Lesson Plan
Quest for Goals Plan
Students will learn to set clear personal goals, break them into actionable steps, and track progress over three 30-minute sessions to build self-regulation and motivation.
Teaching goal setting and tracking fosters student ownership, consistent routines, and positive behavior. Structured rewards reinforce progress, supporting learners who thrive on routine, including unstructured settings like the school bus.
Audience
4th Grade Students
Time
3 sessions × 30 minutes
Approach
Scaffolded activities with visual supports and rewards
Materials
- Classroom Chart Paper, - Timer or Stopwatch, - Goal Setting Worksheet, - Goal Tracking Journal, - Reward Tickets Cards, and - Stickers or Small Prizes
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and copy enough Goal Setting Worksheet for each student
- Print and copy Goal Tracking Journal for each student
- Cut and organize Reward Tickets Cards
- Gather stickers or small prizes for rewards
- Review both student materials to ensure clarity and alignment with IEP/504 supports
Step 1
Session 1: Identify Goals
30 minutes
- Begin with a 5-minute discussion on “What is a goal?” and why setting goals helps us succeed
- Use Classroom Chart Paper to list examples of academic, social, and personal goals
- Distribute Goal Setting Worksheet
- Guide students through filling in one personal goal, ensuring it’s specific and measurable
- Set a class reward system: explain how Reward Tickets Cards will be earned for on-task behavior and sharing ideas
- Allow students to decorate their worksheet and earn a ticket for participation
Step 2
Session 2: Plan Steps
30 minutes
- Review previous goals briefly, praising any progress and awarding tickets for sharing updates
- Model how to break a goal into smaller steps on Classroom Chart Paper
- Distribute Goal Tracking Journal
- Students copy their goal from Session 1 and list 3–4 actionable steps with deadlines
- Walk around to support students needing extra structure or visuals
- At conclusion, have each student share one step to earn a Reward Ticket Card
Step 3
Session 3: Track and Reflect
30 minutes
- Begin with a quick timer-based “check-in” (5 minutes) where students share any progress or challenges
- Demonstrate how to log progress in the Goal Tracking Journal
- Students spend 10 minutes recording progress on each step and reflecting on what helped or hindered them
- In pairs, students discuss one challenge and brainstorm solutions, earning a ticket for thoughtful collaboration
- Conclude with setting one new short-term goal or an adjustment to the existing goal for continued progress
- Celebrate completion by distributing stickers/prizes based on ticket totals
Slide Deck
Quest for Goals
Setting, Planning, and Tracking Your Goals!
Welcome everyone! Introduce our three-part series called “Quest for Goals.” Explain that over the next three sessions, we’ll learn how to choose, plan, and track goals to help us succeed.
Our Quest for Goals
Session 1: Identify Your Goal Session 2: Plan the Steps Session 3: Track & Reflect on Progress
Briefly preview each session. Emphasize that we’ll start by identifying, then planning steps, and finally tracking and reflecting on progress.
What Is a Goal?
A goal is something you want to achieve or improve by doing specific actions. Examples:
- Reading a book every week
- Making a new friend at recess
- Packing your backpack neatly each day
Ask: “What do you think a goal is?” Guide students to a simple definition.
Why Set Goals?
- Gives you a clear target to reach
- Helps you stay motivated and organized
- Builds confidence when you see your progress
- Encourages responsibility and self‐regulation
Discuss why having a goal helps: keeps us focused, motivated, and proud of our progress.
Examples of Goals
Academic:
- Finish math homework on time
Social: - Play kindly with someone new at recess
Personal: - Drink a full water bottle every day
Show examples from class: academic, social, personal. Invite student volunteers to share ideas.
Session 1: Identify Your Goal
Objectives:
- Learn what makes a good goal - Choose one personal goal - Decorate and start your Goal Setting Worksheet
Reward: Earn a ticket for participation!
Introduce Session 1. Explain the goal‐setting worksheet and earning reward tickets.
Your Goal Setting Worksheet
- My Goal: ________________________
- Why It’s Important: _____________
- How I’ll Know I Did It: ___________
- Decorate and make it yours!
Walk students through each section of the worksheet: goal, why it matters, how we’ll know we’ve succeeded.
Session 2: Plan the Steps
Objectives:
- Review and share progress on your goal
- Break your goal into 3–4 actionable steps
- Record steps and deadlines in your Goal Tracking Journal
Reward: Share one step to earn a ticket!
Introduce Session 2. Show students how to plan steps in their journal and why deadlines help.
Breaking Goals into Steps
Goal: Read 20 pages every day
Steps:
- Choose a book by Monday
- Read 5 pages after lunch
- Read 5 pages before dinner
- Log pages read each day
Model on the board how to turn a goal into small tasks with due dates.
Session 3: Track & Reflect
Objectives:
- Share any wins or challenges - Log progress in your Goal Tracking Journal
- Reflect on what helped or got in the way
- Set a new short-term goal or adjust your goal
Reward: Tickets for sharing and collaboration!
Introduce Session 3. Emphasize the importance of tracking and reflecting.
How to Track Your Progress
In your journal:
- Date: __________
- Step I worked on: __________
- What I did: __________
- What helped or stopped me: __________
- Next time I will: __________
Show a sample journal entry and explain each column.
Reward System
Earn Reward Tickets for:
- Staying on task
- Sharing ideas or progress
- Collaborating well
Exchange tickets for:
- Stickers - Extra recess time - Small prizes
Explain the ticket system: how to earn, keep, and exchange tickets for prizes or privileges.
Tips for Success
- Build a daily routine (set time for your goal) - Use visual reminders (charts or checklists) - Ask a friend or adult for support - Celebrate small wins!
Share general strategies to support consistent routines and good behavior in all settings.
Next Steps & Celebration
- Choose a new short-term goal or tweak your current one 2. Keep using your journal and earn tickets 3. Celebrate progress—stickers, prizes, and pride!
Encourage students to set a fresh short-term goal or adjust their current one for continued growth.
Questions & Share
What part of goal setting was most exciting or challenging? How will you use these skills outside of our lessons?
Open the floor for any questions or ideas. Encourage students to share how they feel about setting and tracking goals.
Worksheet
Quest for Goals: Goal Setting Worksheet
Name: ________________________ Date: _______________
Use these ideas to make your goal S.M.A.R.T.!
- Specific: What exactly will I do?
- Measurable: How will I track progress?
- Achievable: Is it something I can do?
- Relevant: Why does it matter to me?
- Time-based: When will I finish?
1. My Goal (Write one clear goal below)
2. Why This Goal Is Important to Me
3. How I’ll Know I Achieved It (What will show success?)
4. My Reward for Reaching This Goal
Decorate Your Goal!
Make this page your own—draw pictures, add color, or stick on stickers to remind you of your goal and keep you motivated.
Journal
Quest for Goals: Goal Tracking Journal
Name: ________________________ Week of: _______________
My Goal: ________________________________________________________________
Entry 1
Date: ______________________
Step I Worked On: ________________________________________________________
What I Did: ______________________________________________________________
What Helped or Stopped Me: ________________________________________________
Next Time I Will: ________________________________________________________
Entry 2
Date: ______________________
Step I Worked On: ________________________________________________________
What I Did: ______________________________________________________________
What Helped or Stopped Me: ________________________________________________
Next Time I Will: ________________________________________________________
Entry 3
Date: ______________________
Step I Worked On: ________________________________________________________
What I Did: ______________________________________________________________
What Helped or Stopped Me: ________________________________________________
Next Time I Will: ________________________________________________________
Repeat this page each week to keep tracking your progress. Earn Reward Tickets for thoughtful reflections and consistent tracking!