Setting Our Goals

Jillian Wurster

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Setting Our Goals

Goal setting for the year

Students will learn the importance of setting goals, identify their own academic and personal goals for the year, and develop a plan to achieve these goals. This lesson will help students focus their efforts and set a path for success by creating clear and structured objectives.

Audience

8th grade students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Goal Setting Worksheet, and Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Greet the students and explain the objective of the lesson: to set personal and academic goals for the year.
Share a brief story or example of a goal you set and achieved to illustrate the importance of goal setting.

Step 2

Discussion: Importance of Goal Setting

5 mins

Lead a class discussion on why goal setting is important.
Ask students to name some benefits of setting clear goals and write their responses on the whiteboard.
Use guided questions to stimulate engagement (see attached discussion guide).

Step 3

Activity: Setting Our Goals

15 mins

Distribute the 'Goal Setting Worksheet' to each student.
Provide instructions on how to fill out the worksheet.
Allow students time to think about and write down 2-3 goals for the year (both academic and personal).
Walk around to offer support and encouragement.

Step 4

Reflection

5 mins

Hand out the 'Reflection Worksheet' and ask students to fill it out individually.
Encourage students to reflect on how they will achieve their goals and any potential challenges they might face.
Collect the worksheets if you'd like to review them, or allow students to keep them as reminders.

Step 5

Closure

0 mins

Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the importance of goal setting.
Encourage students to revisit their goals periodically throughout the year.

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Discussion

Importance of Goal Setting

A discussion guide to help students understand the importance of setting goals.

Why do you think setting goals is important?

Mention aspects such as providing direction, staying focused, and measuring progress.

Can you think of a time when setting a goal helped you achieve something?

Encourage students to share personal experiences, even from simple or everyday contexts.

What are some challenges that might come up when trying to achieve a goal, and how can we overcome them?

Discuss common obstacles such as lack of motivation or external barriers and brainstorm possible solutions.

Worksheet

Goal Setting Worksheet

A worksheet to help students outline their goals for the year and plan steps to achieve them.

What is one academic goal you want to achieve this year?

Make sure the goal is specific and measurable.

What is one personal goal you want to achieve this year?

This could be related to a hobby, skill, or personal development.

List three steps you can take to achieve your academic goal.

Think about resources, time management, and specific actions you can implement.

List three steps you can take to achieve your personal goal.

Consider setting milestones and seeking support if needed.

Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on their goals and potential challenges in achieving them.

How do you feel about the goals you’ve set for yourself?

Reflect on whether you feel confident, worried, excited, etc.

What might be some challenges you’ll face while trying to achieve your goals?

Think about both internal and external challenges.

What strategies can you use to overcome these challenges?

Consider what support, resources, or changes in habits might help.