Lesson Plan
Dream+Do: Goal Setting Lesson Plan
In this 45-minute Tier 2 lesson, students will learn SMART goal-setting techniques, reflect on personal aspirations, and collaboratively draft actionable plans. By the end, each student will have crafted SMART academic and personal goals and contributed to a group action plan.
Setting clear, structured goals empowers students to take ownership of their learning and personal growth. This lesson builds self-management and collaborative skills, laying a foundation for academic success and lifelong planning.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, individual reflection, and group collaboration.
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
10 minutes
- Review SMART Goals Introduction Slides
- Print copies of SMART Goals Definition Handout
- Prepare Personal Aspirations Reflection Worksheet
- Print Group Action Plan Template
- Display Example SMART Goals Poster in the classroom
Step 1
Introduction to Goal Setting
10 minutes
- Introduce the concept of goal setting and its importance.
- Project SMART Goals Introduction Slides.
- Elicit student examples of past goals and outcomes.
- Emphasize how clear goals guide actions.
Step 2
Exploring SMART Goals
10 minutes
- Distribute SMART Goals Definition Handout.
- Review each SMART criterion (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Refer to Example SMART Goals Poster for sample goals.
- Ask students to identify SMART elements in examples.
Step 3
Personal Aspirations Reflection
10 minutes
- Hand out Personal Aspirations Reflection Worksheet.
- Instruct students to list personal and academic aspirations.
- Guide them to convert aspirations into one academic and one personal SMART goal.
- Provide support and feedback as needed.
Step 4
Small Group Action Planning
10 minutes
- Divide class into groups of 3–4.
- Provide each group with Group Action Plan Template.
- Students share individual goals and select one group goal.
- Collaboratively outline action steps, resources, and timelines.
Step 5
Share and Debrief
5 minutes
- Invite groups to present their action plans briefly.
- Highlight effective SMART elements and strategies.
- Discuss potential challenges and solutions.
- Summarize the importance of planning and next steps.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Introduction to SMART Goals
• What is a goal?
• Why do we set goals?
• How can SMART goals help us succeed?
Welcome students and introduce today’s learning goal: understanding SMART goals. Mention that by the end of this deck, they’ll know each SMART criterion and see why goal setting matters.
Why Set Goals?
• Provide clarity and purpose
• Increase motivation and accountability
• Help measure progress
• Boost confidence when milestones are reached
Explain that setting goals gives us direction, focus, and motivation. Share a quick story about a time you achieved something by planning.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART stands for:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
Introduce the SMART acronym. Tell students we’ll dive into each letter and see examples.
S = Specific
A Specific goal clearly states what you will do.
Example:
• Vague: “I want to write more.”
• Specific: “I will write for 15 minutes every evening.”
Define “Specific.” Emphasize describing exactly what you want to accomplish. Ask for a student example of a vague goal vs. a specific one.
M = Measurable
A Measurable goal has criteria to track progress.
Example:
• “Read books” → “Read 20 pages per day.”
Discuss how to make goals measurable. Explain that metrics help track progress and know when you’ve succeeded.
A = Achievable
An Achievable goal is realistic given your resources and time.
Example:
• “Finish a marathon next week” may be unrealistic.
• “Run a 5K in two months” is more achievable.
Talk about setting goals that stretch ability but remain realistic. Invite students to share a goal that felt challenging yet doable.
R = Relevant
A Relevant goal matters to your life, values, and long-term plans.
Example:
• “Learn French” is relevant if you plan to study abroad.
Explain relevance—goals should align with broader priorities like academic success or personal growth.
T = Time-bound
A Time-bound goal has a deadline or schedule.
Example:
• “Improve grade by end of the semester.”
Clarify that time-bound goals have clear deadlines, creating urgency and helping plan steps.
Vague vs. SMART Example
Vague: “I want to get better at math.”
SMART: “I will raise my math grade from a B to an A by studying 30 minutes daily and attending weekly tutoring sessions, by the end of this semester.”
Show a full example contrasting a vague intent with a SMART goal. Point out each SMART element.
Review & Next Steps
• Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Up Next:
Convert your aspirations into SMART goals using the handout.
Summarize the SMART framework and preview the next activity: converting personal aspirations into SMART goals using the handout.
Worksheet
Personal Aspirations Reflection Worksheet
Use this worksheet to identify your aspirations and turn them into clear, actionable SMART goals. Refer to the SMART Goals Definition Handout as you work.
1. Brainstorm Your Aspirations
a) List at least three academic aspirations you have for this semester:
- _______________________________________
- _______________________________________
- _______________________________________
b) List at least three personal aspirations you have outside of school:
- _______________________________________
- _______________________________________
- _______________________________________
2. Develop an Academic SMART Goal
Choose one academic aspiration from above and break it down into SMART criteria.
Specific – What exactly do you want to achieve?
_______________________________________
Measurable – How will you track your progress?
_______________________________________
Achievable – Why is this goal realistic for you?
_______________________________________
Relevant – How does this goal connect to your values or long-term plans?
_______________________________________
Time-bound – What is your deadline?
_______________________________________
Write your complete academic SMART goal here:
_______________________________________
3. Develop a Personal SMART Goal
Choose one personal aspiration from above and break it down into SMART criteria.
Specific – What exactly do you want to achieve?
_______________________________________
Measurable – How will you track your progress?
_______________________________________
Achievable – Why is this goal realistic for you?
_______________________________________
Relevant – How does this goal connect to your values or long-term plans?
_______________________________________
Time-bound – What is your deadline?
_______________________________________
Write your complete personal SMART goal here:
_______________________________________
When you’ve completed both SMART goals, be ready to share your ideas in your small group and use the Group Action Plan Template to build a plan together.
Lesson Plan
Goal Quest Lesson Plan
Students will learn to craft and refine SMART academic and personal goals, collaborate to develop a group action plan, and build strategies for self-regulated planning and follow-through.
Teaching goal-setting using the SMART framework fosters self-management, motivation, and accountability. Peer collaboration strengthens communication and accountability, supporting academic and personal growth in a group intervention setting.
Audience
10th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, individual reflection, and collaborative planning
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
10 minutes
- Review SMART Goals Introduction Slides
- Print copies of SMART Goals Definition Handout
- Prepare Personal Aspirations Reflection Worksheet
- Print Group Action Plan Template
- Display Example SMART Goals Poster in the classroom
Step 1
Introduction to Goal Setting
10 minutes
- Introduce the purpose and benefits of goal setting
- Project SMART Goals Introduction Slides
- Prompt students to share past goals and outcomes
- Emphasize how clear goals guide action and focus
Step 2
Exploring SMART Goals
10 minutes
- Distribute SMART Goals Definition Handout
- Review each SMART criterion: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
- Refer to Example SMART Goals Poster
- Students identify SMART elements in sample goals
Step 3
Personal Aspirations Reflection
10 minutes
- Hand out Personal Aspirations Reflection Worksheet
- Students list academic and personal aspirations
- Guide students to convert one aspiration into an academic SMART goal
- Offer individualized feedback and support
Step 4
Small Group Action Planning
10 minutes
- Form groups of 3–4 students
- Provide each group with Group Action Plan Template
- Share individual SMART goals and select a group goal to develop
- Collaboratively outline action steps, resources, and timelines
Step 5
Share and Debrief
5 minutes
- Invite each group to present their action plan briefly
- Highlight effective use of SMART elements and strategies
- Discuss potential challenges and brainstorm solutions
- Summarize key takeaways and next steps for goal monitoring
Worksheet
Group Action Plan Template
Use this template to work together on a shared SMART goal. Complete each section as a group and be ready to present your plan.
1. Group Members
- ________________________________ Role: _______________
- ________________________________ Role: _______________
- ________________________________ Role: _______________
- ________________________________ Role: _______________
2. Group SMART Goal
Specific – What exactly will we achieve as a group?
_______________________________________
Measurable – How will we track our progress and know we’ve succeeded?
_______________________________________
Achievable – Why is this goal realistic for our group?
_______________________________________
Relevant – How does this goal connect to our values or long-term objectives?
_______________________________________
Time-bound – What is our deadline?
_______________________________________
Write your full group SMART goal here:
_______________________________________
3. Action Steps & Timeline
List the key steps you will take to reach your goal. Assign responsibilities and deadlines.
Step 1: ___________________________
Responsible: _______________________ Deadline: ________________
Step 2: ___________________________
Responsible: _______________________ Deadline: ________________
Step 3: ___________________________
Responsible: _______________________ Deadline: ________________
Step 4: ___________________________
Responsible: _______________________ Deadline: ________________
4. Resources & Support Needed
What materials, information, or help will we need?
_______________________________________
Who can we ask for support (teacher, peer tutor, etc.)?
_______________________________________
5. Check-In Schedule
Plan regular check-ins to monitor progress.
Check-In 1 (Date & Time): _______________ Focus: ___________________
Check-In 2 (Date & Time): _______________ Focus: ___________________
Check-In 3 (Date & Time): _______________ Focus: ___________________
6. Reflection & Next Steps
After completing each step, reflect on what worked well and what could improve.
• Strengths and successes:
_______________________________________
• Challenges and solutions:
_______________________________________
• Next actions after today’s meeting:
_______________________________________
Once complete, be prepared to share your group action plan with the class!
Use this plan alongside the Personal Aspirations Reflection Worksheet and refer back to the SMART criteria in the SMART Goals Definition Handout.
Reading
SMART Goals Definition Handout
Setting SMART goals helps you create clear, actionable plans that boost motivation and improve success. Use this handout as a reference when you develop your own goals.
What Is a SMART Goal?
A SMART goal is one that is:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
Each criterion ensures your goal is well-defined and realistic.
S = Specific
• Definition: A Specific goal clearly states what you want to accomplish.
• Why it matters: Vague goals are hard to follow and measure—specificity gives you direction.
• Example:
- Vague: “Get better at writing.”
- Specific: “Write a 500-word journal entry three times a week.”
M = Measurable
• Definition: A Measurable goal includes criteria to track progress and know when you’ve succeeded.
• Why it matters: Numbers or milestones keep you accountable and show progress.
• Example:
- Non-measurable: “Read more books.”
- Measurable: “Read 30 pages of a novel each day.”
A = Achievable
• Definition: An Achievable goal is realistic given your current resources, time, and skills.
• Why it matters: Goals should challenge you but still be within reach—avoiding frustration.
• Example:
- Unrealistic: “Ace the AP exam next week without studying.”
- Achievable: “Complete all AP practice questions each evening for the next month.”
R = Relevant
• Definition: A Relevant goal aligns with your values, needs, and long-term plans.
• Why it matters: Relevance ensures the goal motivates you and connects to what truly matters.
• Example:
- Irrelevant: “Learn to juggle,” if juggling does not support any broader goal.
- Relevant: “Practice public speaking for 30 minutes weekly to prepare for debate club.”
T = Time-bound
• Definition: A Time-bound goal has a clear deadline or schedule.
• Why it matters: Deadlines create urgency, help break tasks into steps, and prevent procrastination.
• Example:
- Open-ended: “Improve my grade.”
- Time-bound: “Raise my chemistry grade from a C to a B by the end of this quarter.”
By ensuring your goals meet each SMART criterion, you’re more likely to follow through and celebrate real progress. Keep this handout handy as you develop your academic and personal goals in today’s lesson!