Goal Quest Session Script

Warm-Up & Birthday Celebration (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Hi [Learner Name]! Happy belated birthday! I’m so excited to spend this time with you today.”
Teacher: “To kick things off, we’ll play one quick round of Birthday Bingo. Here are your Birthday Bingo Game Cards and a marker.”
Teacher: “I’ll call out a birthday-themed clue, like ‘birthday cake’ or ‘party hat,’ and you’ll mark it on your card. Ready? Let’s go!”
After bingo finishes
Teacher: “Great job! Which squares did you get? Tell me one and I’ll cheer you on!”
Teacher: “Now, choose one of these small birthday cards or treats to decorate or enjoy. Make it your own!”

Reflect on Past Achievements (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Next, I want us to think about all the awesome things you’ve done in the last year. I have the Birthday Reflection & Discussion Guide here.”
Teacher: “First question: ‘What accomplishment from the past year are you most proud of?’ Take a moment to think, and when you’re ready, tell me. I’ll write it down.”
Student Response
Teacher: “That’s wonderful! What steps did you take to get there?”
Student Response
Teacher: “And how did you feel when you succeeded?”
Student Response
Teacher: “You’ve done amazing work—thank you for sharing!”

Goal Setting Activity: Learn SMART Goals (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Now, let’s talk about SMART goals. I’ll show you a slide from our Goal Quest Slide Deck.”
Teacher (advance to “What Is a SMART Goal?” slide): “SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each piece helps make a goal clear.”
Teacher (advance to “SMART Goal Breakdown” slide):
• “Specific means exactly what you will do.”
• “Measurable shows how you’ll track progress.”
• “Achievable makes sure it’s realistic.”
• “Relevant ties the goal to something important.”
• “Time-bound sets when you’ll finish.”
Teacher: “Any questions about those parts?”
Student Response

Plan Your Goal (15 minutes)

Teacher: “I’m giving you the Goal Planning Worksheet. Let’s fill it out together, step by step, using our Goal Setting Activity Instructions.”
Teacher: “First, write your goal statement at the top. What’s one new personal independence goal you’d like to set?”
Student Response
Teacher: “Great! Next, how will you measure that? For example, how often or by what date?”
Student Response
Teacher: “Awesome. Now let’s list the steps you’ll need and any support or resources.”
Student Response
Teacher: “Finally, pick a realistic date to complete this goal. When do you think you can accomplish it?”
Student Response

Discussion & Scripted Prompts (10 minutes)

Teacher: “You’ve drafted a terrific goal. Let’s dive deeper with a few questions.”
Teacher: “How will you know you’ve succeeded? What will you see, hear, or feel?”
Student Response
Teacher: “What’s your very first step? When will you do it?”
Student Response
Teacher: “Who could help or support you along the way? Maybe a friend, family member, or me?”
Student Response
Teacher: “That sounds like a solid plan!”

Closing & Next Steps (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s summarize: your goal is __________. Your first step is __________ by __________. We’ll check in on __________ (date).”
Teacher: “Say that out loud so I know you feel comfortable with it.”
Student Response
Teacher: “I’m so proud of you for setting this goal. To celebrate, here’s a small treat from me!”
Teacher: “We’ll follow up on [Check-in Date], and I’ll be here to cheer you on all the way. Great job today!”

Goal Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to set a clear SMART goal. Refer to the Goal Setting Activity Instructions as needed.

1. Goal Statement

Write your personal independence goal in one sentence:

2. Specific

What exactly will you do?

3. Measurable

How will you know you’re making progress? What will you measure?

4. Achievable

Why is this goal realistic and within your reach?

5. Relevant

How does this goal help you become more independent?

6. Time-Bound

By when will you complete this goal?

7. Steps & Resources

List the key steps and any supports, tools, or resources you’ll need:

8. Support & Check-Ins

Who can help you? When will you check in to track your progress?

Birthday Reflection & Discussion Guide

Use this guide to lead a warm, reflective conversation about past successes and feelings before setting a new goal.

Purpose

• Build confidence by acknowledging achievements
• Encourage self-awareness of strengths and strategies
• Create a positive bridge from past successes to future goals

Setting the Tone

• Choose a quiet, comfortable space.
• Speak slowly and give the learner time to process.
• Use positive, affirming language.

Discussion Prompts

1. What accomplishment from the past year makes you feel proud?
   • Follow-up: “Tell me the steps you took to reach that accomplishment.”
   • If she is stuck: “Think of something you learned or something you did for the first time.”
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. When you decided to work on that goal, what challenge or obstacle did you face?
   • Follow-up: “How did you manage or overcome that challenge?”
   • Prompt support: “Did anyone help you along the way?”
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How did you feel when you achieved your goal?
   • Follow-up: “What did you learn about yourself through that experience?”
   • Prompt to connect emotions: “Can you describe a moment you smiled or felt excited?”
   
   
   
   
   
   

Encouragement & Validation

• Reflect back her words: “It sounds like you felt ____. That’s wonderful!”
• Acknowledge effort: “I know it took courage to _____. You did it!”
• Normalize challenges: “Everyone faces obstacles. You found a way forward!”

Managing Boundaries

• If the learner becomes upset or interrupts:
– Pause and offer: “Let’s take a deep breath together.”
– Gently remind: “I really want to hear all your thoughts. Take your time.”
• Keep questions open-ended; avoid yes/no answers to build dialogue.

Wrapping Up

• Summarize her key points: “You’re proud of ____, you overcame ____, and you felt ____.”
• Celebrate with positive feedback: “Your achievements are amazing!”
• Transition: “Now that we’ve celebrated your successes, let’s think about what new goal you’d like to create together!”

Goal Setting Activity Instructions

Use these step-by-step instructions with the Goal Planning Worksheet to guide your learner through crafting a clear SMART goal.

Materials

• Goal Quest Slide Deck (see SMART slides)
• Goal Planning Worksheet
• Pens or markers

1. Review SMART Goals (5 minutes)

1. Display the “What Is a SMART Goal?” slide from the Goal Quest Slide Deck.
2. Read aloud each letter: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
3. Advance to the “SMART Goal Breakdown” slide and briefly define each term.
   • Ask: “Do you have any questions about these parts?”

2. Write Your Goal Statement (3 minutes)

1. Hand the learner the first section of the Goal Planning Worksheet.
2. Prompt: “What’s one thing you want to work on to become more independent?”
3. Give time to write or dictate the sentence.

Goal Statement:

3. Make It Specific (3 minutes)

1. Point to Section 2 on the worksheet.
2. Ask: “What exactly will you do? Who, what, where?”
3. Encourage details: “For example, will you ask for help, practice a skill, or use a tool?”

Specific:

4. Define How It’s Measurable (3 minutes)

1. In Section 3, guide her to choose a way to track progress.
2. Ask: “How will you know you’re making progress? Will you count times, dates, or results?”
3. Offer examples: “If it’s ‘make phone calls,’ maybe you call three times per week.”

Measurable:

5. Ensure It’s Achievable (3 minutes)

1. Move to Section 4.
2. Ask: “Why do you think you can reach this goal? What skills or support do you already have?”
3. Validate strengths: “You’ve done things like this before when you…”

Achievable:

6. Connect to Relevance (3 minutes)

1. In Section 5, help her link the goal to independence.
2. Ask: “How will reaching this goal help you feel more in control or confident?”
3. Reinforce importance: “This matters because…”

Relevant:

7. Set a Time Frame (2 minutes)

1. Complete Section 6.
2. Ask: “By what date do you want to finish? Is there a milestone date?”
3. Write the target date.

Time-Bound:

8. Plan Steps & Resources (8 minutes)

1. In Section 7, list each action you’ll take.
2. Ask: “What are the first steps? What tools or people will help?”
3. Write supports (apps, a friend, practice sessions).

Steps & Resources:

9. Identify Support & Check-Ins (5 minutes)

1. Use Section 8 to choose a support person and schedule check-ins.
2. Ask: “Who can help you remember or practice? When shall we meet to review?”
3. Fill in: name(s) and date(s).

Support & Check-Ins:

10. Review & Celebrate (5 minutes)

1. Read back the completed goal and steps.
2. Ask: “How do you feel about your plan?”
3. Offer praise: “This is a clear, SMART goal. I’m proud of you!”
4. Plan a small reward or celebration when the goal is complete.

Birthday Bingo Game Cards

Fun bingo cards with birthday-themed icons to celebrate and engage your learner.

Instructions

1. Give the learner a bingo card and a marker.
2. Call out or display one birthday-themed item at a time (e.g., “Birthday Cake,” “Party Hat”).
3. The learner marks the matching square if she has it.
4. First to mark a full row, column, or diagonal shouts “Bingo!” and wins the round.
5. Repeat as desired, switching cards or reshuffling items.

Bingo Items Pool

• Birthday Cake
• Balloons
• Presents
• Party Hat
• Cupcake
• Candle
• Confetti
• Invitation
• Streamers
• Ice Cream
• Music
• Piñata
• Gift Bag
• Birthday Card
• Cake Pop
• Ribbon
• Party Favor
• Balloon Animals
• Photo Booth
• Free Space
• Cake Slice
• Smile
• Wish
• Toast
• Party Blower

Sample Cards

Here are three 5×5 sample cards. Feel free to swap items or create new arrangements.

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Note: Feel free to customize items, shuffle rows/columns, or replace “Free Space” with a special birthday-themed free spot.