Lesson Plan
Session 1 Plan
Introduce the concept of goal-setting, help the student recognize personal challenges, and guide them to articulate one actionable short-term goal.
Understanding and setting personal goals helps the student gain self-awareness, manage anger, and improve peer interactions by providing clear focus and motivation.
Audience
Middle School Student
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, self-assessment, and guided worksheet activities.
Materials
Goal-Setting Introduction Slides, Challenges Brainstorm Worksheet, Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet, and Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials and Environment
10 minutes
- Review Goal-Setting Introduction Slides
- Print copies of Challenges Brainstorm Worksheet and Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Set up a whiteboard or flip-chart and markers
- Arrange a quiet, comfortable seating area
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
10 minutes
- Ask the student to share any recent challenges or situations that made them feel angry
- Encourage open expression of feelings and listen actively
- Jot down key themes or words on the whiteboard
Step 2
Introduction to Goal-Setting
15 minutes
- Present Goal-Setting Introduction Slides
- Define what a goal is and why it matters
- Discuss how setting goals can help manage emotions like anger and improve relationships
Step 3
Identifying Personal Challenges
10 minutes
- Distribute the Challenges Brainstorm Worksheet
- Guide the student to list 3–5 personal challenges related to peer interactions or anger
- Offer prompts or examples if the student struggles to identify challenges
Step 4
Articulating a Short-Term Goal
10 minutes
- Provide the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Help the student select one challenge and write a SMART short-term goal
- Ensure the goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
Step 5
Reflection & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Review the student’s written goal together
- Discuss how achieving this goal might change their feelings and peer interactions
- Explain that in the next session they will learn to monitor progress and adjust as needed
Slide Deck
Session 1: Introduction to Goal-Setting
Objectives:
- Define what a goal is
- Learn why goals are important
- Explore the SMART goals framework
- See how goal-setting can help with anger and peer interactions
Welcome the student and introduce today’s focus: understanding what goals are and why they matter. Highlight that setting goals can help manage anger and improve peer interactions.
Agenda
- Warm-Up Discussion
- What Is a Goal?
- Why Set Goals?
- SMART Goals Framework
- Example & Your Turn
Review the agenda so the student knows what to expect. Link each item back to the session objectives.
What Is a Goal?
A goal is a specific target you aim to achieve. It gives direction and purpose to your actions.
Ask the student to describe in their own words what a goal might be before showing the definition. Reinforce that a goal gives us direction.
Why Set Goals?
- Provides focus and motivation
- Helps you manage emotions like anger
- Improves decision-making and self-control
- Builds stronger peer relationships
Connect each benefit back to the student’s experiences with anger and peers. For example: “Having a clear goal can stop you from reacting impulsively.”
SMART Goals Framework
SMART goals are:
- Specific: Clear and well-defined
- Measurable: Trackable and quantifiable
- Achievable: Realistic and within reach
- Relevant: Important and meaningful to you
- Time-bound: Set within a clear timeframe
Introduce the SMART acronym. Encourage the student to ask questions about any of the five criteria.
SMART Goal Example
“I will take three deep breaths before responding when I feel angry at a peer, every day after school for one week.”
Walk through this example slowly, highlighting how it meets each SMART criterion. Then ask the student if they can spot each element.
Your Turn
Think about a challenge you face with anger or peers.
What’s one goal you could set to address it?
Write down:
“I want to…”
Prompt the student to begin thinking about their own challenges. Explain that they’ll use the worksheet next to list challenges and draft a SMART goal.
Worksheet
Challenges Brainstorm Worksheet
Instructions: Think about times when you feel angry or have difficulty getting along with peers. List 3–5 specific challenges you’ve experienced. Try to be as detailed as possible so we can choose one to work on.
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
Reflection: Which of these challenges is most important for you to tackle first? Write the number and explain why you chose it.
Challenge number: _______
Because:
Worksheet
Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet
Instructions: Now that you’ve chosen a challenge to work on, use the SMART framework to write a clear, actionable goal. Answer each prompt below, then combine your answers into one SMART goal statement.
- Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
________________________________________________________________ - Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved this goal?
________________________________________________________________ - Achievable: Why is this goal realistic and within your reach?
________________________________________________________________ - Relevant: How will this goal help you manage your anger or improve interactions with peers?
________________________________________________________________ - Time-bound: By when will you complete this goal? (Set a specific date or timeframe)
________________________________________________________________
Your SMART Goal Statement:
“I will ________________________________________________________________.”
Reflection: How do you expect to feel or what will change once you achieve this goal?
________________________________________________________________
Discussion
Session 1 Discussion: Exploring Your Challenges and Goals
Discussion Guidelines
- Speak honestly and respectfully.
- Listen actively when the other person shares.
- It’s okay to take a moment to think before answering.
1. Reflecting on Recent Experiences
Prompt: Think about a time you felt angry with a peer recently. What happened, and what did you feel?
Follow-Up Questions:
- What triggered the anger?
- How did your body react (e.g., heart rate, tense muscles)?
- How did you respond in the moment?
2. Reviewing Your Challenges
Prompt: Look at the list you made on the Challenges Brainstorm Worksheet. Which challenge was easiest to describe? Which was hardest? Why?
Follow-Up Questions:
- Do you notice any patterns in your challenges (times of day, places, people involved)?
- Which challenge do you think affects you the most?
3. Deepening Understanding of Your Priority Challenge
Prompt: You chose one challenge to tackle first on your worksheet. Why is this challenge important to work on now?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How does this challenge impact your feelings and peer relationships?
- What might change for you and your friends if you overcome this challenge?
4. Connecting Challenges to Your SMART Goal
Prompt: Review your draft on the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet. Which part of your SMART goal feels the strongest? Which part do you find most challenging?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How will you know you’re making progress?
- What obstacles might you face, and how could you address them?
5. Emotions and Motivation
Prompt: When you think about working toward your goal, what emotions come up? What motivates you to keep going?
Follow-Up Questions:
- On tough days, what reminders or rewards could help you stay motivated?
- Who could support you as you work on this goal?
6. Planning Your First Steps
Prompt: What is one small action you can take this week to start your goal? When will you do it, and how will you remind yourself?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How will you track that you completed this step?
- Whose help might you ask to stay on track?
Next Session Preview: We’ll look at ways to monitor your progress and adjust your plan if needed. In the meantime, think about how you can use what we discussed today to take your first step.
Feel free to add any additional thoughts or questions below:
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Plan
Teach the student to monitor progress toward their SMART goal, identify obstacles, and adjust strategies to stay on track.
Regularly tracking progress helps the student recognize successes, address challenges proactively, maintain motivation, and refine goal strategies, which supports emotional regulation and peer interactions.
Audience
Middle School Student
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Guided self-monitoring, problem-solving discussion, and worksheet reflections.
Materials
Session 2 Reflection Slides, Progress Monitoring Worksheet, Obstacle Analysis Worksheet, Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet, and Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials and Setup
10 minutes
- Review Session 2 Reflection Slides
- Print copies of Progress Monitoring Worksheet and Obstacle Analysis Worksheet
- Have the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet from Session 1 available
- Arrange a writing space with a whiteboard or chart paper and markers
Step 1
Review and Reflection
10 minutes
- Display Session 2 Reflection Slides
- Recap the SMART goal the student set on the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Ask the student how they felt working on their goal so far and any early observations
Step 2
Progress Tracking Activity
15 minutes
- Introduce the purpose of tracking progress
- Distribute the Progress Monitoring Worksheet
- Guide the student to record any attempts or data points (dates, times, successes, setbacks)
- Look for patterns together and note what’s working
Step 3
Identifying Obstacles
10 minutes
- Provide the Obstacle Analysis Worksheet
- Ask the student to list challenges they’ve encountered while working toward their goal
- Brainstorm at least one strategy or resource to overcome each obstacle
Step 4
Adjusting the Goal or Strategy
10 minutes
- Review the original SMART goal criteria
- Discuss whether any part of the goal needs tweaking (e.g., timeline, methods)
- Collaboratively update the goal statement or action steps if needed
Step 5
Next Steps & Accountability
5 minutes
- Plan the student’s monitoring schedule for the coming week (when and how to record progress)
- Decide on reminders or check-in opportunities (e.g., alarm, peer support)
- Summarize today’s insights and confirm the student’s commitment to the revised plan
Slide Deck
Session 2: Monitoring Your Progress
In this session, we will:
- Review your SMART goal
- Learn how to track progress
- Identify and overcome obstacles
- Adjust your plan to stay on track
- Plan next steps and accountability
Welcome the student and introduce today’s focus: reviewing their SMART goal and learning how to track progress, address obstacles, and adjust the plan to succeed.
Agenda
- Review & Reflection
- Why Monitor Progress?
- Progress Tracking Activity
- Identifying Obstacles
- Adjusting Your Plan
- Next Steps & Accountability
Walk through the agenda so the student knows the flow of today’s session. Link each item back to why it matters.
Why Monitor Progress?
- Recognize small wins to stay motivated
- Spot challenges before they derail you
- Adjust strategies for better results
- Reinforce positive habits over time
Explain the benefits of monitoring progress: it keeps you motivated, helps you spot issues early, and lets you celebrate successes.
Review Your SMART Goal
Let’s revisit the goal you wrote on the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet:
“I will ….”
• Does this still feel clear and relevant?
• How did you feel working toward it so far?
Display the student’s SMART goal from Session 1. Ask them to read it aloud and share any initial thoughts or feelings.
Progress Tracking Activity
• Use the Progress Monitoring Worksheet to log:
- Dates and times you worked on your goal
- What you did (successes or setbacks)
- Notes on how it felt or what helped
• Look for patterns in your entries
Introduce the concept of recording attempts and outcomes. Emphasize accuracy and honesty in tracking.
Identifying Obstacles
• List any challenges you faced so far using the Obstacle Analysis Worksheet
• For each obstacle, brainstorm at least one strategy or resource to overcome it
• Think about people, reminders, or tools that could help
Discuss common obstacles and how identifying them early can help. Encourage brainstorming multiple solutions.
Adjusting Your Plan
• Review each SMART criterion of your goal:
- Specific: Does it still match what you want?
- Measurable: Can you track progress easily?
- Achievable: Is it realistic given what you’ve learned?
- Relevant: Does it still address your challenge?
- Time-bound: Should the deadline change?
• Make any needed updates to your goal statement or steps
Show how to revisit the SMART criteria and adjust the goal or action steps. Stress that tweaking is a normal part of goal-setting.
Next Steps & Accountability
• Set a schedule for progress checks (e.g., daily log, weekly check-in)
• Choose reminders or supports (alarm, peer check, teacher prompt)
• Summarize any goal updates and action steps
• Confirm: What will you do first, and when?
Wrap up with a clear plan for the coming week and accountability measures. Confirm the student’s commitment.
Worksheet
Progress Monitoring Worksheet
Instructions: Each time you work toward your SMART goal, fill in the details below. Recording your progress helps you spot successes, setbacks, and patterns so you can adjust as needed.
Entry 1
Date: ___________________________
What I did toward my goal: ___________________________
Success or setback? ________________________________
How I felt during/after: ____________________________
Notes/Lessons learned: ______________________________
Entry 2
Date: ___________________________
What I did toward my goal: ___________________________
Success or setback? ________________________________
How I felt during/after: ____________________________
Notes/Lessons learned: ______________________________
Entry 3
Date: ___________________________
What I did toward my goal: ___________________________
Success or setback? ________________________________
How I felt during/after: ____________________________
Notes/Lessons learned: ______________________________
Entry 4
Date: ___________________________
What I did toward my goal: ___________________________
Success or setback? ________________________________
How I felt during/after: ____________________________
Notes/Lessons learned: ______________________________
Entry 5
Date: ___________________________
What I did toward my goal: ___________________________
Success or setback? ________________________________
How I felt during/after: ____________________________
Notes/Lessons learned: ______________________________
Overall Reflection
- Patterns I notice in my progress:
___________________________________________________________ - What is working well for me?
___________________________________________________________ - What could I change or try differently next?
___________________________________________________________
Worksheet
Obstacle Analysis Worksheet
Instructions: As you work toward your SMART goal, you may face challenges that slow you down. In the table below, list up to four obstacles you’ve encountered (or might encounter). For each obstacle, describe why it’s difficult, brainstorm at least one strategy or resource to overcome it, and note how you’ll use or track that strategy.
| Obstacle | Why This Is a Challenge | Strategy/Resource to Overcome | How I’ll Use or Track This Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Describe the obstacle: | Why this is hard: | Strategy or resource: | How I’ll apply or track it: |
| 2. Describe the obstacle: | Why this is hard: | Strategy or resource: | How I’ll apply or track it: |
| 3. Describe the obstacle: | Why this is hard: | Strategy or resource: | How I’ll apply or track it: |
| 4. Describe the obstacle: | Why this is hard: | Strategy or resource: | How I’ll apply or track it: |
Reflection
- Which obstacle is most important for me to address first, and why?
- How do I expect my progress to improve once I use the strategy I planned?
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Plan
Equip the student with anger-management coping strategies to use when triggers arise and reinforce progress toward their personal goal.
Learning coping strategies helps the student manage anger triggers in the moment, reducing conflict with peers and maintaining focus on goal achievement.
Audience
Middle School Student
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Slide instruction, worksheet practice, and role-play simulations.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials and Environment
10 minutes
- Review Session 3 Coping Strategies Slides
- Print copies of Coping Strategies Worksheet and Role-Play Scenarios Worksheet
- Have the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet and Progress Monitoring Worksheet available
- Set up space for role-play practice and seating area with a whiteboard and markers
Step 1
Warm-Up Reflection
10 minutes
- Welcome the student and recap progress on their SMART goal from the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet and Progress Monitoring Worksheet
- Ask the student to share recent anger triggers and how they responded
- Note common themes on the whiteboard
Step 2
Introduction to Coping Strategies
15 minutes
- Present Session 3 Coping Strategies Slides
- Explain coping techniques: deep breathing, counting to five, positive self-talk, and taking a short break
- Discuss when and how to apply each strategy in peer situations
Step 3
Coping Strategies Worksheet Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Coping Strategies Worksheet
- Guide the student to match coping strategies to specific triggers and plan when to use them
- Encourage detailed examples for each strategy
Step 4
Role-Play Practice
10 minutes
- Provide the Role-Play Scenarios Worksheet
- Role-play two scenarios where peer conflict arises, practicing selected coping strategies
- Give feedback on strategy use and reinforce positive responses
Step 5
Reflection & Goal Integration
5 minutes
- Discuss how the coping strategies support their SMART goal pursuits
- Ask the student to identify one strategy they will use in the coming week
- Add this strategy to their progress-monitoring plan for Session 4
Slide Deck
Session 3: Coping Strategies for Anger
Today we will:
- Understand why coping strategies matter
- Learn four techniques to calm down
- Practice matching strategies to triggers
- Role-play real-life scenarios
Welcome the student and introduce today’s focus: learning coping strategies to manage anger in the moment and support ongoing goal progress.
Agenda
- Why Use Coping Strategies?
- Deep Breathing Technique
- Counting to Five
- Positive Self-Talk
- Taking a Short Break
- Practice & Role-Play
Outline today’s flow so the student knows what to expect and how each part builds on their goal work.
Why Coping Strategies?
• Helps you calm down quickly
• Prevents impulsive reactions
• Keeps you focused on your goals
• Improves interactions with peers
Explain why coping strategies are essential for managing anger before it escalates and for staying on track with SMART goals.
Technique 1: Deep Breathing
- Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 2 seconds
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds
Practice this when you feel your heart racing.
Guide the student through the deep breathing exercise step by step.
Technique 2: Counting to Five
• When you feel anger, count silently: 1…2…3…4…5
• Focus on your breath or a calming image
• Use this pause to choose a better response
Demonstrate counting down to interrupt rising anger and give the mind a pause.
Technique 3: Positive Self-Talk
• Tell yourself calming phrases: “I can stay calm.”
• Remind yourself of past successes
• Repeat the phrase until you feel calmer
Explain how to use encouraging phrases to shift mindset.
Technique 4: Taking a Break
• Walk away or find a quiet spot for 1–2 minutes
• Do a quick stretch or sip water
• Return when you feel more in control
Show the value of stepping away briefly to reset emotions.
Your Turn: Practice & Role-Play
• Use the Role-Play Scenarios Worksheet
• Choose a scenario and select a coping strategy
• Practice responding calmly and reflect on what worked
Prompt the student to apply each strategy to real peer-conflict scenarios.
Worksheet
Coping Strategies Worksheet
Instructions: Think about situations or triggers that make you feel angry or upset with peers. For each trigger below, choose one coping strategy you learned (deep breathing, counting to five, positive self-talk, or taking a short break). Then:
- Describe the trigger situation.
- Name the coping strategy you’ll use.
- Explain step-by-step how you’ll apply it.
- Note when and where you will use it.
| Trigger Situation | Coping Strategy | Steps to Use It | When / Where I’ll Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Describe the situation: | Strategy: | 1. ________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________ | _______________________________________________________ |
| 3. ________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________ | |||
| 2. Describe the situation: | Strategy: | 1. ________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________ | _______________________________________________________ |
| 3. ________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________ | |||
| 3. Describe the situation: | Strategy: | 1. ________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________ | _______________________________________________________ |
| 3. ________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________ | |||
| 4. Describe the situation: | Strategy: | 1. ________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________ | _______________________________________________________ |
| 3. ________________________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________________ |
Reflection Questions
- Which coping strategy felt most effective, and why?
- How did using this strategy help you manage your anger or stay focused on your goal?
- What will you try differently the next time you face a similar trigger?
Worksheet
Role-Play Scenarios Worksheet
Instructions: Read each peer-conflict scenario below. For each one:
- Choose a coping strategy from the Coping Strategies Worksheet.
- Write a short role-play dialogue showing how you would respond using that strategy.
- Reflect on how the strategy helped you stay calm and handle the situation.
Scenario 1
Your classmate makes a teasing comment about your idea during a group project, and you feel your anger rising.
Chosen Strategy: ____________________________________________
Role-Play Dialogue:
You: ____________________________________________________________
Classmate: ______________________________________________________
You (using strategy): _____________________________________________
Reflection: How did using this strategy change the way you felt or reacted?
_____________________________________________________________
Scenario 2
A peer cuts in line ahead of you at lunch, and you feel frustrated and ignored.
Chosen Strategy: ____________________________________________
Role-Play Dialogue:
You: ____________________________________________________________
Peer: ___________________________________________________________
You (using strategy): _____________________________________________
Reflection: What effect did the strategy have on your response and how the peer reacted?
_____________________________________________________________
Scenario 3
During recess, you overhear two friends talking about you in a way that feels hurtful.
Chosen Strategy: ____________________________________________
Role-Play Dialogue:
Friend 1: ________________________________________________________
Friend 2: ________________________________________________________
You (using strategy): _____________________________________________
Reflection: How did staying calm help you address the situation and maintain your friendships?
_____________________________________________________________
Scenario 4
A teammate blames you for a mistake in a sports game, and you feel defensive.
Chosen Strategy: ____________________________________________
Role-Play Dialogue:
Teammate: _______________________________________________________
You (using strategy): _____________________________________________
Reflection: What did you learn about using coping strategies in competitive or high-pressure moments?
_____________________________________________________________
Discussion
Session 2 Discussion: Tracking Progress and Overcoming Obstacles
Discussion Guidelines
- Speak openly about what’s working and what’s hard.
- Listen and reflect before responding.
- Use examples from your worksheets to guide your thoughts.
1. Reflecting on Your Progress Entries
Prompt: Look at the entries you made on the Progress Monitoring Worksheet. Which entry shows your best effort, and which one was most challenging? Why?
Follow-Up Questions:
- What patterns do you notice across your entries?
- How did your feelings change from entry to entry?
- Which successes gave you the most confidence?
2. Celebrating Small Wins
Prompt: Think about a success you recorded. Describe what happened and how it made you feel.
Follow-Up Questions:
- What helped you achieve that win?
- How can you celebrate or reinforce that success?
- How might recognizing small wins keep you motivated?
3. Learning from Setbacks
Prompt: Recall a setback you noted. What contributed to that challenge, and what did you learn from it?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How could you adjust your approach next time?
- What resources or support might prevent that setback?
- How does a setback fit into your overall progress?
4. Diving into Obstacles
Prompt: Review your Obstacle Analysis Worksheet. Which obstacle feels most persistent? Why?
Follow-Up Questions:
- Which strategy you listed seems most promising?
- How can you track if the strategy is working?
- What additional ideas could help you overcome this obstacle?
5. Adjusting Your Plan
Prompt: Based on what you’ve discovered, how will you tweak your SMART goal or the steps leading to it?
Follow-Up Questions:
- Is your goal still realistic and time-bound?
- Should you change how you measure progress?
- Who can help you stay accountable to the new plan?
6. Next Steps & Accountability Check-In
Prompt: What concrete action will you commit to this week to move your goal forward? How and when will you remind yourself to do it?
Follow-Up Questions:
- Where will you record your weekly check-in?
- What reward or reminder system will you use?
- Who could you ask to check in with you?
Next Session Preview: In Session 3, we’ll learn coping strategies for anger and practice using them in real-life scenarios. Think about moments you might need a quick calm-down strategy before then.
Feel free to jot any additional thoughts or questions below:
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Plan
Guide the student to review their overall goal journey, celebrate successes, plan for maintaining progress, and set a follow-up goal for ongoing growth.
Reflecting on achievements builds confidence, reinforces effective strategies, and ensures the student can sustain gains in emotion regulation and peer interactions beyond these sessions.
Audience
Middle School Student
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Reflective discussion, guided worksheet, goal planning.
Materials
Session 4 Reflection Slides, Maintenance Planning Worksheet, Session 4 Discussion Guide, Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet, and Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review Session 4 Reflection Slides
- Print copies of Maintenance Planning Worksheet and Session 4 Discussion Guide
- Gather the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet and Progress Monitoring Worksheet
- Set up a whiteboard or chart paper with markers
Step 1
Warm-Up & Recap
10 minutes
- Display the Session 4 Reflection Slides
- Revisit the SMART goal and key progress notes
- Prompt the student to share one thing they found most valuable
Step 2
Celebrate Successes
10 minutes
- Using the whiteboard, list 3–5 achievements or “small wins” the student experienced
- Ask the student how each success made them feel and what they learned
- Reinforce that recognizing wins supports ongoing motivation
Step 3
Maintenance Planning Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Maintenance Planning Worksheet
- Guide the student to identify the strategies that worked best
- Help them plan when, where, and how they will continue using each strategy
- Encourage them to note who can support them and any reminders they’ll set
Step 4
Discussion: Sustaining Your Progress
10 minutes
- Use the Session 4 Discussion Guide
- Discuss how to handle future setbacks and maintain motivation
- Explore ideas for ongoing check-ins or accountability partners
Step 5
Set a Follow-Up Goal & Close
5 minutes
- Ask the student to draft one new or extended SMART goal on the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet
- Confirm their commitment to the maintenance plan
- Summarize key takeaways and congratulate the student on their journey
Slide Deck
Session 4: Reflection & Maintenance Planning
In this session, we will:
- Review your journey and key learnings
- Celebrate small wins
- Plan for ongoing use of effective strategies
- Discuss sustaining progress and accountability
- Draft a follow-up SMART goal
Welcome the student and introduce today’s focus: reflecting on their goal journey, celebrating progress, and planning how to maintain gains.
Agenda
- Warm-Up & Recap
- Celebrate Successes
- Maintenance Planning Activity
- Discussion: Sustaining Your Progress
- Set a Follow-Up Goal & Close
Walk through today’s agenda so the student knows the session flow and how each part supports long-term success.
Why Reflection & Maintenance?
• Reinforces what you’ve learned
• Builds confidence in your abilities
• Helps you sustain positive habits
• Prepares you to handle future setbacks
Explain why reflecting on achievements and planning maintenance is crucial for long-term behavior change and emotion regulation.
Celebrate Your Wins
• List 3–5 small wins from your goal journey
• How did each success make you feel?
• What did you learn from these achievements?
Guide the student to list and discuss their top 3–5 small wins, noting feelings and lessons from each success.
Plan for Maintenance
• Identify your most effective strategies
• Decide when and where to use them regularly
• Set reminders (alarms, notes)
• Choose accountability partners
Introduce the concept of a maintenance plan: choosing strategies that worked and integrating them into daily routines.
Your Next SMART Goal
• Draft a new or extended SMART goal
• Ensure it’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Use the Personal Goal-Setting Worksheet to finalize your plan
Encourage the student to set a new or extended SMART goal, reinforcing the SMART criteria and linking back to their growth.
Worksheet
Maintenance Planning Worksheet
Instructions: Now that you’ve achieved success with your SMART goal, plan how you’ll keep using the best strategies to maintain your progress. Fill in each section below with details about when, where, and how you’ll apply your strategies, as well as who can support you.
1. Strategies to Maintain
List the top 3 strategies that helped you most. For each one, complete the table below.
| Strategy | When / Where I’ll Use It | Reminder I’ll Set | Support Person (Who?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. _______________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ |
| 2. _______________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ |
| 3. _______________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ | _________________________________________________________ |
2. Maintenance Schedule
Decide how often you will check in on your progress and strategy use.
- Daily check-in time: __________________________________________________
- Weekly review day: ____________________________________________________
- Monthly reflection date: _______________________________________________
3. Accountability Plan
Who will help you stay on track? Describe how each person will support you.
- Person 1: ____________________________________________________________
How they’ll help: ______________________________________________________ - Person 2: ____________________________________________________________
How they’ll help: ______________________________________________________
4. Anticipating Setbacks
What might get in the way of maintaining your progress? For each potential challenge, write a quick plan.
Challenge: _____________________________________________________________
My plan to handle it: _________________________________________________
Challenge: _____________________________________________________________
My plan to handle it: _________________________________________________
5. Reflection
How will following this maintenance plan help you continue managing your anger and improving peer interactions?
__________________________________________________________________________
Discussion
Session 4 Discussion: Sustaining Your Progress and Planning Ahead
Discussion Guidelines
- Be open about your experiences—what’s felt good and what’s still challenging.
- Listen actively and respectfully to any feedback.
- Take your time to think before responding.
1. Reflecting on Your Growth
Prompt: Look back at your journey from Session 1 through now. What’s one change you’re most proud of?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How did you feel when you first set your goal compared to now?
- Which strategies or actions contributed most to that change?
2. Celebrating Consistent Wins
Prompt: Review the “small wins” you listed during today’s session. Pick one and describe what made it possible.
Follow-Up Questions:
- Who or what supported you in achieving that win?
- How can you remind yourself of this success on tougher days?
3. Planning for Ongoing Maintenance
Prompt: Look at your Maintenance Planning Worksheet. Which strategy or schedule element do you think will be hardest to stick with, and why?
Follow-Up Questions:
- What reminder or support could make it easier?
- How will you know if you need to adjust that part of your plan?
4. Anticipating and Addressing Future Setbacks
Prompt: We all face bumps in the road. Which potential challenge from your worksheet worries you the most?
Follow-Up Questions:
- What specific step will you take if this challenge arises?
- Who will you turn to for help or accountability?
5. Setting Your Next SMART Goal
Prompt: Think about what’s next. What is one new or extended goal you want to set for the next 4–6 weeks?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How will this goal build on what you’ve already learned?
- Using the SMART criteria, what will make it specific and measurable?
- When will you plan to review your progress?
6. Committing to Your Plan
Prompt: What is one action you will do in the next 24 hours to start your maintenance plan or new goal?
Follow-Up Questions:
- How will you remind yourself to complete this action?
- Who could check in with you to celebrate your success?
Closing Thought: You’ve done great work setting and reaching a goal. Remember: maintaining progress is an ongoing journey. Keep using your strategies, lean on your supports, and celebrate every step forward!