Lesson Plan

Game Plan Blueprint

Students will set one SMART academic or personal goal and outline two perseverance actions to achieve it.

This lesson helps students develop essential life skills in goal setting and resilience, empowering them to achieve their aspirations in academics and life.

Audience

7th & 8th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice, and peer feedback.

Materials

Projector/Smartboard, Level-Up Goals Slides, Coach's Pep-Talk Script, SMART Goal Card, Goal Quality Check Rubric, Pens/Pencils, and Index cards or sticky notes (optional for gallery walk)

Prep

Prepare Materials & Tech

15 minutes

Review all generated materials: the Level-Up Goals Slides, Coach's Pep-Talk Script, SMART Goal Card, and Goal Quality Check Rubric.
Prepare projector/smartboard for the Level-Up Goals Slides.
Print sufficient copies of the SMART Goal Card for each student.
Print sufficient copies of the Goal Quality Check Rubric for each student or pair.
Gather pens/pencils for all students.
(Optional) Prepare space on a wall or board for a gallery walk if students will be posting their goals, and have index cards or sticky notes ready.

Step 1

Warm-Up & Hook: Perseverance in Action

5 minutes

Begin by showing a short (1-2 minute) sports highlight video that demonstrates perseverance (e.g., a comeback victory, an athlete overcoming a challenge). Use Level-Up Goals Slides slide 2.
Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from the Coach's Pep-Talk Script:
- "What did you notice about the athletes in this video?"
- "What does it mean to persevere?"
- "When have you had to persevere to achieve something?"

Step 2

Direct Instruction: What are SMART Goals?

10 minutes

Introduce the concept of a 'Growth Mindset' using Level-Up Goals Slides slide 3 and the Coach's Pep-Talk Script.
Transition to goal setting: "To grow, we need to set goals! But not just any goals... SMART goals!" (Use Level-Up Goals Slides slide 4).
Explain each component of a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) using Level-Up Goals Slides slides 5-10 and the detailed explanations and examples from the Coach's Pep-Talk Script.
- Provide clear examples for each letter, both academic and personal.

Step 3

Goal Drafting & Peer Feedback

10 minutes

Distribute the SMART Goal Card to each student. (Use Level-Up Goals Slides slide 11).
Instruct students to draft one academic or personal SMART goal. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
After drafting their goal, have students think of two specific actions they will take to persevere when facing challenges related to their goal. (Use Level-Up Goals Slides slide 12).
Pair students up. Distribute the Goal Quality Check Rubric.
Students will peer-review each other's SMART Goal Card using the Goal Quality Check Rubric, providing constructive feedback on whether the goal meets the SMART criteria and if the perseverance actions are clear. (Use Level-Up Goals Slides slide 13).

Step 4

Gallery Walk & Commitment Exit Ticket

5 minutes

(Optional) Have students post their completed SMART Goal Card on a designated wall or board for a quick gallery walk, allowing them to see their peers' goals.
Conclude the lesson with an exit ticket. (Use Level-Up Goals Slides slide 14).
Ask each student to verbally share:
- "One thing they learned about setting goals."
- "One potential obstacle they might face in achieving their goal."
- "One strategy they will use to overcome that obstacle (tying into their perseverance actions)."

Slide Deck

Growth Game Plan: Level Up Your Goals!

Setting Yourself Up for Success!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of goal setting and growth. Briefly explain what they'll be doing today.

— What did you notice in the video?
— What does it mean to persevere?
— When have you shown perseverance?

Play a short, inspiring video (1-2 minutes) of athletes demonstrating perseverance. After the video, use prompts from the script to spark discussion about what perseverance looks like and why it's important.

What is a Growth Mindset?

— Believing your abilities can grow with effort
— Embracing challenges
— Learning from mistakes
— The opposite of a fixed mindset

Introduce the concept of a growth mindset as the foundation for setting and achieving goals. Emphasize that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

What's a Goal?

— A desired result
— Something you want to achieve
— A target for your efforts

Transition to goals. Ask students what a goal is in their own words before revealing the definition. Connect it to the idea of a growth mindset.

Introducing SMART Goals!

A powerful tool for setting effective goals!

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

Introduce the acronym SMART. Explain that this framework helps make goals clear and achievable.

S: Specific

Your goal should be clear and well-defined. What exactly do you want to achieve?

Not Specific: "I want to get better at math."

Specific: "I want to improve my grade in Algebra from a C to a B by the end of the quarter."

Explain 'Specific' with an example. Ask students for an example of a specific vs. non-specific goal.

M: Measurable

You need a way to track your progress and know when you've reached your goal. How will you measure success?

Not Measurable: "I want to read more."

Measurable: "I want to read one non-fiction book each month for the next three months."

Explain 'Measurable'. How will students know they've reached their goal? The example clearly shows how progress is tracked.

A: Achievable

Your goal should be challenging but realistic. Is it possible to achieve this goal?

Not Achievable: "I want to learn to fly by tomorrow."

Achievable: "I want to practice my guitar for 30 minutes every day to learn a new song by next week."

Explain 'Achievable'. Emphasize that goals should be challenging but realistic. Discuss the difference between a dream and an achievable goal.

R: Relevant

Your goal should be important and meaningful to you. Does it align with your values and other objectives?

Not Relevant: "I want to memorize all the state capitals (if you're not in a geography class or interested)."

Relevant: "I want to join the school debate team next year because I want to improve my public speaking skills."

Explain 'Relevant'. Goals should matter to the student and align with their values or other aspirations.

T: Time-Bound

Your goal needs a clear deadline. When do you want to achieve this goal?

Not Time-Bound: "I will clean my room."

Time-Bound: "I will deep clean my entire room by Saturday evening."

Explain 'Time-bound'. Stress the importance of a deadline to create urgency and a target for completion.

Your Mission: Draft Your SMART Goal!

— Get your SMART Goal Card ready!
— Think of one academic or personal goal.
— Make it S.M.A.R.T.

Direct students to their 'SMART Goal Card' worksheet. Give them time to draft their own goal, reminding them to use the SMART criteria.

Perseverance: What Will You Do?

Goals are great, but challenges happen!

— What actions will you take when things get tough?
— How will you push through obstacles?

(Write these on your SMART Goal Card!)

Now, shift focus to perseverance. Ask students to brainstorm how they will stick with their goal when challenges arise. Emphasize that challenges are normal.

Peer Power-Up!

— Share your goal with a partner.
— Use the Goal Quality Check Rubric to give feedback.
— Help each other make their goals even stronger!

Explain the peer review process using the rubric. Emphasize constructive and supportive feedback.

Game Plan Commitment

— One thing you learned about setting goals?
— One potential obstacle you might face?
— One strategy to overcome it?

Lead the exit ticket activity. Encourage students to confidently share their commitment and obstacle plan.

Script

Coach's Pep-Talk Script

Introduction (Slide 1: Growth Game Plan: Level Up Your Goals!)

"Alright, champions! Welcome to 'Growth Game Plan: Level Up Your Goals!' Today, we're going to talk about something super important: setting yourself up for success. We're going to learn how to make goals that actually help you achieve amazing things, both in school and in your personal life. Think of me as your coach today, helping you build your winning strategy!"

Warm-Up: Perseverance in Action! (Slide 2: Perseverance in Action!)

"To kick things off, I want to show you a quick video. Watch closely and think about what these athletes are doing, especially when things get tough. Pay attention to their mindset and actions."

(Play the short sports highlight video, e.g., a comeback or overcoming a challenge.)

"Wow! What did you notice about the athletes in that video? What words come to mind when you see them pushing through?"

(Allow students to share. Guide them towards words like 'never give up,' 'keep trying,' 'resilience.')

"Exactly! That's perseverance. It's about sticking with something even when it's hard, even when you feel like giving up. When have you had to persevere to achieve something? Think of a time you faced a challenge and kept going."

(Allow a few students to share brief examples.)

What is a Growth Mindset? (Slide 3: What is a Growth Mindset?)

"The ability to persevere often comes from having what we call a 'Growth Mindset.' This means believing that your abilities and intelligence aren't fixed. You can grow, learn, and improve with effort, practice, and dedication! It's about seeing challenges as opportunities to get stronger, not as roadblocks. Anyone can develop a growth mindset!"

What's a Goal? (Slide 4: What's a Goal?)

"So, how do we apply this growth mindset? A big part of it is setting goals! What do you think a 'goal' is? Turn and tell a partner for 15 seconds."

(Pause for quick partner talk.)

"Great ideas! A goal is basically a desired result, something you want to achieve, a target for your efforts. It's like having a destination on a map."

Introducing SMART Goals! (Slide 5: Introducing SMART Goals!)

"Now, not all goals are created equal. Some goals are super effective, helping you stay motivated and on track, while others might be a bit fuzzy and hard to achieve. Today, we're going to learn about a powerful way to set goals called S.M.A.R.T. goals! Each letter stands for something important that makes your goal strong."

S: Specific (Slide 6: S: Specific)

"Let's start with 'S' for Specific. Your goal needs to be clear and well-defined. Think about the 'who, what, where, when, why, and how' of your goal. Instead of saying, 'I want to get better at math,' a specific goal would be, 'I want to improve my grade in Algebra from a C to a B by the end of the quarter.' See how much clearer that is? You know exactly what you're aiming for."

M: Measurable (Slide 7: M: Measurable)

"Next, 'M' for Measurable. How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've actually reached your goal? If your goal is 'I want to read more,' it's hard to measure. But if it's 'I want to read one non-fiction book each month for the next three months,' you can easily measure if you're hitting your target. You need a way to see your progress!"

A: Achievable (Slide 8: A: Achievable)

"'A' is for Achievable. Your goal should be challenging, yes, but also realistic. It needs to be something you can actually accomplish with effort. Wanting to learn to fly by tomorrow isn't achievable. But saying, 'I want to practice my guitar for 30 minutes every day to learn a new song by next week' is achievable if you put in the work. It stretches you, but it's within reach."

R: Relevant (Slide 9: R: Relevant)

"'R' stands for Relevant. This means your goal should be important and meaningful to you. Does it align with your values? Is it something you truly care about? If you don't really care about memorizing all the state capitals, it's probably not a relevant goal for you unless it's for a specific class. But 'I want to join the school debate team next year because I want to improve my public speaking skills' is very relevant if public speaking is important to you."

T: Time-Bound (Slide 10: T: Time-Bound)

"Finally, 'T' is for Time-bound. Every good goal needs a deadline! When do you want to achieve this goal? Without a deadline, it's easy to procrastinate. 'I will clean my room' can take forever, but 'I will deep clean my entire room by Saturday evening' gives you a clear target to work towards. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and help you plan."

Your Mission: Draft Your SMART Goal! (Slide 11: Your Mission: Draft Your SMART Goal!)

"Okay, coaches! Now it's your turn. I'm handing out your SMART Goal Card. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to draft one academic or personal goal that is truly S.M.A.R.T. Take your time, think it through, and make it a goal that genuinely excites you. I'll be walking around to help if you have questions."
(Distribute SMART Goal Card. Allow 5 minutes for drafting.)

Perseverance: What Will You Do? (Slide 12: Perseverance: What Will You Do?)

"Fantastic! You've got your SMART goal. But here's the thing: achieving goals is rarely a straight line. You're going to hit bumps in the road, face challenges, and maybe even feel like giving up. That's where perseverance comes in.

On your SMART Goal Card, I want you to write down two specific actions you will take to persevere when things get tough. What will you do when you feel frustrated? How will you push through obstacles? Think of concrete steps."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to write their perseverance actions.)

Peer Power-Up! (Slide 13: Peer Power-Up!)

"Now, let's get some 'peer power-up'! You're going to work with a partner to review each other's goals. I'm handing out a Goal Quality Check Rubric. Use this rubric to give your partner constructive feedback. Is their goal Specific? Measurable? Help them make it even stronger! Remember, feedback is a gift that helps us grow."

(Pair students and distribute Goal Quality Check Rubric. Allow 3-4 minutes for peer review.)

Game Plan Commitment (Slide 14: Game Plan Commitment)

"Alright team, bring it in! To wrap up our session, we're going to do a quick exit ticket. I want each of you to be ready to share just three things:

One thing you learned today about setting goals.
One potential obstacle you might face in achieving your own goal.
And finally, one strategy you will use to overcome that obstacle, tying into those perseverance actions you just wrote down.

This isn't about having a perfect answer; it's about making a commitment to yourself and your growth. Who wants to go first?"

(Facilitate the exit ticket until time is up.)

"Excellent work today, everyone! You've got your growth game plan started. Remember, with a SMART goal and a plan for perseverance, you can truly level up! Keep that growth mindset strong!"

Worksheet

My Growth Game Plan: SMART Goal Card

Name: __________________________________
Date: __________________

1. My SMART Goal

What is one academic or personal goal you want to achieve? Write it out clearly and make sure it is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

2. Is My Goal SMART? (Checklist)

Review your goal. Does it meet all the SMART criteria? Check off each box and briefly explain how your goal meets it.

S - Specific: Is your goal clear and well-defined? (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How?)
- Explanation:
M - Measurable: How will you track your progress? How will you know when you've achieved it?
- Explanation:
A - Achievable: Is your goal realistic and possible to accomplish with effort?
- Explanation:
R - Relevant: Is your goal important and meaningful to you? Does it align with your values?
- Explanation:
T - Time-Bound: Does your goal have a clear deadline?
- Explanation:

3. Perseverance Actions

Achieving goals often comes with challenges. What are two specific actions you will take to persevere when things get tough or you face an obstacle?

Action 1:
Action 2:

4. My Commitment

What is one potential obstacle you might face, and what is one way you will use your perseverance actions to overcome it?

Potential Obstacle:
Plan to Overcome:

Rubric

Goal Quality Check Rubric

Student Name: ______________________________ Reviewer Name: _____________________________

Instructions: Read your partner's SMART Goal and their Perseverance Actions. Use this rubric to provide constructive feedback. Circle the score that best fits, and write comments to help them improve.

SMART Goal Assessment

Criteria	1 - Needs Development	2 - Developing	3 - Meets Expectations
Specific	Goal is vague; hard to tell exactly what is to be achieved.	Goal has some specific details but could be clearer.	Goal is clear, precise, and answers the 'who, what, where, when, why, how' questions.
Measurable	No clear way to track progress or know when it's achieved.	Some idea of how to measure, but not clearly defined.	Progress can be tracked, and success can be objectively determined.
Achievable	Goal seems unrealistic or impossible for the student.	Goal is challenging but might require some adjustment to be realistic.	Goal is challenging yet realistic and attainable with effort.
Relevant	Goal does not seem important or meaningful to the student.	Goal has some relevance but could be more personally connected.	Goal is personally important and aligns with the student's interests or academic needs.
Time-Bound	No deadline or timeline is given for the goal.	A deadline is mentioned but might be vague or too far in the future.	A clear and reasonable deadline is set for the goal's completion.

Perseverance Actions Assessment

Criteria	1 - Needs Development	2 - Developing	3 - Meets Expectations	Comments for Improvement
Perseverance Actions	Actions are missing or are too vague to be helpful in overcoming obstacles.	One action is clear, or both are somewhat general.	Two specific and actionable steps are outlined to help overcome challenges.

Overall Feedback:

What is one specific strength of this goal?

What is one specific suggestion to make this goal and perseverance plan even better?

Growth Game Plan: Level Up!

Eulanda Seals-King