Lesson Plan
Goal Setting Blueprint Plan
Students will learn to set achievable goals and develop a strategic plan to reach them, fostering self-management and personal development skills.
Setting goals provides direction and motivation, helping students understand how to take ownership of their future. This skill is crucial for academic success, personal growth, and navigating future challenges.
Audience
7th Grade Class
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive lecture, individual reflection, and practical application of goal-setting strategies.
Materials
Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation (slide-deck), SMART Goal Planning Sheet (worksheet), and My Personal Goal Map Project (project)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Goal Setting Blueprint Plan and all linked materials: Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation, SMART Goal Planning Sheet, and My Personal Goal Map Project.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is ready for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the SMART Goal Planning Sheet for each student.
- (Optional) Have examples of different types of goals ready to share with students.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Dream Big, Start Small (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What's something you really want to achieve in the next year?" Allow a few students to share.
- Introduce the idea that achieving big dreams starts with small, actionable steps.
Step 2
Introduction to Goal Getters (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Use the Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation slides 1-3.
- Introduce the concept of goal setting and why it's important for self-management.
- Discuss the difference between wishes and goals.
Step 3
SMART Goals Explained (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Use the Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation slides 4-9.
- Explain each component of a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) using examples relevant to 7th graders.
- Encourage students to think about how they might apply these criteria to their own aspirations.
Step 4
Individual SMART Goal Planning (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Distribute the SMART Goal Planning Sheet.
- Guide students through filling out the worksheet, helping them apply the SMART criteria to one personal goal they identified earlier or a new one.
- Circulate and provide individual feedback and support.
Step 5
Introduce My Personal Goal Map Project (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Use the Achieving Your Aspirations Presentation slides 10-11.
- Introduce the My Personal Goal Map Project as a take-home assignment or a longer-term in-class project.
- Explain the project expectations and timeline.
- Answer any initial questions about the project.
Step 6
Wrap-Up: Reflect and Commit (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Ask students to share one insight they gained about goal setting.
- Reiterate the importance of self-management and persistence in achieving goals.
- Assign the My Personal Goal Map Project for homework or a future class session.
Slide Deck
Welcome, Goal Getters!
Let's turn dreams into plans!
Welcome students and introduce the topic of goal setting. Ask them what dreams or aspirations they have.
Wishes vs. Goals
What's the difference?
- Wish: Something you hope for.
- Goal: Something you plan to achieve.
Explain that we all have things we want to achieve. Differentiate between a 'wish' and a 'goal'. A wish is a hope, a goal is a target with a plan.
Why Set Goals?
- Provides direction
- Boosts motivation
- Helps you track progress
- Builds self-management skills
Discuss why setting goals is important for their personal growth and success in school and life. Connect it to self-management.
SMART Goals: Your Secret Weapon!
A powerful way to set goals that you can actually achieve!
Introduce the SMART acronym. Explain that using this framework makes goals clearer and more attainable. Transition to explaining 'Specific'.
S - Specific
What exactly do you want to achieve?
- Who is involved?
- What do I want to accomplish?
- Where will it take place?
- When will it happen?
- Why is this goal important?
Explain what makes a goal 'Specific'. Use an example like 'I want to get better grades' vs. 'I want to raise my science grade from a C to a B by the end of the quarter.'
M - Measurable
How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've succeeded?
- Use numbers, percentages, or clear indicators.
Explain 'Measurable'. How will they know if they've achieved their goal? Give examples: 'Read more books' vs. 'Read 3 books a month'.
A - Achievable
Is your goal realistic and attainable?
- Do you have the skills and resources?
- Is it possible to reach this goal?
Discuss 'Achievable'. Is the goal realistic given their resources and time? Emphasize making goals challenging but not impossible. 'Run a marathon next week' might not be achievable, but 'Run a 5K in 3 months' might be.
R - Relevant
Does this goal matter to you? Is it worthwhile?
- Does it align with your values?
- Is it the right time for this goal?
Explain 'Relevant'. Why is this goal important to them? Does it align with their values and other priorities? 'Getting good grades' is relevant to academic success.
T - Time-Bound
When will you achieve your goal?
- Set a target date.
- Create a sense of urgency.
Finally, 'Time-bound'. Every goal needs a deadline. 'I want to clean my room' vs. 'I want to clean my room by Saturday afternoon'.
Time to Plan!
Now that you know the SMART way, let's create your goals!
Introduce the next step: applying what they've learned using the worksheet. Explain that the worksheet will help them structure their own SMART goals.
Your Goal Map Project
A visual journey to your aspirations!
(More details in your My Personal Goal Map Project guide)
Introduce the project. Explain that this is a creative way to visualize their goals and the steps to achieve them. Provide brief instructions and mention the Project Guide.
Worksheet
SMART Goal Planning Sheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _____________
My Big Dream / Aspiration:
What is something you really want to achieve? (Don't worry about being SMART yet, just dream big!)
Let's Make it SMART!
Use the SMART criteria to turn your big dream into an achievable goal.
S - Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
-
Be clear and detailed. Who, what, where, when, why?
M - Measurable: How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've succeeded?
-
Think about numbers, percentages, or clear indicators.
A - Achievable: Is your goal realistic and attainable?
-
Do you have the skills, resources, and time? Is it possible?
R - Relevant: Does this goal matter to you? Is it worthwhile?
-
Does it align with your values or other important things in your life?
T - Time-bound: When will you achieve your goal?
-
Set a clear target date or deadline.
My SMART Goal:
Write out your complete SMART goal here! (It should be one clear sentence or two.)
Action Steps:
What are the first 3-5 steps you need to take to start working on your SMART goal?
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
Project Guide
My Personal Goal Map Project
Name: _________________________ Date Due: _____________
Project Goal:
To visually represent your personal SMART goal and the steps you will take to achieve it, demonstrating your understanding of goal setting and self-management.
Project Description:
You will create a "Goal Map" that clearly outlines a personal SMART goal you want to achieve and the pathway you will follow to reach it. Think of it like a treasure map, but the treasure is your success!
Requirements:
-
Your SMART Goal: Clearly state your personal SMART goal at the top or center of your map. (You can use the goal you developed on your SMART Goal Planning Sheet or refine it).
-
Visual Representation: Your map should be visually appealing and creative! You can use:
- Drawings, illustrations, or sketches
- Cut-out images from magazines or printed pictures
- Computer-generated designs (e.g., Google Slides, Canva, etc.)
- Any combination of the above!
-
Pathway to Success: Illustrate the major steps, milestones, or actions you need to take to achieve your goal. These should be like the "paths" or "stages" on your map.
- Break down your goal into at least 5 smaller, actionable steps.
- Consider potential obstacles and how you might overcome them (e.g., a "boulder" on your path and a "pickaxe" to remove it).
-
Resources/Support: Include any resources or people who can help you on your journey (e.g., a "helper" character, a "library" icon).
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Timeline/Milestones: Indicate a sense of progression or a timeline. You can use dates, phases, or checkpoints on your map.
Rubric/Grading Criteria:
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (4) | Meets Expectations (3) | Approaches Expectations (2) | Needs Support (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART Goal | Clearly stated, highly specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. | Clearly stated, mostly specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. | Goal is stated but lacks 1-2 SMART elements. | Goal is vague or missing key SMART elements. |
| Visual Pathway | 5+ clear, logical, and creative steps to achieve the goal, including obstacle solutions. | 5 clear, logical steps to achieve the goal. | 3-4 steps shown, some lack clarity or logical flow. | Fewer than 3 steps, or steps are unclear/illogical. |
| Creativity/Effort | Highly creative, thoughtful, and engaging visual design. Evident effort. | Creative and visually appealing design. Good effort. | Basic design, some visual elements. Limited effort. | Minimal design, lacks visual appeal or effort. |
| Clarity/Organization | Map is exceptionally clear, easy to understand, and well-organized. | Map is clear, easy to understand, and organized. | Map is somewhat clear but could be better organized. | Map is confusing or unorganized. |
Total Points: _______ / 16
Self-Reflection (To be completed after project submission):
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What was the most challenging part of creating your Goal Map, and how did you overcome it?
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How will this Goal Map help you stay focused on your goal?
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What did you learn about yourself during this project?