SMART Goals for Success

Lori Jensen

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

SMART Goals for Success

Learn to set SMART goals

In this lesson, students will learn how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. Through individual and group activities, students will practice goal-setting skills, which are essential for personal and academic success. This lesson will help students understand the importance of setting clear and realistic goals, and how to break them down into manageable steps.

Audience

6th to 8th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Learn to set SMART goals

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, SMART Goals Worksheet, Group Activity Instructions, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction to SMART Goals

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what goals are and why they are important.
Introduce the concept of SMART goals and explain each component (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Provide examples of SMART goals and non-SMART goals.

Step 2

Individual Activity: Setting Personal Goals

10 mins

Distribute the SMART Goals Worksheet to each student.
Ask students to think of a personal goal they want to achieve and write it down using the SMART criteria.
Encourage students to share their goals with a partner for feedback.

Step 3

Group Activity: Collaborative Goal Setting

15 mins

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with Group Activity Instructions.
Each group will choose a common goal (e.g., planning a class event) and work together to set a SMART goal.
Groups will outline steps needed to achieve the goal and assign responsibilities.

Step 4

Class Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Facilitate a class discussion using the prepared Discussion Questions.
Encourage students to reflect on the process of setting SMART goals and how it can be applied in different areas of their lives.

Step 5

Closure and Recap

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson.
Ask students to share one thing they learned about goal setting.
Encourage students to apply SMART goals in their daily lives.

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Worksheet

SMART Goals Worksheet

This worksheet helps students set a personal goal using the SMART criteria. It guides them through each step of the process.

What is your specific goal?

How will you measure your progress?

Is your goal achievable? Why or why not?

Why is this goal relevant to you?

What is your timeline for achieving this goal?

Reading

Group Activity Instructions

Instructions for the group activity where students collaboratively set a SMART goal and plan steps to achieve it.

Choose a common goal for your group (e.g., planning a class event).
Use the SMART criteria to set a specific goal.
Outline the steps needed to achieve the goal.
Assign responsibilities to each group member.
Prepare to present your plan to the class.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to facilitate a class discussion on the importance and application of SMART goals.

Why is it important to set SMART goals?

Discuss how SMART goals provide clarity and direction.

How can setting SMART goals help you in school and personal life?

Encourage students to think about academic and personal applications.

What challenges might you face when setting goals, and how can you overcome them?

Explore potential obstacles and strategies to address them.