By the end of this 15-minute session, the student will create a personalized SMART goal—defining Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound components—and record initial action steps on a progress chart.
Setting SMART goals helps students clarify aspirations, build confidence, and maintain focus. Personalized goal-setting boosts motivation, accountability, and a sense of achievement in academic and personal growth.
6th Grade
15 minutes
Direct instruction with guided practice
5 minutes
2 minutes
3 minutes
6 minutes
4 minutes
No credit card needed
Setting SMART Goals to Achieve Your Dreams
Welcome the student. Introduce yourself and explain that today’s session will help them create SMART goals to make their dreams happen.
Explain why goal setting matters. Connect to student’s own experiences and aspirations.
Specific: Define exactly what you want to do
• e.g., “Read 10 pages each night”
Measurable: Include a way to track progress
• e.g., “10 pages” tells you when you’ve met it
Introduce the first two SMART letters with clear definitions and examples.
Achievable: Make sure it’s within your reach
• e.g., “10 pages per night” fits my schedule
Relevant: Aligns with your bigger aspiration
• e.g., “Improve reading skills for class”
Time-bound: Set a deadline or schedule
• e.g., “By the end of this month”
Cover the remaining three letters together and relate them back to the student’s own goal idea.
“Read 10 pages of my book every night for the next 2 weeks.”
Show an example goal and walk through each SMART component with the student.
Prompt the student to use the worksheet and chart. Explain next steps and when you’ll check in again.
Use this worksheet to turn your aspiration into a clear SMART goal. Fill in each section below.
What is one personal or academic thing you want to achieve this month?
Define exactly what you want to do. Be as precise as possible.
How will you track your progress? What metric or indicator will show you’ve succeeded?
Is this goal within your reach? What resources or steps will help you accomplish it?
Why is this goal important to you? How does it connect to your bigger aspirations or needs?
When will you complete this goal? Set a clear deadline or schedule.
Combine your answers above into one clear sentence that meets all SMART criteria.
Once complete, share your SMART goal with your teacher and plan your first action step on the Progress Tracking Chart. Good luck!
Below are three varied examples of SMART goals—academic, personal, and behavioral. Notice how each goal meets all five SMART criteria.
Aspiration: Improve math performance before the next quiz.
SMART Goal Statement:
"I will complete 20 minutes of extra math practice on Khan Academy each weekday for the next two weeks and record my sessions in my notebook."
Aspiration: Read more books for enjoyment.
SMART Goal Statement:
"I will read 15 pages of my chosen book before bed each night for the next 10 days and mark each session on my reading log."
Aspiration: Spend less time on screens during homework.
SMART Goal Statement:
"After completing my homework, I will allow myself 30 minutes of games or social media each day for one week and track my usage in a daily chart."
Use these examples as inspiration when filling out your own fields on the SMART Goals Worksheet. Good luck crafting your personalized SMART goal!
Use this chart to track your progress toward your SMART goal. Fill in one row each time you complete an action step. We’ll review this chart at our check-in.
| Date (MM/DD) | Action Step | Completed? (Yes/No) | Notes/Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
Tip: Use the Notes/Challenges column to record anything that helped you or got in the way. Then adjust your next steps accordingly!
