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Plan the Plan

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Lesson Plan

Action Plan Builder Plan

Students will create an action plan for their SMART goal by defining clear action steps, writing two if–then implementation intentions, and designing a weekly monitoring system, culminating in scheduling a protected work block and partnering for accountability.

Planning enhances goal success by anticipating obstacles, structuring tasks, protecting time, and building accountability—equipping students with lifelong self-management skills.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Model, guide practice, and collaborative sharing.

Materials

Implementation Intentions Slides, Weekly Monitor and If–Then Cards, and Time Blocking Sprint

Prep

Prepare Materials and Example

10 minutes

Step 1

Do Now: Identify Obstacles

5 minutes

  • Display prompt: “What obstacles might you face when pursuing your SMART goal?”
  • Students list 2–3 likely obstacles individually.
  • Teacher circulates to note common challenges.

Step 2

Teach If–Then Planning and Time Blocking

10 minutes

  • Present the Implementation Intentions Slides.
  • Model writing two if–then statements for a sample goal.
  • Explain time blocking and its benefits.
  • Facilitate brief Q&A on protecting focused work time.

Step 3

Guided Action Steps and Monitoring

15 minutes

  • Students revisit their SMART goals.
  • Break each goal into 3–4 clear action steps.
  • Using the Weekly Monitor and If–Then Cards, students record:
    • Two personalized if–then statements.
    • Planned check-in days/times for the week.
  • Teacher provides one-on-one support as needed.

Step 4

Schedule Protected Block

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Time Blocking Sprint instructions.
  • Students select one weekly time block for focused goal work.
  • Record the protected block in their planners or on their worksheet.

Step 5

Share and Accountability

10 minutes

  • Students pair up as accountability partners.
  • Each shares their action steps, if–then statements, and protected block.
  • Partners agree on a check-in schedule using the weekly monitor.
  • Invite a few pairs to share key insights with the class.
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Slide Deck

Implementation Intentions & Time Blocking

Tools to help you turn SMART goals into reality by anticipating obstacles and protecting focus time.

Welcome students! Today we’ll learn two planning tools—if–then implementation intentions and time blocking—to help you follow through on your SMART goals. Use this slide deck to guide your teaching.

Quick Recap: SMART Goals

• Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
• Measurable: How will you know you’ve succeeded?
• Achievable: Is it realistic?
• Relevant: Why does it matter?
• Time-bound: When will it be done?

Briefly revisit what makes a goal SMART. Engage students by asking for a volunteer SMART goal example.

What Are Implementation Intentions?

A specific plan that links obstacles or cues to goal-directed actions in an "if–then" format.

Why it works:
• Automates responses to triggers
• Reduces decision fatigue
• Keeps you on track

Introduce the concept. Explain that implementation intentions are drawn from psychology research on behavior change.

Writing If–Then Statements

Structure:
If [obstacle or situation], then [action step].

Tips:
• Use concrete cues (“If I feel tired…”)
• Use clear actions (“then I’ll take a 5-minute stretch break…”)

Show the structure and emphasize clarity. Prompt students to think of a personal obstacle.

Examples of If–Then Plans

Example 1:
If I’m distracted by my phone after school, then I’ll put it in a closed drawer before starting homework.

Example 2:
If I finish my algebra practice, then I’ll review my flashcards for 10 minutes.

Walk through each example. Encourage students to spot the trigger and action.

Your Turn: Craft If–Then Plans

  1. Identify one obstacle you expect.
  2. Write: If [obstacle], then [action].
  3. Share with a partner for feedback.

Transition to guided practice; announce that students will create their own statements next.

What Is Time Blocking?

A method of scheduling dedicated time slots for specific tasks.

Benefits:
• Protects focus time
• Builds routine
• Increases accountability

Introduce time blocking as a complementary tool to safeguard action steps.

How to Schedule Your Block

  1. Review your weekly calendar.
  2. Choose one 30–60 minute slot solely for goal work.
  3. Mark it clearly in your planner or digital calendar.
  4. Commit to defending this time.

Guide students through selecting a weekly block in their schedule. Remind them they’ll record it on the worksheet.

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Worksheet

Weekly Monitor and If–Then Cards

Use this worksheet alongside the Implementation Intentions Slides and the Time Blocking Sprint.

1. Your SMART Goal Reminder

Write your SMART goal below exactly as you defined it:











2. Break It Into Action Steps

List 3–4 clear, concrete steps you will take to move toward your goal.

  1. Step 1: ________________________________________________




  1. Step 2: ________________________________________________




  1. Step 3: ________________________________________________




  1. Step 4 (optional): ______________________________________




3. If–Then Implementation Intentions

Write two “if–then” plans to help you handle obstacles automatically.

Card 1
If ____________________________________________________, then __________________________________________________.











Card 2
If ____________________________________________________, then __________________________________________________.











4. Weekly Monitoring Check-Ins

Plan two check-in sessions this week to review progress. Fill in the day, time, and what you’ll track.

Check-In 1
Day: _______________ Time: _______________

What I’ll review: ____________________________________________________________________







Check-In 2
Day: _______________ Time: _______________

What I’ll review: ____________________________________________________________________







5. Schedule Your Protected Work Block

Choose one weekly slot to focus without interruption.

Day: _______________ Time: _______________ Duration: _______________







6. Accountability Partner Agreement

Partner Name: ___________________________

We agree to check in on the day/time below and support each other:









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Activity

Time Blocking Sprint

Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

A fast-paced individual activity where each student identifies and commits to one protected time block for their SMART goal work.

Steps

  1. Start a 5-minute timer.
  2. Students open their weekly calendars (planner, app, or paper).
  3. Quickly scan for a 30–60 minute slot this week when they can work uninterrupted.
  4. Record the day, start time, and duration on a sticky note or in their planner.
  5. When the timer ends, students stand up and share their chosen block with a partner (30 seconds each).

Teacher Tips

  • Encourage students to pick realistic times they can defend.
  • Use a visible countdown (projected timer or phone) to keep the pace brisk.
  • After sharing, remind students to add the block to their weekly monitor or planner.



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