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Goal Setting With Grit

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Jim

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Goal Setting With Grit Lesson Plan

Students will learn the SMART goal framework, develop strategies for overcoming obstacles, and practice self-monitoring to foster a growth mindset and build grit.

Setting clear and achievable goals is a fundamental life skill that empowers students to take control of their academic and personal journeys. This lesson provides a structured approach to goal setting, helping students navigate challenges and cultivate the resilience needed for success.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive lecture, individual reflection, group discussion, and hands-on application.

Materials

Smart Goals Slide Deck, Goal Setting Worksheet, Overcoming Obstacles Activity, My Grit Project Guide, and Cool Down Reflection

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Smart Goals Slide Deck and ensure all technological components are ready.
    - Print copies of the Goal Setting Worksheet for each student.
    - Prepare materials for the Overcoming Obstacles Activity (e.g., index cards, markers).
    - Review the My Grit Project Guide to clarify expectations.
    - Familiarize yourself with the Cool Down Reflection prompt.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion: "What does it mean to set a goal? Why do we set goals?"
    - Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to learn how to set goals effectively and build the 'grit' to achieve them!"
    - Present the objective from the Smart Goals Slide Deck.

Step 2

Understanding SMART Goals

15 minutes

  • Use the Smart Goals Slide Deck to introduce the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
    - Provide examples and non-examples for each component.
    - Facilitate a short Q&A session to check for understanding.

Step 3

Individual Goal Setting

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Goal Setting Worksheet.
    - Instruct students to individually brainstorm and write down one academic and one personal SMART goal using the worksheet.
    - Circulate to provide support and answer questions.

Step 4

Overcoming Obstacles Activity

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of obstacles and grit.
    - Facilitate the Overcoming Obstacles Activity where students identify potential roadblocks and brainstorm strategies.
    - Encourage students to add strategies to their Goal Setting Worksheet.

Step 5

Introducing the My Grit Project

5 minutes

  • Introduce the My Grit Project Guide.
    - Explain that students will apply the SMART goal framework and grit strategies over a longer period.
    - Clarify deliverables and expectations.

Step 6

Wrap-up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Conclude with the Cool Down Reflection activity.
    - Briefly review the main takeaways about SMART goals and grit.
    - Encourage students to commit to their goals.
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Slide Deck

Goal Setting With Grit: Your Path to Success!

What are your dreams? What do you want to achieve?

Today, we'll learn how to:

  • Set clear, powerful goals (SMART goals!)
  • Develop the 'grit' to achieve them
  • Plan for academic and personal growth

Let's get started!

Welcome students and get them thinking about goals. Ask them what 'grit' means to them before revealing the definition.

What are SMART Goals?

SMART is an acronym that helps us remember the key ingredients for setting effective goals:

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

Let's break down each part!

Introduce the SMART acronym. Emphasize that each letter is a crucial component for effective goal setting. Ask students to think about a goal they have in mind.

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 this happen?
  • Why is this goal important to me?

Example: Instead of "I want to get good grades," try "I want to earn an A in my English class this semester."

Explain 'Specific.' Give examples like: 'Instead of 'get better at math,' say 'improve my algebra grade to a B+.' Ask students to make their goal more specific.

M is for Measurable

You need a way to track your progress and know when you've reached your goal. Ask yourself:

  • How much? How many?
  • How will I know when it's accomplished?

Example: "I will read 2 chapters of my history textbook every evening." (You can measure the number of chapters!)

Explain 'Measurable.' How will students know if they've reached their goal? Provide examples of how to track progress. Ask: How can you measure your goal?

A is for Achievable

Your goal should be challenging but realistic. It should be something you can actually accomplish with effort.

  • Do I have the resources and skills needed?
  • Is it possible to achieve this goal?

Example: "I will study for 30 minutes each night before dinner." (This is achievable, unlike studying 5 hours every night!)

Explain 'Achievable.' It's about setting a challenge that's realistic. Discourage goals that are too easy or impossible. Ask: Is your goal something you can realistically do?

R is for Relevant

Your goal should matter to you and align with your values and long-term aspirations.

  • Is this goal worthwhile?
  • Does it fit with my other goals?
  • Is it the right time for this goal?

Example: "I will complete all my homework assignments on time to improve my overall GPA and prepare for college."

Explain 'Relevant.' Connect the goal to their larger aspirations. Why does this goal matter to them? Ask: Why is this goal important to you?

T is for Time-bound

Every SMART goal needs a deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused.

  • When will I achieve this goal?
  • What is the start date and end date?

Example: "I will submit my science project by Friday, October 27th."

Explain 'Time-bound.' Stress the importance of a deadline. This creates urgency. Ask: When will you achieve this goal?

Beyond SMART: The Power of Grit!

Setting SMART goals is awesome, but what happens when things get tough?

That's where GRIT comes in!

Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It's sticking with something even when it's hard, and not giving up when you face challenges.

Think of it as your inner superpower to keep going!

Introduce the concept of grit. It's not just about setting goals, but having the perseverance to stick with them. Ask students for synonyms for grit.

Your Journey Starts Now!

You now have the tools to set powerful, effective SMART goals and the understanding of what it takes to stick with them.

Let's put it into practice!

Summarize the lesson and prompt students to get ready for the individual goal setting activity.

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Warm Up

Warm Up: What is a Goal?

Take 3-5 minutes to reflect and answer the following questions.

1. What does it mean to set a goal?





2. Why do people set goals?






3. Share one goal you have, big or small! (It doesn't have to be a 'SMART' goal yet!)







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Worksheet

My SMART Goals & Grit Plan

Part 1: Brainstorm Your Goals

Think about what you want to achieve, both academically and personally, in the coming weeks or months. Don't worry about making them SMART just yet, just get some ideas down!

Academic Goal Ideas:




Personal Goal Ideas:




Part 2: Craft Your SMART Goals

Now, choose one academic goal and one personal goal from your brainstormed ideas and make them SMART. Remember: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Academic SMART Goal

My Academic Goal:



  • Specific: What exactly do I want to achieve? (Who, What, Where, When, Why)



  • Measurable: How will I track my progress? How will I know when I've achieved it?



  • Achievable: Is this goal realistic but challenging? Do I have the resources?



  • Relevant: Why is this goal important to me right now? How does it connect to my bigger picture?



  • Time-bound: When will I achieve this goal? What is my deadline?




Personal SMART Goal

My Personal Goal:



  • Specific: What exactly do I want to achieve? (Who, What, Where, When, Why)



  • Measurable: How will I track my progress? How will I know when I've achieved it?



  • Achieavable: Is this goal realistic but challenging? Do I have the resources?



  • Relevant: Why is this goal important to me right now? How does it connect to my bigger picture?



  • Time-bound: When will I achieve this goal? What is my deadline?




Part 3: Anticipate Obstacles & Build Grit

Think about potential challenges that might stop you from reaching your SMART goals. Then, brainstorm strategies to overcome them using your grit!

For My Academic SMART Goal:

Potential Obstacles:



Grit Strategies (What will I do to push through?):




For My Personal SMART Goal:

Potential Obstacles:



Grit Strategies (What will I do to push through?):




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Activity

Overcoming Obstacles: Building Your Grit Muscles!

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans hit a roadblock. That's where our GRIT comes in! This activity will help you think proactively about challenges and how to overcome them.

Instructions:

  1. Identify a Goal: Think about one of your SMART goals from the Goal Setting Worksheet.
  2. Brainstorm Obstacles: On an index card or a piece of paper, write down 2-3 potential obstacles that might prevent you from achieving this goal. (e.g., "getting distracted by my phone," "finding the work too hard," "losing motivation").
  3. Share and Discuss (Small Groups): In small groups (3-4 students), take turns sharing one of your obstacles. As a group, brainstorm 2-3 grit strategies to overcome that specific obstacle.
    • Example Obstacle: "I get distracted by my phone when I'm trying to study."
    • Grit Strategies: "Put my phone in another room," "Use a focus app," "Set a timer for study sprints and then a short phone break."
  4. Record Your Strategies: After discussing, write down the most helpful grit strategies on your Goal Setting Worksheet under the
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Project Guide

My Grit Project: A Journey of Growth!

Project Overview

This project is your opportunity to put your SMART goal-setting skills and newfound understanding of grit into action over an extended period. You will select one of your SMART goals (either academic or personal) and actively work towards it, reflecting on your progress and challenges along the way.

Objective: To demonstrate the ability to set and pursue a SMART goal, apply grit strategies to overcome obstacles, and reflect on the process of personal and academic growth.

Duration: 3-4 weeks (Your teacher will provide the exact start and end dates).

Project Deliverables

  1. Refined SMART Goal Statement: Choose one SMART goal from your Goal Setting Worksheet that you will focus on for this project. Write it out clearly.




  2. Grit Action Plan: Develop a detailed plan outlining the specific steps you will take to achieve your goal, including daily or weekly actions. Also, list at least three potential obstacles you might face and how you plan to use your grit to overcome them.

    • Steps to Achieve Goal:






    • Potential Obstacles & Grit Strategies:






  3. Weekly Progress Log: Keep a weekly log (can be a simple journal, bullet points, or a digital document) where you record:

    • Your actions taken towards the goal.
    • Any successes or breakthroughs.
    • Challenges encountered and how you applied grit to address them.
    • Reflections on your progress and feelings.

  4. Final Reflection Essay (250-350 words): At the end of the project, write an essay reflecting on your experience. Address the following:

    • What was your SMART goal, and why did you choose it?
    • Describe your journey: What steps did you take? What worked well?
    • What obstacles did you encounter? How did you use grit to overcome them or adjust your plan?
    • What did you learn about yourself through this process?
    • How will you apply what you learned about SMART goals and grit to future aspirations?

Assessment

Your project will be assessed based on:

  • Clarity and completeness of your refined SMART goal.
  • Thoughtfulness and practicality of your Grit Action Plan.
  • Consistency and detail in your Weekly Progress Log.
  • Depth of reflection and insight in your Final Reflection Essay.
  • Effort and demonstrated application of grit throughout the project.
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Cool Down

Cool Down: My Grit Commitment

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you've learned today and what you plan to do next.

  1. What is one new thing you learned about setting goals today?



  2. How will you use the SMART goal framework to improve one of your goals?




  3. In your own words, describe what 'grit' means to you now.




  4. Write down one sentence committing to your chosen SMART goal and how you will show grit to achieve it. (e.g., "I commit to [my SMART goal] and will show grit by [strategy].")





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