Lesson Plan
Mission Possible Lesson Plan
Students will learn to set SMART goals, create a plan to track progress, and reflect on their achievements to build lifelong planning skills.
Goal setting empowers students to take ownership of their learning and personal growth by teaching planning, self-management, and reflection skills crucial for academic and life success.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive mini-lecture, guided practice, and reflection.
Materials
SMART Goals Poster, - Goal Tracking Worksheet, - Reflection Journal Template, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Mission Possible Lesson Plan.
- Print copies of the Goal Tracking Worksheet and Reflection Journal Template.
- Display the SMART Goals Poster on the board or wall.
- Prepare markers and ensure seating allows for pair-sharing.
Step 1
Introduction to Goal Setting
5 minutes
- Ask students to share a personal goal they have for this school year.
- Discuss why setting clear goals is important for success.
- Introduce the term "SMART goals."
Step 2
Teach SMART Criteria
10 minutes
- Use the SMART Goals Poster to explain each component:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
- Provide an example goal and transform it into a SMART goal as a class.
Step 3
Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Distribute the Goal Tracking Worksheet.
- Instruct students to draft one academic and one personal SMART goal.
- Circulate to support and provide feedback on their goals.
Step 4
Progress Tracking Plan
5 minutes
- Demonstrate how to log progress weekly on the worksheet.
- Discuss simple strategies students can use to stay on track (reminders, check-ins).
Step 5
Reflection Activity
5 minutes
- Hand out the Reflection Journal Template.
- Ask students to write down what challenges they might face and solutions.
- Encourage them to note how they will celebrate milestones.
Step 6
Wrap-Up and Sharing
5 minutes
- Pair students to share their SMART goals and tracking plans.
- Invite a few volunteers to read their goals aloud.
- Remind students to keep their worksheets visible and review weekly.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Mission Possible: Setting SMART Goals
• One 45-minute session
• Learn to set, track, and reflect on goals
• Build skills for lifelong planning
Welcome students and introduce the lesson theme. Mention that today they’ll learn a framework to turn any dream into an actionable plan.
Why Set Goals?
• Provides direction and focus
• Increases motivation and persistence
• Allows you to measure progress
• Builds confidence with each success
Engage students by asking: “Why might it help to have a clear plan for something you want to achieve?” Highlight benefits like focus, motivation, and measuring success.
What Is a Goal?
A goal is a clear outcome you aim to achieve.
Examples:
• Finish a book each month
• Improve your running time
Prompt students: “Think of one thing you want to accomplish this year.” Record a few responses on the board to connect to the upcoming SMART criteria.
Introducing SMART Goals
SMART stands for:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
Reveal the SMART acronym using the poster. Read each letter aloud, then ask students to restate in their own words.
Specific & Measurable
Specific: What exactly will you do?
Measurable: How will you track it?
Example:
“Complete 20 math practice problems every week”
Explain each component: give an example of a vague goal (“Get better at math”) then show how to make it Specific and Measurable.
Achievable, Relevant & Time-bound
Achievable: Is it realistic?
Relevant: Does it matter to you?
Time-bound: When will you finish?
Example:
“Read one new novel by the end of each month”
Continue defining the last three letters using examples. Encourage students to suggest ways to check if goals are realistic and connected to their priorities.
Turning Goals Into SMART Goals
Vague: “Get fit this year”
SMART: “Attend a 30-minute after-school sports club twice a week for the next 3 months”
Work together to transform a sample goal. Ask: “How can we make ‘get fit’ into a SMART goal?” Write student suggestions into a SMART format.
Guided Practice
• Use the Goal Tracking Worksheet
• Draft one academic and one personal SMART goal
• Fill in how you’ll measure and deadlines
Distribute the Goal Tracking Worksheet. Explain each section: goal statement, weekly check-ins, progress notes.
Tracking Your Progress
• Review weekly progress columns
• Note successes and challenges
• Set reminders or check-in with a buddy
Model logging progress for one week. Discuss simple reminders like phone alarms or calendar notes.
Reflect & Celebrate
• Use the Reflection Journal Template
• Write: Challenges you might face
• Write: Strategies to overcome them
• Write: How you’ll celebrate successes
Hand out the Reflection Journal Template. Encourage students to honestly list obstacles, solutions, and how they’ll celebrate milestones.
Share Your Goals
• Pair and discuss your goals
• Give each other feedback
• Volunteer to share with the class
Invite students to pair up and share their SMART goals and tracking plans. Select a few volunteers to read theirs aloud.
Keep Going
• Review your goals weekly
• Adjust as needed
• Celebrate each milestone
Your mission is possible—stay SMART!
Reinforce that goal setting is an ongoing process. Encourage students to keep their worksheets visible and review every week.
Worksheet
Goal Tracker Worksheet
Part 1: Write Your SMART Goals
- Academic SMART Goal:
- Personal SMART Goal:
Part 2: Action Steps
For each goal, list the steps you will take to achieve it.
Academic Goal Steps:
Personal Goal Steps:
Part 3: Measurement Criteria & Deadlines
Academic Goal
- Measurement Criteria (How will you know you’re making progress?):
- Deadline (When will you complete this goal?):
Personal Goal
- Measurement Criteria:
- Deadline:
Part 4: Weekly Progress Log
| Week | Date | Progress (What did you do?) | Notes (Challenges / Successes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 |
(Use additional sheets if needed.)
Journal
Reflection Journal Template
Use this journal to reflect on your goal progress each week.
Date:
1. Progress Check-In
What progress did you make toward your SMART goals this week?
2. Challenges Faced
What challenges or obstacles did you encounter?
3. Problem-Solving Strategies
How did you address or plan to overcome these challenges?
4. Feelings and Motivation
How did working on your goals make you feel?
Did your motivation change at any point?
5. Next Steps
What specific actions will you take next week to stay on track?
6. Celebration Plan
How will you celebrate your progress or achievements?
Keep this journal with your Goal Tracking Worksheet and review it each week to stay SMART and motivated!
Reading
SMART Goals Poster
What Is a SMART Goal?
A SMART goal is clear and reachable. It has five important parts that help you plan and succeed.
S: Specific 🎯
Your goal should be precise and detailed. Ask yourself:
- What exactly do I want to accomplish?
- Example: Instead of “exercise more,” say “jog for 20 minutes after school three times a week.”
M: Measurable 📏
Include numbers or milestones so you can track your progress. Ask yourself:
- How will I know I’m making progress?
- Example: “Complete 20 math practice problems every day.”
A: Achievable 🚀
Set a realistic goal that challenges you but is still possible. Ask yourself:
- Is this goal within my reach?
- Example: “Read two chapters of my book each week,” if you know you have time.
R: Relevant ⭐
Choose a goal that matters to you and fits your needs. Ask yourself:
- Why is this goal important to me?
- Example: Improving my writing to earn better grades on essays.
T: Time-bound ⏰
Give your goal a clear deadline. Ask yourself:
- When will I finish or check my progress?
- Example: “Finish reading the novel by the last day of this month.”
Keep this poster visible when you write your own goals. Remember: when your goals are SMART, your mission is possible!