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Goal-Setting Navigator: Charting Your Course

Theresa Novak

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Goal-Setting Navigator: Charting Your Course

Students will be able to define and apply the SMART goal framework to set personal, academic, and social goals for the semester. They will also identify potential obstacles and create actionable plans to achieve their goals.

Effective goal-setting is a crucial life skill that helps students take ownership of their learning and personal growth. This lesson provides a structured approach to setting achievable goals, increasing student motivation, self-efficacy, and equipping them with a valuable tool for future success in high school and beyond.

Audience

9th Grade

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, interactive activities, and guided individual work.

Materials

  • Goal-Setting Navigator Slide Deck, - SMART Goals Worksheet, - Obstacle Course Activity Instructions, and - My Semester Goal Project Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

20 minutes

  • Review the Goal-Setting Navigator Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
  • Print copies of the SMART Goals Worksheet for each student.
  • Gather any materials needed for the Obstacle Course Activity Instructions (e.g., sticky notes, large paper).
  • Review the My Semester Goal Project Guide to prepare for introducing the project.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Dream Big!

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "If you could achieve one big thing this semester, what would it be?" (Academic, personal, or social).
  • Allow students to share their ideas briefly, either aloud or by writing them down individually. Emphasize that there are no wrong answers and to think broadly.

Step 2

Introduction to Goal Setting & The SMART Framework

15 minutes

  • Use the Goal-Setting Navigator Slide Deck to introduce the importance of goal-setting.
  • Explain the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) using the slides and provide clear examples for each component.
  • Engage students with questions about what makes a goal "SMART" vs. just a "wish." Utilize interactive elements on the slide deck to check for understanding.

Step 3

Applying SMART Goals: Worksheet Practice

15 minutes

  • Distribute the SMART Goals Worksheet.
  • Guide students through the worksheet, asking them to apply the SMART framework to one of their own goals (academic, personal, or social) they thought of during the warm-up or a new one.
  • Circulate around the room to provide individual support and feedback as students work on making their goals SMART.

Step 4

Overcoming Obstacles: Activity

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of obstacles to goal achievement. Use the Obstacle Course Activity Instructions to facilitate a short group activity where students brainstorm potential obstacles to their goals and strategies to overcome them.
  • Encourage students to share a few strategies they discussed with the class.

Step 5

Introducing the Semester Goal Project & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Introduce the My Semester Goal Project Guide, explaining that they will apply what they've learned to create a comprehensive goal plan.
  • Briefly recap the importance of goal-setting and encourage students to reflect on one new thing they learned today about setting goals.
  • Assign the project as homework or a longer-term assignment.
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Slide Deck

Welcome, Navigators!

Charting Your Course for Success

What's one big thing you hope to achieve this semester – academically, personally, or socially?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of setting goals for the semester. Ask a reflective question to get them thinking about their aspirations. Allow a few moments for students to silently ponder or briefly share.

Why Set Goals?

  • Direction: Gives you a clear path to follow.
  • Motivation: Fuels your drive to work hard.
  • Focus: Helps you prioritize what truly matters.
  • Progress: Allows you to track your achievements.
  • Empowerment: You're in charge of your own success!

Explain why setting goals is important beyond just wishing for things. Connect it to taking control and making progress. Emphasize the benefits listed.

The SMART Goal Framework

Goals are more likely to be achieved when they are S.M.A.R.T.

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Introduce the SMART acronym. Explain that each letter represents a key characteristic of an effective goal. This slide is an overview.

S is for Specific

Your goal should be clear and well-defined.

Ask yourself:

  • What exactly do I want to achieve?
  • Who is involved?
  • Where will it happen?
  • Why is this goal important?

Example: Instead of "Do better in math," say "Improve my algebra grade to a B+ by studying 30 minutes every day."

Detail what 'Specific' means. Provide a clear example and a non-example. Ask students to think of how they could make a vague goal more specific.

M is for Measurable

Your goal should have concrete criteria for tracking progress.

Ask yourself:

  • How will I know when I've reached my goal?
  • What metrics will I use?

Example: Instead of "Read more books," say "Read 2 new fiction books this semester and track my reading time weekly."

Explain 'Measurable'. How will you know when you've reached your goal? Provide examples of how to quantify progress.

A is for Achievable

Your goal should be realistic and attainable.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this goal truly possible given my resources and skills?
  • Do I have the tools or support I need?

Example: Instead of "Become a professional gamer by next month," say "Practice my gaming skills for 1 hour daily to improve my ranking in my favorite game."

Discuss 'Achievable'. It's important for goals to be challenging but realistic. Emphasize that it shouldn't be too easy or impossible.

R is for Relevant

Your goal should matter to you and align with your values.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this goal worthwhile?
  • Does it align with my long-term aspirations?
  • Is it the right time for this goal?

Example: Instead of "Learn to juggle five balls (if you have no interest)," say "Join the debate club to improve my public speaking skills for future presentations."

Define 'Relevant'. The goal should matter to the student and align with their broader aspirations. Connect it to personal values or future plans.

T is for Time-bound

Your goal should have a clear deadline.

Ask yourself:

  • When do I want to achieve this goal by?
  • What are the smaller deadlines along the way?

Example: Instead of "Finish my science project eventually," say "Complete my science project by the submission deadline on December 15th, with a first draft due November 30th."

Explain 'Time-bound'. Every SMART goal needs a deadline. Discuss the importance of a target date to create urgency and a sense of completion.

Your Turn: SMART Goal Worksheet

Now, let's apply the SMART framework to YOUR goals!

Use the SMART Goals Worksheet to craft one of your own goals into a SMART goal.

Remember to think about:

  • Specifics (What, Who, Where, Why)
  • Measurement (How will you track it?)
  • Achievability (Is it realistic?)
  • Relevance (Does it matter to you?)
  • Time-bound (When will it be done?)

Transition to the worksheet activity. Remind students of the importance of applying what they've learned. Inform them they'll be working on their own goals.

The Obstacle Course: Planning for Success

Even the best plans can hit bumps in the road.

Think about the goal you just set.

What are some potential obstacles you might face?

How can you overcome them? (We'll discuss strategies!)

Set up the obstacle activity. Emphasize that challenges are normal and planning for them is key to success.

Your Semester Goal Project

You'll use everything you learned today to create a detailed plan for one of your semester goals!

This project will help you:

  • Refine your SMART goal.
  • Anticipate and plan for obstacles.
  • Outline specific steps for achievement.

(See My Semester Goal Project Guide for details)

Introduce the project. Explain that this is a chance to put everything together. Provide a brief overview of what they will do.

You Are the Navigator!

You now have the tools to chart your own course to success!

Remember, setting SMART goals is your first step towards achieving amazing things this semester!

What's one thing you learned today about setting goals?

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main takeaway. Encourage students to feel empowered by their new skills. Thank them for their participation.

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Worksheet

SMART Goals Worksheet: Charting Your Course

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________

Part 1: My Initial Goal Idea

What is one academic, personal, or social goal you want to achieve this semester? Don't worry about making it SMART yet—just write down your initial idea.







Part 2: Making My Goal SMART

Now, let's break down your goal using the SMART framework. Transform your initial idea into a powerful, actionable plan!

1. Specific: What exactly do I want to achieve?

  • What is the desired outcome?
  • Who is involved?
  • Where will it happen?
  • Why is this goal important to me?

My Specific Goal:











2. Measurable: How will I know when I've reached my goal?

  • What data or evidence will show I've made progress or achieved it?
  • What metrics can I use to track it?

My Measurable Plan:











3. Achievable: Is this goal realistic and attainable?

  • Do I have the skills, resources, or support needed?
  • Is it challenging, but not impossible?

My Achievable Check:











4. Relevant: Does this goal truly matter to me?

  • Is it worthwhile?
  • Does it align with my values and other aspirations?
  • Is this the right time for this goal?

My Relevant Reflection:











5. Time-bound: When do I want to achieve this goal by?

  • What is the deadline for this goal?
  • Are there any smaller milestones or deadlines along the way?

My Time-Bound Plan:











Part 3: My Final SMART Goal Statement

Write your complete SMART goal statement below. This is your powerful, actionable plan!













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Activity

Obstacle Course Activity: Navigating Challenges

Objective: Students will identify potential obstacles to their SMART goals and brainstorm strategies to overcome them.

Time: 10 minutes

Materials:

  • Small sticky notes (2-3 per student)
  • Large sheets of paper or whiteboard space for group brainstorming
  • Markers

Instructions:

Step 1: Identify Potential Obstacles (3 minutes)

  1. Ask students to think about the SMART goal they just created on their SMART Goals Worksheet.
  2. Instruct each student to write down 2-3 potential obstacles they might face while trying to achieve their goal, with one obstacle per sticky note. Encourage them to be honest and realistic (e.g., "getting distracted by my phone," "procrastination," "finding enough time," "not understanding the material").

Step 2: Group Brainstorming (5 minutes)

  1. Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
  2. Provide each group with a large sheet of paper or assign a section of the whiteboard.
  3. Have each group create two columns: "Obstacles" and "Strategies."
  4. Students in each group will share their sticky notes, placing them in the "Obstacles" column on their group's paper/whiteboard. They should discuss if any obstacles are similar or overlap.
  5. Next, as a group, they should brainstorm at least one strategy for each obstacle listed. Encourage creative and practical solutions (e.g., for "phone distraction": "put phone in another room," "use a focus app," "set a timer"). Write these strategies in the "Strategies" column.

Step 3: Share Out (2 minutes)

  1. Bring the class back together.
  2. Ask a few groups to share one common obstacle they identified and one effective strategy they brainstormed to overcome it.
  3. Briefly summarize that anticipating challenges and planning solutions is a key part of successful goal-setting.
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Project Guide

My Semester Goal Project: Your Success Roadmap

Objective: To apply the SMART goal framework to develop a comprehensive, actionable plan for one academic, personal, or social goal you wish to achieve this semester.

Due Date: [Insert Due Date Here]

Project Components:

Your project should include the following sections. You can present this in a format of your choice: a written report, a digital presentation (slides), or a visual poster.

1. My Chosen Goal (Introduction)

  • Briefly state the initial goal idea you had before applying the SMART framework.
  • Explain why this particular goal is important to you for this semester. (1-2 sentences)

2. My SMART Goal Statement

  • Write out your final, complete SMART goal statement. This should be one clear sentence that incorporates all five SMART elements (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
    • Example: "I will improve my English literature grade to an A- by actively participating in class discussions at least twice a week, reading all assigned texts before class, and revising my essays using teacher feedback for every major assignment, completing this by the end of the semester on December 20th."

3. Breaking Down My SMART Goal (The "Why" and "How")

Explain how your goal meets each SMART criterion in more detail. Use bullet points or short paragraphs.

  • Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve? Who is involved? Where? Why is it important?





  • Measurable: How will you track your progress? What specific indicators will tell you you're on track or have achieved it?





  • Achievable: Is this goal realistic for you? What skills or resources do you have (or need to gain) to achieve it?





  • Relevant: Why does this goal matter to you specifically? How does it align with your values or future aspirations?





  • Time-bound: What is your ultimate deadline? What are 1-2 smaller milestones or checkpoints you plan to hit along the way, and by when?





4. Anticipating and Overcoming Obstacles

Think critically about what might prevent you from reaching your goal.

  • Identify at least three potential obstacles you might encounter.



  • For each obstacle, propose one specific strategy you will use to overcome it.
    • Example Obstacle: Getting distracted by my phone during study time.
    • Strategy: I will put my phone in another room or use a website blocker app for 30-minute study sessions.











5. Action Plan: Your First Steps

What are the very first 3-5 concrete actions you will take in the next week to start working towards your goal? These should be immediate, practical steps.











Presentation Options (Choose One):

  • Written Report: A well-organized document (1-2 pages typed) covering all sections.
  • Digital Slideshow: 5-7 slides that clearly present each section of your project.
  • Visual Poster: A visually appealing poster that creatively displays your goal and plan.


    Good luck, Navigators! Your future success starts with a clear map!
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