Teacher Script: Goals: Your Future Starts Now!

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly powerful that can help you achieve amazing things in your life. We're going to talk about goals. To kick things off, let's do a quick Smart Start Warm-Up. Please take a moment to write down your answers to the prompt on the handout."

(Allow students a few minutes to complete the warm-up.)

(Teacher says): "Alright, who would like to share one thing they wrote down? What are some things you aspire to or hope to achieve in the future?" (Call on a few volunteers, gently guiding them to articulate their hopes/dreams. Connect these to the idea of a goal.)

Understanding Goals (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Excellent! What you've just shared are all examples of goals, whether big or small, short-term or long-term. Let's look at our Goals: Your Future Starts Now! Slide Deck now."

(Display Slide 2: What Are Goals?)

(Teacher says): "As you can see, a goal is simply a desired result that you envision, plan for, and commit to achieve. Think of it as a target you're aiming for. Now, why do you think setting goals is important? What's the benefit of having a target in mind?" (Allow 2-3 student responses, guiding them towards ideas of direction, motivation, and achievement.)

(Teacher says): "You've hit on some great points! Goals give us direction, they motivate us to work hard, and they help us track our progress. But sometimes, just knowing what a goal is isn't enough. We need to understand why they truly matter. Let's watch a short video that explores this."

(Display Slide 3: Why Goals Matter and play the video.)

(Teacher says): "Wow, powerful stuff, right? Let's quickly discuss. Looking at Slide 4: Reflect & Discuss, what was one important message you took away from that video? And how can setting goals specifically help you in your life, right now, or in the near future?" (Encourage thoughtful reflection and connection to personal experiences.)

Introducing SMART Goals (15 minutes)

(Teacher says): "That video really highlights the 'why.' Now, let's move on to the 'how.' It's not enough to just have a goal; we need to make sure our goals are set up for success. And that's where a fantastic framework called SMART goals comes in!"

(Display Slide 5: Introducing SMART Goals)

(Teacher says): "The acronym SMART helps us remember five key characteristics of effective goals. Let's break down each letter. You'll find this information helpful for your SMART Goal Worksheet later."

(Display Slide 6: S - Specific)

(Teacher says): "S stands for Specific. A specific goal answers the 'who, what, where, when, why' questions. It's clear and unambiguous. For example, 'I want to get better grades' is a great aspiration, but it's not very specific. A specific goal might be, 'I want to improve my Biology grade from a B to an A by the end of the semester.' Can anyone think of another example of how to make a general goal more specific?" (Take one or two student examples.)

(Display Slide 7: M - Measurable)

(Teacher says): "Next, M is for Measurable. This means you need a way to track your progress and know when you've actually achieved your goal. How will you know you've succeeded? What numbers or indicators will tell you? For our Biology grade example, the 'A' is measurable. If your goal was to read more, how could you make that measurable?" (Prompt students for ideas: number of books, minutes per day, etc.)

(Display Slide 8: A - Achievable)

(Teacher says): "Then we have A for Achievable. Is your goal realistic? Is it something you can actually accomplish with effort and the resources you have? It should challenge you, but it shouldn't be impossible. For instance, if you've been getting D's in Biology, aiming for an A in one week might not be achievable, but an A by the end of the semester could be. Why is it important for a goal to be achievable?" (Discuss motivation, avoiding discouragement.)

(Display Slide 9: R - Relevant)

(Teacher says): "R stands for Relevant. Is this goal important to you? Does it align with your values, your other goals, and your long-term aspirations? Is it the right time for this goal? If a goal isn't relevant to you, you're much less likely to stick with it. Why is personal relevance so crucial for goal setting?" (Emphasize intrinsic motivation.)

(Display Slide 10: T - Time-bound)

(Teacher says): "Finally, T is for Time-bound. Every good goal needs a deadline! A target date creates a sense of urgency and helps you plan your steps. Without a deadline, a goal is just a dream. When will you achieve this goal? Our Biology example had 'by the end of the semester.' What happens if a goal doesn't have a time limit?" (Discuss procrastination.)

Applying SMART Goals (15 minutes)

(Display Slide 11: SMART Goals: A Quick Review)

(Teacher says): "So, to recap, SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Now it's your turn to practice! I'm going to hand out the SMART Goal Worksheet. Your task is to think of one personal goal—it could be academic, a hobby, a personal skill—and make it SMART using the worksheet. I'll walk around to answer questions and offer support."

(Distribute the SMART Goal Worksheet. Provide individual support. After about 10 minutes, bring the class back together.)

(Teacher says): "Would anyone like to share their SMART goal, or perhaps one part of it, like how they made it specific or measurable?" (Encourage sharing, provide constructive feedback, and affirm good examples.)

Activity & Game (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Excellent work applying the SMART framework! Sometimes, even with a great goal, we face challenges. So, for our next activity, we'll do the Goal Setting Activity. In small groups, you'll discuss strategies for overcoming common obstacles. Then, we'll quickly play the Goal Maze Game to practice the steps of achieving a goal in a fun way."

(Divide students into small groups for the Goal Setting Activity. Monitor group discussions. Transition to the Goal Maze Game. Follow game instructions.)

Wrap-Up & Cool Down (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Great job collaborating and thinking strategically! To wrap up our lesson on goal setting, we're going to do two things. First, a quick Goal Setting Quiz to see what you remember. Please complete it individually."

(Distribute the Goal Setting Quiz. Collect after students complete it.)

(Teacher says): "Finally, please complete the Reflect & Reset Cool Down. This is your chance to think about what you learned today and how you'll use it. Your answers will help me understand what resonated with you. Thank you for your engagement today. Remember, your future starts now, and setting SMART goals is a powerful first step!"

Smart Start Warm-Up: Dreaming Big!

Instructions: Take a few moments to think about your hopes and dreams for the future. Answer the questions below as honestly as you can.

1. If you could achieve one big thing in the next year, what would it be?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is something you want to learn or get better at?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why are these things important to you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What do you think might stop you from achieving them?
   
   
   
   
   
   

SMART Goal Worksheet

Instructions: Think of one personal goal you want to achieve. It could be academic, a skill, or something personal. Use the SMART framework below to make your goal effective and achievable!

My Goal Idea:

Let's Make It SMART!

S - Specific

• What exactly do I want to achieve? (Who, what, where, when, why?)
• Original Goal (if not specific):
  
  
  
• Specific Version:
  
  
  
  
  
  

M - Measurable

• How will I know when I have achieved it? (What metrics will I use to track progress?)
• How will I measure it?
  
  
  
  
  
  

A - Achievable

• Is this goal realistic given my resources and time? (Can I actually do it?)
• Why is this goal achievable for me?
  
  
  
  
  
  

R - Relevant

• Is this goal important to me? (Does it align with my values and other objectives?)
• Why is this goal relevant to my life?
  
  
  
  
  
  

T - Time-bound

• When will I achieve this goal? (What is my deadline?)
• My Target Date:
  
  
  
  
  
  

My Completed SMART Goal:

(Write out your full SMART goal here, combining all the elements you just defined.)

The Power of SMART Goals: A Guide to Achieving What You Want

Setting goals is a fundamental step toward achieving success in any area of life, whether it's academic, professional, or personal. However, simply saying "I want to do better" isn't enough. To truly turn your aspirations into achievements, you need to set effective goals. This is where the SMART goal framework comes in.

What is a SMART Goal?

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework provides a clear, actionable guide for setting goals that are not only ambitious but also realistic and trackable. Let's break down each component:

S - Specific

A specific goal clearly defines what you want to achieve. It answers the questions: What do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important? Who is involved? Where will it take place? Which resources or limits are involved?

• Instead of: "I want to write a book."
• Try: "I want to write a 50,000-word fantasy novel about a young wizard's journey to save his kingdom, working for two hours every day after school in my room."

M - Measurable

A measurable goal allows you to track your progress and determine when you've reached your objective. It answers: How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished? Without a way to measure, it's hard to stay motivated or even know if you're succeeding.

• Instead of: "I want to get fit."
• Try: "I want to run a 5K race, decreasing my mile time by 30 seconds each month until I can complete the race in under 30 minutes."

A - Achievable

An achievable goal is realistic and attainable. It pushes you but doesn't set you up for failure. This step involves considering your resources, skills, and current circumstances. It answers: How can I accomplish this goal? Is it possible? Do I have the necessary tools or can I acquire them?

• Instead of: "I want to learn fluent Japanese in one month."
• Try: "I want to learn 100 basic Japanese phrases and read an introductory Japanese textbook by studying 30 minutes daily for the next three months."

R - Relevant

A relevant goal matters to you. It aligns with your values, long-term plans, and other goals. This ensures you're investing your time and energy into something that genuinely contributes to your overall vision. It answers: Does this seem worthwhile? Is this the right time? Does this match my other efforts/needs?

• Instead of: "My friend wants me to join the debate team."
• Try: "I will join the debate team because I want to improve my public speaking skills and critical thinking, which are essential for my future career in law."

T - Time-bound

A time-bound goal has a specific deadline. This creates urgency, helps you prioritize, and prevents procrastination. It answers: When will this goal be accomplished? What is the deadline? When do I need to achieve this by?

• Instead of: "I will save money."
• Try: "I will save $500 for a new laptop by depositing $50 from my weekly allowance into my savings account every Friday for the next 10 weeks."

Why Use SMART Goals?

Using the SMART framework makes your goals tangible, clear, and achievable. It transforms vague wishes into concrete plans, significantly increasing your chances of success. By thoughtfully crafting your goals, you gain clarity, motivation, and a clear path forward.

Goal Setting Discussion: Overcoming Obstacles

Instructions: In your small groups, discuss the following questions. Be prepared to share some of your group's ideas with the whole class.

1. Think about a time you set a goal but didn't achieve it. What do you think went wrong?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are some common challenges or obstacles that people face when trying to achieve their goals (e.g., procrastination, lack of motivation, unexpected problems)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Brainstorm at least three strategies or tips for overcoming these challenges. How can you stay motivated when things get tough?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. How can having a SMART goal specifically help you overcome some of these obstacles?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Goal Setting Activity: Obstacle Course

Objective: Students will identify potential obstacles to their goals and brainstorm solutions.

Time: 5 minutes

Materials:

• SMART Goal Worksheet (already completed by students)
• Pen/pencil
• Small group discussion (groups of 3-4 students)

Instructions:

1. Recall Your SMART Goal: Look back at the SMART goal you created on your SMART Goal Worksheet.
2. Identify Potential Obstacles: On a separate piece of paper (or in a designated section on your worksheet), list 2-3 potential obstacles or challenges that might prevent you from achieving your specific SMART goal. Think about things that could go wrong or make it difficult.
   • Example Obstacle: "I might get distracted by social media when I'm trying to study."
3. Brainstorm Solutions: For each obstacle you identified, brainstorm at least one concrete solution or strategy to overcome it. How will you proactively address this challenge?
   • Example Solution: "I will put my phone in another room or use an app blocker for 30-minute study sessions."
4. Group Share & Feedback: In your small groups, take turns sharing your SMART goal, one identified obstacle, and your proposed solution. Your group members can offer additional ideas or feedback to strengthen the solutions.
5. Whole Class Reflection (Optional): If time permits, the teacher may ask a few groups to share a common obstacle they discussed and a particularly effective solution.

Goal Maze Game: Path to Success!

Objective: To reinforce the step-by-step process of achieving a goal and identify actions needed along the way.

Time: 5 minutes

Materials:

• One copy of the "Goal Maze" handout per student (or display on projector).
• Pens or pencils.

Instructions:

1. Understand Your Goal: Imagine your ultimate goal is to reach the "SUCCESS" circle at the end of the maze.
2. Start at the Beginning: Begin at the "START" circle.
3. Navigate the Maze: To move from one circle to the next, you must think of a specific action step you would take to get closer to your goal. Write that action step in the box next to the arrow connecting the circles. Each step should bring you closer to success.
   • Example: If your goal is to "Get an A in Math," your first step might be "Review notes daily."
4. No Dead Ends, Only Detours: There are no wrong paths, just different routes to success. Keep thinking of positive, actionable steps.
5. Race to Success: The first student (or group) to fill in all the action steps leading to the "SUCCESS" circle wins!

The Goal Maze

graph TD
    A[START] --> B(Set a SMART Goal)
    B --> C{Break into Smaller Steps}
    C --> D[Research/Gather Resources]
    D --> E(Create a Plan/Timeline)
    E --> F{Take First Action Step}
    F --> G[Monitor Progress]
    G --> H(Adjust Strategy if Needed)
    H --> I{Seek Support/Feedback}
    I --> J[Stay Persistent]
    J --> K(Celebrate Small Wins)
    K --> L[SUCCESS!]

Fill in your Action Steps below!

Step 1: (From START to Set a SMART Goal)

Step 2: (From Set a SMART Goal to Break into Smaller Steps)

Step 3: (From Break into Smaller Steps to Research/Gather Resources)

Step 4: (From Research/Gather Resources to Create a Plan/Timeline)

Step 5: (From Create a Plan/Timeline to Take First Action Step)

Step 6: (From Take First Action Step to Monitor Progress)

Step 7: (From Monitor Progress to Adjust Strategy if Needed)

Step 8: (From Adjust Strategy if Needed to Seek Support/Feedback)

Step 9: (From Seek Support/Feedback to Stay Persistent)

Step 10: (From Stay Persistent to Celebrate Small Wins)

Step 11: (From Celebrate Small Wins to SUCCESS!)

Reflect & Reset Cool Down

Instructions: Take a few minutes to reflect on today's lesson on goal setting. Your honest answers will help you solidify your learning and help me understand what was most valuable.

1. What is one new thing you learned about setting goals today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How will you use the SMART goal framework in your own life?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What is one challenge you anticipate when trying to set or achieve a goal, and how might you overcome it?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Goal Setting Quiz Answer Key

1. Which of the following is NOT a component of a SMART goal?

Correct Answer: Motivating

Thought Process: The SMART acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. While a goal should ideally be motivating, "Motivating" is not one of the five core components of the SMART framework itself.

2. Explain in your own words why it's important for a goal to be 'Time-bound'.

Expected Answer: A time-bound goal has a deadline or a specific target date for completion. This is important because:

• It creates a sense of urgency, encouraging you to start and stay focused.
• It helps with planning, allowing you to break down the goal into smaller steps within a timeframe.
• It prevents procrastination, as there's a clear endpoint.
• Without a deadline, a goal can remain a wish or a dream without concrete action.

Thought Process: Students should demonstrate an understanding that a deadline provides structure, encourages action, and helps in the overall management of the goal. Keywords like "deadline," "urgency," "planning," and "procrastination" are indicators of a strong answer.

3. Which of these is the most 'Specific' goal?

Correct Answer: I want to raise my Algebra II test score by 10 points on the next test.

Thought Process:

• "I want to do well in school." - This is too vague.
• "I want to improve my math grade." - Better, but still not specific enough (which math, by how much, when?).
• "I want to raise my Algebra II test score by 10 points on the next test." - This clearly states what will be improved (Algebra II test score), by how much (10 points), and when (on the next test). It addresses the

Future Vision Project: Your Year of SMART Growth

Objective: To apply the SMART goal framework to a significant personal or academic goal and develop a comprehensive plan for its achievement over a longer period.

Due Date: [Teacher to specify]

Project Overview

This project challenges you to think critically about your future and design a roadmap for achieving a meaningful goal. You will select one major goal you wish to accomplish within the next school year (or a significant portion of it) and then break it down using the SMART framework. You will also create an action plan and reflect on potential challenges and support systems.

Deliverables

Your project will consist of the following components, submitted as a single document or presentation:

1. Goal Identification & Rationale

• Clearly state your chosen major goal. This should be something you are genuinely passionate about and committed to achieving.
• Explain why this goal is important to you. What impact will achieving it have on your life (academically, personally, future career, etc.)? (Minimum 1 paragraph)

2. Deconstructing Your Goal with SMART

Apply the SMART framework to your chosen goal. For each letter, provide a detailed explanation of how your goal meets that criterion.

• S - Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish? (Who, what, where, when, why?)
• M - Measurable: How will you track your progress? What data or evidence will show you are moving towards your goal and when you've achieved it?
• A - Achievable: Why is this goal realistic for you? What skills or resources do you currently have, or what will you need to acquire to achieve it?
• R - Relevant: How does this goal align with your values, other aspirations, or future plans? Why is it truly meaningful to you?
• T - Time-bound: What is your specific deadline for achieving this goal? Clearly state the start and end dates.

3. Action Plan

Break your SMART goal down into smaller, manageable steps. Create a timeline for these steps. This should be a detailed plan, showing what you will do and when.

• Phase 1: Initial Steps (First 1-2 months): List 3-5 concrete actions you will take in the beginning. Include target completion dates for these initial actions.
• Phase 2: Mid-term Actions (Middle of the project): List 3-5 actions for the middle phase. How will you maintain momentum?
• Phase 3: Final Push (Last 1-2 months): List 3-5 actions for the concluding phase. What needs to happen to ensure you reach the finish line?
• Milestones: Identify at least 3 significant milestones (smaller achievements) along your path to the main goal. How will you celebrate these?

4. Anticipated Challenges & Solutions

No journey is without obstacles. Identify at least two potential challenges or setbacks you might encounter while pursuing your goal. For each challenge, propose a practical strategy or solution to overcome it.

5. Support System

Who are the people or resources that can support you in achieving your goal? List at least three sources of support (e.g., family, friends, teachers, mentors, online resources, specific tools, organizations). Explain how each will help you.

6. Reflection

Write a concluding paragraph reflecting on the entire goal-setting process. What did you learn about yourself? How has creating this detailed plan changed your perspective on your goal or your ability to achieve it?

Presentation Format Suggestions

You can present your project in one of the following formats:

• Written Report: A well-organized document with clear headings for each section.
• Slide Presentation: A Google Slides, PowerPoint, or similar presentation (minimum 8 slides, maximum 15 slides).
• Infographic: A visually appealing infographic that incorporates all required components.

Remember to review the Project Rubric to understand how your project will be assessed.

Future Vision Project Rubric

Student Name: _____________________________

Project Title: _____________________________

Comments:

Goal Setting Script

Warm-Up: Dream Big! (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super exciting: GOALS! Before we dive in, I want you to take a moment and think big. What's one dream you have for your future? It could be something you want to learn, something you want to achieve, or even something you want to experience. Don't worry if it sounds silly or impossible – just dream big!"

"Now, I'd like to hear from a few volunteers. Who would like to share one big dream they have?"

(Teacher): "Those are fantastic dreams! It's wonderful to think about what you want to achieve. Today's lesson is all about helping you turn those big dreams into achievable steps."

Introduction to Goal Setting (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "(Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 1) Take a look at our title slide: 'Goals: Your Future Starts Now!' What does that title make you think about? Why do you think your future 'starts now' when we talk about goals?"

(Teacher): "Great ideas! Now, (transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 2), what exactly is a goal? Can anyone give me a simple definition?"

(Teacher): "Excellent! A goal is indeed something you want to achieve or do in the future. It's like a target you aim for, something you work towards. Think of it like a video game – you have quests and missions, right? Those are like goals!"

"So, why bother setting goals? (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 3) Why do you think goals are important? How do they help us in our daily lives or for our future, maybe even like how a business person plans their success?"

(Teacher): "You've hit on some key points! Goals help us know what we want, stay focused, work hard, and feel proud when we succeed. Just like a business person sets targets for their company, we can set targets for ourselves."

"Did you know there are different types of goals? (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 4) We have short-term goals, which are things you want to achieve soon, like finishing your homework tonight. And then we have long-term goals, which are bigger things you want to achieve in the future, like graduating high school or becoming a successful entrepreneur. Can anyone think of an example of a short-term goal? How about a long-term goal?"

Understanding SMART Goals (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Now, we're going to learn a super powerful tool to help us set really effective goals. It's called the SMART plan! (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 5) When we make our goals SMART, we make them much easier to achieve."

"Let's break down what each letter in SMART stands for. First up, S! (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 6) S is for Specific. This means being super clear about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying 'I want to get better grades,' a specific goal would be 'I want to improve my math grade from a C to a B by the end of the semester.' Can you see the difference? It answers: Who, what, where, when, why?"

"Now, for M! (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 7) M is for Measurable. How will you know when you've reached your goal? Can you track your progress? If you say 'I want to read more,' how do you measure that? But if you say 'I want to read 3 books this month,' then you can easily measure your progress. You'll know exactly when you've succeeded."

"Next, A! (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 8) A is for Achievable. Is your goal something you can actually do? Is it realistic for you right now? Wanting to fly to the moon next week might not be achievable, but wanting to learn about space travel by reading books is! It should challenge you, but still be possible."

"Then, R! (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 9) R is for Relevant. Does this goal matter to you? Does it fit with your other goals and interests? If you love art, practicing drawing daily is a relevant goal. If you don't care about juggling, then 'learn to juggle three balls' might not be a relevant goal for you. Your goals should be things that are important to you."

"Finally, T! (Transition to Smart Goals Slide Deck - Slide 10) T is for Time-Bound. This means setting a deadline! When do you want to achieve this goal by? 'I will clean my room' isn't time-bound, but 'I will clean my room by Saturday afternoon' gives you a clear target date. A deadline helps you stay motivated."

"Let's try one together. Imagine I said, 'I want to eat healthier.' How could we make that goal SMART? Let's go through each letter.

• Specific: What does 'healthier' mean? (e.g., 'Eat 5 servings of vegetables daily')
• Measurable: How will I track it? (e.g., 'Keep a food journal')
• Achievable: Is it realistic for me? (e.g., 'Yes, I can add one more serving each day until I reach 5')
• Relevant: Is it important to me? (e.g., 'Yes, to have more energy and feel better')
• Time-Bound: By when? (e.g., 'By the end of the next two weeks')

"So, a SMART goal might be: 'I will eat 5 servings of vegetables daily by tracking them in a food journal for the next two weeks to have more energy.' See how much clearer that is?"

"Now, I'm going to hand out the My Goal Worksheet. We're going to use this to help you turn one of your general ideas into a fantastic SMART goal. Let's think about one thing you want to achieve, big or small, and try to make it SMART! I'll walk around and help you as you work."

Applying SMART Goals: Activity & Reading (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Great work on your SMART goals! Now, let's make them even more real. We're going to do a Vision Board Activity. A vision board is a powerful tool where you visually represent your goals and dreams. This helps keep your goals in mind and motivates you."

"I'll be circulating to assist you. Once you've made some progress on your vision board, you'll also have time to read The Power of Goals Reading which will reinforce what we've learned about the importance of setting goals and sticking to them. Feel free to start reading once you're comfortable with your vision board progress."

Game: Goal Maze Challenge (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright everyone, it's time for a fun challenge! We're going to play the Goal Maze Game. I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a 'Goal Maze.' Your task is to navigate through the maze, making choices that lead you towards achieving a goal, while avoiding obstacles. This game will help you think about planning and overcoming challenges, just like a business person navigating the market!"

"Work together, discuss your options, and see which group can reach their goal first!"

Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Fantastic effort, everyone! It was great to see you thinking critically about how to achieve your goals in the maze. To wrap up our lesson today, I want each of you to think about one key takeaway or one new thing you learned about goal setting. You can share it in a sentence or two."

"We'll do a quick Goal Reflection Cool Down. When you're done, please hand in your My Goal Worksheet and your cool-down. Remember, your future starts now, and by setting SMART goals, you're taking powerful steps toward making your dreams a reality!"

My Goal Worksheet: Your SMART Plan

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Dream Big! (Initial Idea)

What is one thing you want to achieve or get better at? It could be something for school, a hobby, or something for yourself! (Don't worry about making it SMART yet, just write down your idea.)

My initial goal idea is:

Part 2: Making It SMART!

Now, let's take your initial goal idea and make it SMART! Remember what each letter stands for:

• S - Specific
• M - Measurable
• A - Achievable
• R - Relevant
• T - Time-Bound

S: Specific

• What exactly do you want to achieve? Be super clear! (Who, what, where, when, why?)

My goal, made Specific:

M: Measurable

• How will you know when you've reached your goal? How can you track your progress?

My goal, made Measurable:

A: Achievable

• Is this goal realistic for you right now? Is it something you can actually do if you work hard?

My goal, made Achievable:

R: Relevant

• Why is this goal important to you? Does it connect to your interests or other dreams?

My goal, made Relevant:

T: Time-Bound

• When do you want to achieve this goal by? Set a clear deadline!

My goal, made Time-Bound:

Part 3: My Final SMART Goal!

Put all the SMART pieces together. Write your complete SMART goal here:

My SMART Goal:

Part 4: Action Plan

What are the first 3 steps you will take to start working towards your SMART goal?

The Power of Goals: Why Aiming High Helps You Grow

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to achieve amazing things, while others struggle to get started? Often, the secret ingredient is goal setting. A goal is simply something you want to achieve in the future. It’s like having a map for where you want to go.

Why Are Goals So Important?

Setting goals helps us in many ways:

1. They Give You Direction: Imagine trying to go on a trip without knowing your destination. You’d wander aimlessly, right? Goals are like your destination. They tell you where you’re headed and help you choose the right path.

2. They Keep You Focused: When you have a clear goal, it’s easier to say no to distractions. If your goal is to finish a book, you’ll be more likely to spend your free time reading instead of getting sidetracked by other things.

3. They Motivate You to Work Hard: Knowing what you’re working towards gives you a reason to put in effort. When you see progress, even small steps, it encourages you to keep going.

4. They Help You Learn and Grow: Often, reaching a goal requires learning new skills or overcoming challenges. This process helps you become smarter, stronger, and more capable.

5. They Build Confidence: There’s a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you reach a goal you’ve set. This success builds your confidence and encourages you to set even bigger goals in the future.

Big Dreams Need Big Plans

Think about successful business people, athletes, or artists. Do you think they just accidentally became successful? No way! They set ambitious goals and then worked incredibly hard, day after day, to achieve them. They broke down their big dreams into smaller, manageable goals and created plans to reach each one.

For example, a business person might have a long-term goal to create a new product that helps people. To do this, they’ll set many short-term goals: research what people need, design the product, find materials, market it, and finally, sell it. Each small goal is a step towards the bigger dream.

Your Future is in Your Hands

The good news is that you don’t have to wait to start setting goals! You can begin today. Whether it’s improving your grades, learning a new instrument, or becoming a better friend, setting goals can help you make it happen. Remember, every big accomplishment starts with a single decision to aim for something. What will you aim for?

Goal Getter Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts to facilitate a class discussion about goal setting.

Part 1: Starting the Conversation

1. What does the word "goal" mean to you? Can you think of a time you set a goal, even a small one?
   
   
   
   
2. Why do you think it's important to set goals? What are some benefits you can think of?
   
   
   
   
3. Can you think of any famous athletes, artists, or even a successful business person who likely set big goals to achieve what they did?
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Reflecting on SMART Goals

1. Out of the SMART goal criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound), which one do you think is the most challenging for people to include in their goals? Why?
   
   
   
   
2. Imagine you have a goal to "become a better basketball player." How would you make this goal Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound? Work through each part.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why is having a deadline (Time-Bound) important for a goal? What happens if you don't set a deadline?
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Overcoming Challenges

1. What are some common challenges people face when trying to achieve their goals?
   
   
   
   
2. What are some strategies you can use when you feel discouraged or face obstacles while working on a goal?
   
   
   
   
3. How can having a support system (friends, family, teachers) help you achieve your goals?

Vision Board Activity: Picture Your Future!

Goal: To create a visual representation of your SMART goal and other dreams to help you stay motivated.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a collage of images, words, and quotes that represent your goals, dreams, and what you want to achieve or experience in your life. It's a powerful tool that helps you visualize your future and keep your aspirations top of mind.

Materials You Will Need:

• A large piece of paper or cardboard
• Magazines, newspapers, or printed images from the internet
• Scissors
• Glue stick or tape
• Markers or colored pencils (optional)
• Your My Goal Worksheet with your SMART goal

Instructions:

1. Reflect on Your SMART Goal: Look at the SMART goal you created on your My Goal Worksheet. Think about what it looks like, what it feels like to achieve it, and what steps you'll take.

2. Gather Images and Words:

   • Go through magazines, newspapers, or search for images online that represent your SMART goal. For example, if your goal is to get better at a sport, look for pictures of athletes, trophies, or symbols of practice.
   • Don't limit yourself to just your SMART goal! Also look for images and words that represent other dreams, feelings, or qualities you want in your life (e.g., happiness, strength, learning, travel, a future career like a business person).
   • Look for inspiring words or phrases that motivate you.

3. Cut and Arrange:

   • Cut out all the images, words, and phrases you've collected.
   • Before gluing, arrange them on your paper or cardboard in a way that feels good to you. You can group similar ideas, put your main SMART goal in the center, or create a flow.

4. Glue Everything Down: Once you're happy with your arrangement, glue everything securely onto your board.

5. Add Your Own Touches (Optional): Use markers or colored pencils to add drawings, doodles, or highlight important words. You can even write your SMART goal directly onto your vision board.

6. Reflect and Share (if comfortable): Take a moment to look at your finished vision board. How does it make you feel? If you're comfortable, be prepared to share one image or word from your board and explain how it connects to your goals or dreams with a partner or the class.

Why This Helps:

Seeing your goals visually every day can help you:

• Stay focused and remember what you're working towards.
• Feel motivated and inspired.
• Turn abstract ideas into concrete images, making them feel more real and achievable.

Goal Maze Game: Navigate to Success!

Goal: To successfully navigate a maze by making choices that represent effective goal-setting strategies and overcoming obstacles.

Instructions:

1. Divide into Teams: Form small groups (2-4 students per group).
2. **Start at the