials and Set Up
15 minutes
- Review the Goal Setting Blueprint Plan, Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation, SMART Goal Planning Sheet, and My Personal Goal Map Project to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready.
- Make copies of the SMART Goal Planning Sheet for each student.
- Have blank paper or notebooks available for initial brainstorming.
Step 1
Introduction: What's Your Everest?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: 'What's something you really want to achieve, big or small?' (e.g., learning a new skill, improving a grade, saving money for something).
- Introduce the concept of goals and how they guide us towards what we want to achieve. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 1-2.
Step 2
Defining Goals: Dream It, Plan It
10 minutes
- Explain the difference between dreams (aspirations without a plan) and goals (dreams with a deadline and a plan).
- Discuss different types of goals: short-term vs. long-term, academic vs. personal. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 3-5.
- Ask students to share examples of each type of goal (e.g., short-term: finish homework tonight; long-term: graduate high school with good grades).
Step 3
The SMART Way to Goal Set
20 minutes
- Introduce the SMART goal-setting framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 6-11.
- Go through each component with examples. For instance, for 'Specific': instead of 'get better at math,' say 'improve my math test score by 10%.'
- Distribute the SMART Goal Planning Sheet.
- Guide students through applying the SMART criteria to one of their own goals using the worksheet.
Step 4
Obstacles and Action Steps
15 minutes
- Discuss potential obstacles that might arise when working towards a goal. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 12.
- Brainstorm strategies to overcome these obstacles.
- Emphasize the importance of action steps: breaking down a big goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 13.
- Have students list 2-3 initial action steps for their SMART goal on their SMART Goal Planning Sheet.
Step 5
Project Introduction: Your Goal Map
5 minutes
- Introduce the My Personal Goal Map Project. Explain that this project will allow them to fully develop their SMART goal and action plan.
- Briefly review the project expectations and due date. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 14.
Step 6
Wrap-up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Ask students to share one insight they gained about goal setting today.
- Reiterate the power of setting clear goals and working towards them. Use Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation Slide 15.
- Collect SMART Goal Planning Sheet for review if desired.
Slide Deck
Goal Getters: Achieving Your Aspirations
What do YOU want to achieve?
Welcome students and generate excitement about setting goals. Ask an open-ended question to get them thinking about their aspirations.
Dreams vs. Goals
A dream is a wish, an idea, something you hope for.
A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline. It's something you actively work towards.
Transition from general aspirations to defining what a goal truly is. Emphasize that goals are more than just wishes.
Types of Goals
Goals can be:
- Short-Term: Achievable in a day, week, or month.
- Long-Term: Achievable over several months, a year, or even longer.
Introduce the idea that goals come in different shapes and sizes. Encourage students to think about various aspects of their lives.
Examples: Short-Term Goals
- Finish today's math homework.
- Read for 30 minutes tonight.
- Help with dinner this week.
- Save $5 by next Saturday.
Provide clear examples to help students differentiate. Ask for student examples after these are presented.
Examples: Long-Term Goals
- Improve my grade in science by the end of the semester.
- Learn to play a new song on my instrument.
- Save enough money to buy a new game console.
- Run a 5K race next spring.
Provide clear examples for long-term goals. Again, solicit student input to ensure understanding.
The SMART Way to Set Goals
Goals aren't just wishes; they need a good plan!
Use the SMART framework to make your goals strong and achievable.
Introduce the SMART acronym as a key tool for effective goal setting. Explain that each letter stands for an important characteristic.
S - Specific
Your goal should be clear and well-defined.
Instead of: "I want to get better at basketball."
Try: "I want to make 7 out of 10 free throws in practice by next month."
Explain 'Specific.' Provide an example of a vague goal and how to make it specific.
M - Measurable
You need a way to track your progress and know when you've reached your goal.
How will you know if you achieved it?
How much? How many?
Explain 'Measurable.' Discuss how to track progress.
A - Achievable
Your goal should be realistic and something you can actually accomplish.
Is it possible for you to do this?
Do you have the resources or skills, or can you get them?
Explain 'Achievable.' Emphasize that goals should be challenging but realistic.
R - Relevant
Your goal should matter to you and align with what you want.
Why is this goal important to you?
Does it fit with your other goals or values?
Explain 'Relevant.' Connect goals to personal values and interests.
T - Time-bound
Your goal needs a clear deadline or a target date.
When will you achieve this goal?
What's your start and end date?
Explain 'Time-bound.' Stress the importance of a deadline.
What About Obstacles?
Sometimes things get in the way!
- Lack of time
- Getting discouraged
- Unexpected challenges
- Losing motivation
How can you plan for these?
Discuss common obstacles and encourage students to think proactively about solutions.
Action Steps: Breaking It Down
A big goal can feel overwhelming. Break it into smaller, manageable action steps!
Goal: "Read 5 books by the end of the semester."
Action Step 1: Choose 5 books.
Action Step 2: Dedicate 20 minutes each day to reading.
Introduce action steps as a way to break down larger goals. This helps make the goal less daunting.
Your Personal Goal Map Project
You will create a visual "Goal Map" to outline one of your SMART goals.
This project will help you:
- Clearly define your goal.
- Identify necessary action steps.
- Anticipate and plan for challenges.
Introduce the project and its purpose. Briefly explain that it ties all the goal-setting concepts together.
You Are a Goal Getter!
Setting goals helps you turn your dreams into reality. You have the power to achieve amazing things!
Conclude by empowering students and reinforcing the value of goal setting.
Worksheet
SMART Goal Planning Sheet
Name:
Date:
My Goal:
Think about something you want to achieve, big or small! Write it down here first.
Let's Make It SMART!
Use the questions below to refine your goal and make it SMART. Revise your goal as you go!
S - Specific
What exactly do you want to achieve? Who is involved? Where will it take place? Why is this goal important?
M - Measurable
How will you measure your progress? How will you know when you have achieved it? What are the metrics (e.g., how much, how many)?
A - Achievable
Is this goal realistic and attainable given your resources and time? Do you have the skills, or can you get them?
R - Relevant
Is this goal important to you personally? Does it align with your values and long-term aspirations? Is it the right time for this goal?
T - Time-bound
What is your target date for completing this goal? When will you start? What are the key milestones?
My Revised SMART Goal:
Write your polished SMART goal here:
First Steps: Action Plan
What are the first 2-3 specific steps you need to take to start working towards your goal?
Potential Obstacles & Solutions
What challenges might you face? How will you overcome them?
Obstacle 1:
Solution 1:
Obstacle 2:
Solution 2:
Project Guide
My Personal Goal Map Project
Project Overview:
Now that you understand SMART goals, you will create a visual "Goal Map" to outline one of your own SMART goals. This map will help you plan your journey, visualize your progress, and stay motivated!
Objective:
To apply the SMART goal-setting framework to a personal goal, break it down into actionable steps, and anticipate potential challenges.
Materials Needed:
- Large sheet of paper or poster board
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Magazines (optional, for cutting out images)
- Glue stick (optional)
- SMART Goal Planning Sheet (for reference)
Instructions:
-
Choose Your SMART Goal (10 minutes):
- Review your SMART Goal Planning Sheet.
- Select ONE SMART goal that you are excited to work on for this project.
- Write your final SMART goal clearly at the top or center of your Goal Map.
-
Visualize Your Goal (15 minutes):
- Around your main goal, draw or paste images that represent your goal and what it will look like when you achieve it. Be creative! This is your vision board for your goal.
-
Map Out Your Action Steps (20 minutes):
- Draw a path or a series of steps leading to your main goal.
- On each step, write down a specific action step you need to take. Break your goal down into at least 5-7 smaller, manageable steps.
- Think about the order in which these steps need to happen.
-
Identify Milestones (10 minutes):
- Mark 2-3 significant milestones along your path. These are smaller achievements that let you know you are on the right track before reaching your main goal.
- Label each milestone clearly.
-
Prepare for Obstacles (10 minutes):
- Think about potential obstacles or challenges that might come up while you are working towards your goal.
- Draw or write these obstacles along the sides of your path. For each obstacle, briefly write down a strategy or solution you can use to overcome it.
-
Decorate and Personalize (5 minutes):
- Make your Goal Map colorful and inspiring! Add quotes, drawings, or anything that will motivate you.
Presentation (Optional - to be determined by teacher):
You may have the opportunity to share your Goal Map with a small group or the class, explaining your goal, action steps, and how you plan to overcome challenges.
Rubric:
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (4) | Meets Expectations (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART Goal | Goal is exceptionally clear, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. | Goal is clear, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. | Goal is somewhat clear but may lack one or two SMART components. | Goal is unclear and does not meet SMART criteria. |
| Action Steps | Includes 7+ well-defined, logical, and sequential action steps. | Includes 5-6 well-defined and logical action steps. | Includes 3-4 action steps, but they may be vague or out of order. | Includes fewer than 3 action steps, or they are unclear. |
| Obstacles & Solutions | Identifies 2+ clear obstacles and provides thoughtful, proactive solutions for each. | Identifies 2 clear obstacles and provides solutions. | Identifies 1-2 obstacles but solutions are vague or missing. | Identifies no obstacles or solutions. |
| Creativity & Effort | Project is highly creative, visually appealing, and demonstrates significant effort. | Project is creative, visually appealing, and shows good effort. | Project shows some creativity and effort but could be more developed. | Project shows minimal creativity and effort. |