Warm Up: Our Year in a Word

Welcome, amazing learners! As we step into a brand new year, let's take a quick peek back at the year that just ended.

Think for a moment: If you had to pick just one word to describe your last year, what would it be?

• Was it "fun"?
• Was it "busy"?
• Was it "learning"?
• Maybe "growing"?

Share your word with us and tell us a little bit about why you chose it! We can go around the room or you can just raise your hand.

New Year Goals Script

(Beginning of Class - Warm-Up: Our Year in a Word - 3 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Happy New Year! I'm so excited to start fresh with all of you. To kick things off, let's play a quick warm-up game called Warm Up: Our Year in a Word."

"I want each of you to think about the year that just ended. If you had to describe your entire last year with just one word, what would it be? Was it 'exciting,' 'calm,' 'challenging,' 'happy'? There's no right or wrong answer! Once you have your word, be ready to share it and tell us why you picked it."

(Allow students to think, then invite them to share. Acknowledge each student's response positively.)

"Thank you for sharing those wonderful words! It's so interesting to hear about everyone's different experiences."

(Introduction to New Year Goals - 4 minutes)

"Now, as we look forward, many people like to set 'New Year Goals.' Has anyone heard of a New Year's Resolution or a New Year Goal before?" (Allow a few hands to share briefly if they know.)

"Great! Let's look at our New Year Goals Slide Deck to learn more. (Advance to Slide 1) As you can see, our lesson today is all about 'New Year, New Goals!'"

"(Advance to Slide 2) A goal is simply a plan for something you want to do or get better at. It could be something big, or something small. For example, maybe you want to read a chapter book all by yourself, or learn to tie your shoes, or even just remember to put your toys away every night. What are some small goals you might think of?"

(Allow students to offer ideas. Guide them towards achievable, positive goals.)

(Activity: My New Year Goal - 7 minutes)

"Those are fantastic ideas! Now it's your turn to think about a goal for yourself. I'm going to hand out this Activity: My New Year Goal Worksheet."

"On this worksheet, I want you to think about one goal you have for this new year. It should be something you really want to achieve. You can draw a picture of your goal, and then, with my help, we can write down what your goal is. Then, think about how you can work towards that goal."

(Circulate around the room, providing individual support, prompting, and helping with writing as needed for both 1st and 3rd graders.)

"Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect, just your goal!"

(Game: Goal Grab Bag - 5 minutes)

"Wonderful work on your goals, everyone! To celebrate our goals, let's play a quick game called Game: Goal Grab Bag!"

"I have a 'grab bag' here with some simple, fun goals written on slips of paper. You can either share the goal you wrote on your worksheet, or you can pick a surprise goal from my bag! Once you have a goal, tell us how you might achieve it."

(Encourage participation. If students are hesitant to share personal goals, the 'grab bag' offers a low-pressure alternative.)

"For example, if my goal was 'to read more books,' I could achieve it by reading for 10 minutes before bed each night, or by visiting the library once a week!"

(Wrap-Up: Celebrating Our Goals - 1 minute)

"You all did such a great job today thinking about and sharing your goals. It takes courage to set a goal and even more determination to work towards it!"

"Remember, every day is a new chance to take a step closer to your goal. Keep your goals in mind, celebrate your small successes, and keep trying! I am so proud of all the thoughtful work you did today."

"Great job, everyone!"

My New Year Goal!

It's a brand new year, and it's time to think about something awesome you want to do or get better at!

My Goal is to...

Draw a picture of your amazing New Year goal in the box below!

## My Goal:

Write down your goal here. (Your teacher can help you!)

I want to...

## How I can reach my goal:

What can you do to make your goal happen? Write or draw one idea!

Goal Grab Bag!

Materials Needed:

• A bag or hat
• Small slips of paper with simple, achievable goals written on them (e.g., "Read one new book," "Help set the table," "Learn a new word," "Draw a picture every day," "Try a new vegetable"). Make sure there are enough for each student to pick one, plus a few extras.

How to Play:

1. Introduce the Game: "Alright, superstar goal-setters! We're going to play a game called 'Goal Grab Bag.' This is a fun way to share and think about different kinds of goals."

2. Your Choice! "When it's your turn, you have a choice:

   • You can share the New Year goal you wrote down on your Activity: My New Year Goal Worksheet with the class.
   • OR, you can reach into our special 'Goal Grab Bag' and pick a surprise goal!"

3. Share and Plan: "Once you have your goal (either your own or a surprise one), tell us about it. Then, tell us one way you could work towards achieving that goal. For example, if your goal is 'to read one new book,' you might say, 'I can ask my teacher or librarian for a recommendation!'"

4. Listen and Learn: "Everyone else, listen carefully to your classmates' goals and ideas. You might get some great ideas for your own goals or how to achieve them!"

Let's have some fun setting goals!