Lesson Plan
Roadmap to Success
Students will learn to break down classwork into manageable steps by setting specific goals, creating a time-bound plan, and using a self-monitoring checklist to track and complete tasks.
Helping students develop planning and follow-through skills will increase their ability to manage coursework, improve academic performance, and foster independence—key for high school success.
Audience
10th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided worksheets, and individual planning.
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print copies of the Goal-Setting Worksheet, Task Planner Template, and Self-Monitoring Checklist.
- Load the Roadmap to Success Slide Deck on the classroom projector.
- Familiarize yourself with each activity’s instructions and examples.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Present the Roadmap to Success Slide Deck overview explaining planning and follow-through.
- Ask students why planning helps achieve their academic goals.
- Define key terms: goal-setting, time management, self-monitoring.
Step 2
Guided Goal-Setting
10 minutes
- Distribute the Goal-Setting Worksheet.
- Model filling out one example goal with specific steps and deadlines.
- Students complete their own goal worksheet for upcoming classwork.
- Circulate to provide feedback and guidance.
Step 3
Creating a Task Plan
10 minutes
- Hand out the Task Planner Template.
- Explain how to allocate time blocks and prioritize steps.
- Students transfer steps from their goals into the planner with estimated times.
- Encourage adding checkpoints in the Self-Monitoring Checklist.
Step 4
Reflection and Next Steps
5 minutes
- Students share one planning strategy they will use.
- Discuss how to use the self-monitoring checklist daily.
- Remind students to implement their plan in the next class and review progress.
Slide Deck
Roadmap to Success
Planning and Following Through with Classwork
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Explain that today’s lesson will show them how to plan and follow through on classwork to improve success.
Lesson Objectives
• Set clear, specific academic goals
• Create a time-bound task plan
• Use a self-monitoring checklist to track progress
Read through the objectives with the class. Emphasize how each objective will help them succeed.
Why Planning Matters
• Breaks big tasks into manageable steps
• Helps you use your time wisely
• Increases chances of finishing strong
Ask: “Why do you think planning helps you reach your goals?” Collect a few responses before moving on.
Goal-Setting Steps
- Identify the task you need to complete
- Define a specific, measurable goal
- Break the goal into smaller action steps
- Assign a deadline to each step
- Visualize what success looks like
Explain each step briefly and point to the slide as reference.
Example Goal
Task: Write a 500-word English essay by Friday
Steps:
• Outline main points (Tuesday)
• Draft introduction and body (Wednesday)
• Revise and proofread (Thursday)
• Submit final draft (Friday)
Walk students through the example. Highlight how each deadline and step builds toward completion.
Using the Task Planner
• Transfer each action step into a time block
• Record date, estimated duration, and priority level
• Leave space for short notes or questions
Show the class the Task Planner Template and point out each column.
Self-Monitoring Checklist
• Check off: “Started,” “Halfway,” “Completed”
• Note any challenges or adjustments needed
• Review progress daily to stay on track
Explain how to check off items and record brief reflections.
Next Steps & Reflection
• Share one strategy you’ll try this week
• Use your Task Planner and Checklist daily
• Review and adjust your plan as needed
Invite a few students to share one planning strategy they’ll use. Remind everyone to implement their plan and checklist in the next class.
Worksheet
Goal-Setting Worksheet
Use this worksheet to turn a classwork task into a clear, step-by-step plan. Once you’ve filled it out, transfer your steps into the Task Planner Template.
1. Identify Your Task
What classwork or assignment will you focus on completing?
2. Define Your Specific Goal
Write a clear, measurable goal (e.g., “Write a 500-word essay by Friday”).
3. Break It into Action Steps
List at least three smaller steps you need to take. For each step, include a deadline.
- Step 1: ____________________________________________
Deadline: ________________
- Step 2: ____________________________________________
Deadline: ________________
- Step 3: ____________________________________________
Deadline: ________________
(Optional) Additional steps:
4. ____________________________________________
Deadline: ________________
4. Success Criteria
How will you know you’ve achieved your goal? Be as specific as possible (e.g., “All sections proofread and word count ≥ 500”).
5. Reflection on Challenges & Supports
- Potential challenges I might face:
- Strategies or resources I will use to overcome them:
Worksheet
Task Planner Template
Use this planner to schedule each action step from your Goal-Setting Worksheet. Allocate time, set priorities, and track your progress through each task.
| Step to Complete | Date | Start Time | Duration (mins) | Priority (H/M/L) | Notes | Status (circle one) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ________________________________________ | __________ | __________ | _______________ | _______________ | _____________________________ | Started • Halfway • Completed |
| 2. ________________________________________ | __________ | __________ | _______________ | _______________ | _____________________________ | Started • Halfway • Completed |
| 3. ________________________________________ | __________ | __________ | _______________ | _______________ | _____________________________ | Started • Halfway • Completed |
| 4. ________________________________________ | __________ | __________ | _______________ | _______________ | _____________________________ | Started • Halfway • Completed |
| 5. ________________________________________ | __________ | __________ | _______________ | _______________ | _____________________________ | Started • Halfway • Completed |
Instructions:
- Transfer each action step from your goal-setting worksheet into the “Step to Complete” column.
- Fill in the date, start time, and estimated duration for each step.
- Assign a priority level: High (H), Medium (M), or Low (L).
- Use the “Notes” column for reminders or questions.
- As you work, circle your status: Started, Halfway, or Completed.
Once you’ve scheduled all steps, use your Self-Monitoring Checklist daily to stay on track.
Worksheet
Self-Monitoring Checklist
Use this checklist daily after each work session to stay on track with your plan. Copy the date, then for each step, mark your progress, note any challenges, and decide on your next action.
Date: __________________
Task Progress
- Task Step: __________________________________________
Status: Started ☐ Halfway ☐ Completed ☐
Challenges/Notes:
Next Steps:
- Task Step: __________________________________________
Status: Started ☐ Halfway ☐ Completed ☐
Challenges/Notes:
Next Steps:
- Task Step: __________________________________________
Status: Started ☐ Halfway ☐ Completed ☐
Challenges/Notes:
Next Steps:
(Optional: Add more tasks if needed)
End-of-Day Reflection
- What progress did I make today?
- What obstacles did I encounter?
- How will I adjust my plan or resources tomorrow to stay on track?