Lesson Plan
Time to Level Up Your Goals
Students will be able to evaluate their current executive functioning skills and set a revised SMART-ER goal for the semester.
This lesson is important because it helps students develop crucial self-assessment and goal-setting skills. By reflecting on their executive functioning and creating SMART-ER goals, students learn to take ownership of their learning and personal development, leading to greater success both in and out of the classroom.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through self-assessment, direct instruction, and a workshop, students will refine their goal-setting abilities.
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Time to Level Up Your Goals Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Level Up Your Goals Slide Deck, EF Skills Self-Assessment 2.0, and SMART-ER Goal Setting Template.
- Make copies of the EF Skills Self-Assessment 2.0 and SMART-ER Goal Setting Template for each student.
- Ensure projector/screen is set up for the Level Up Your Goals Slide Deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Review (7th Grade EF Concepts)
5 minutes
Display the first slide of the Level Up Your Goals Slide Deck.
- Teacher Script: "Welcome back, 8th graders! Last year, we talked a lot about Executive Functioning skills. Can anyone remind us what Executive Functioning is and why it's important for school and life?"
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, calling on a few students to share their understanding. Connect their responses to the idea of managing oneself and tasks.
Step 2
Self-Assessment of Current EF Skills
10 minutes
Distribute the EF Skills Self-Assessment 2.0 worksheet.
- Teacher Script: "Now that we've refreshed our memories, it's 'Time to Level Up Your Goals!' Today, we're going to start by looking at our own EF skills. Take about 10 minutes to honestly complete this self-assessment. There are no right or wrong answers, just your own reflections on where you are right now. This is for you to understand your strengths and areas for growth."
Step 3
Introduction to SMART-ER Goals
10 minutes
Display slides 2-5 of the Level Up Your Goals Slide Deck to introduce SMART-ER goals.
- Teacher Script: "Great job reflecting! Now, let's talk about how we can use that self-awareness to set powerful goals. You might have heard of SMART goals before (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). We're going to take it a step further with SMART-ER goals, adding 'Ethical' and 'Rewarding.' Let's go through each part together and discuss what they mean."
Step 4
Workshop: Write a New SMART-ER Goal
15 minutes
Distribute the SMART-ER Goal Setting Template.
- Teacher Script: "Alright, it's time to put what we've learned into practice! Based on your EF self-assessment and our discussion about SMART-ER goals, I want you to draft a new goal for this semester. Use the template provided to guide you through each component. Think about an area you'd like to improve or a new skill you want to develop that will help you 'Level Up' this semester. I will be walking around to provide support and answer questions. Remember, make it ethical and rewarding for yourself and potentially others!"
- Circulate around the room, providing individual support and guidance to students as they work on their goals.
Step 5
Peer Feedback & Goal Refinement (Optional Extension)
5 minutes
- Teacher Script: "To make our goals even stronger, let's get some fresh eyes on them. Pair up with a partner and take turns sharing your SMART-ER goal. Your job is to listen carefully and offer constructive feedback based on the SMART-ER criteria. For example, 'Is it specific enough? Is it truly rewarding?' After feedback, take a minute to refine your goal based on your partner's input."
- Facilitate peer sharing and encourage students to make final adjustments to their goals. Collect the templates at the end of class or have students keep them for future reference.
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Slide Deck
Time to Level Up Your Goals!
Welcome, 8th Graders!
- What are Executive Functioning Skills?
- Why are they important?
- Let's discuss what we remember from last year!
Introduce the lesson by asking students to recall 7th-grade EF concepts. This acts as a warm-up and activates prior knowledge.
Self-Assessment: Where Am I Now?
Reflect on your Executive Functioning Skills
- Think about how you manage your time, tasks, and emotions.
- Complete the EF Skills Self-Assessment 2.0 worksheet.
- Be honest with yourself – this is your learning journey!
Transition to the self-assessment. Explain its purpose – self-reflection, not a test. Give clear instructions for the EF Skills Self-Assessment 2.0 worksheet.
Beyond SMART: Introducing SMART-ER Goals
You've heard of SMART Goals, right?
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
We're adding the "ER"!
Introduce SMART goals, highlighting that students might be familiar with them. Emphasize that SMART-ER adds two crucial elements: Ethical and Rewarding.
SMART-ER: E for Ethical
What does it mean for a goal to be Ethical?
- Does your goal respect yourself and others?
- Does achieving your goal involve fair and honest practices?
- Will your goal have a positive impact on your community or environment?
Think about the 'how' and the 'impact'.
Explain 'Ethical.' Discuss what it means for a goal to be ethical, both in its pursuit and its outcome. Encourage students to think about the impact on themselves and others.
SMART-ER: R for Rewarding
What makes a goal Rewarding?
- Is this goal truly meaningful to you?
- Will achieving it bring you a sense of accomplishment or joy?
- What benefits will you gain (knowledge, skills, personal growth)?
Goals you want to achieve are more likely to be achieved!
Explain 'Rewarding.' Discuss intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. The goal should feel personally meaningful and motivating. It should be something they genuinely want to achieve.
Workshop: Draft Your SMART-ER Goal
Use the SMART-ER Goal Setting Template
- Based on your self-assessment, pick one EF skill or area to focus on.
- Write down your new SMART-ER goal for the semester.
- Be specific, think about how you'll measure it, and make sure it's both Ethical and Rewarding for you!
Instruct students to start working on their goals using the template. Offer to circulate for individual help. Remind them to use their self-assessment results.
Refine Your Goal: Peer Feedback
Share your SMART-ER goal with a partner.
- Give constructive feedback based on the SMART-ER criteria.
- Listen actively to your partner's suggestions.
- Make any final adjustments to your goal.
A fresh perspective can make your goal even stronger!
Explain the peer feedback process. Emphasize constructive criticism and active listening. This is the final step for students to refine their goals.
Worksheet
EF Skills Self-Assessment 2.0: Where Do You Excel? Where Can You Grow?
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Welcome to your Executive Functioning Skills Self-Assessment! This is a chance for you to reflect on your strengths and identify areas where you might want to "level up" this semester. Read each statement and circle the number that best describes you right now. Be honest with yourself – this is for your growth, not a test!
Rating Scale:
1 = Rarely or Never
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Almost Always or Always
Organization & Planning
- I break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps.
1 2 3 4 - I keep my school materials (notebooks, binders, digital files) organized.
1 2 3 4 - I use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments and deadlines.
1 2 3 4 - Before starting a task, I think about what materials I will need.
1 2 3 4
Task Initiation & Completion
- I start my homework and assignments without a lot of procrastination.
1 2 3 4 - I finish tasks and assignments by their due dates.
1 2 3 4 - When a task is difficult, I try different strategies instead of giving up.
1 2 3 4
Time Management
- I estimate how long tasks will take and plan my time accordingly.
1 2 3 4 - I manage my time well during tests or in-class assignments.
1 2 3 4 - I prioritize tasks, deciding what needs to be done first.
1 2 3 4
Working Memory & Self-Monitoring
- I can keep important information in my mind while working on a task (e.g., following multi-step directions).
1 2 3 4 - I check my work for mistakes before turning it in.
1 2 3 4 - I learn from my mistakes and adjust my approach for next time.
1 2 3 4
Emotional Control & Flexibility
- I can stay calm and focused even when I'm frustrated or stressed.
1 2 3 4 - I can adapt my plans when unexpected things happen.
1 2 3 4
Reflection:
Based on your self-assessment, what is one Executive Functioning skill you feel confident in? Explain why.
What is one Executive Functioning skill you would like to improve or "level up" this semester? Why is this skill important to you?
How do you think improving this skill might help you in school or in your personal life?
Worksheet
SMART-ER Goal Setting Template: Level Up Your Semester!
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Now that you've reflected on your Executive Functioning skills, it's time to set a powerful goal for this semester using the SMART-ER framework! Remember, these goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Ethical, and Rewarding.
My SMART-ER Goal for the Semester:
(In one clear sentence, what do you want to achieve?)
Breaking Down My SMART-ER Goal:
S - Specific:
What exactly do I want to achieve? Who else is involved? Where will this happen? When? Why is this goal important?
M - Measurable:
How will I know when I have achieved this goal? What data or evidence will show my progress?
A - Achievable:
Is this goal realistic and attainable? Do I have the resources and skills, or can I gain them? What challenges might I face, and how will I overcome them?
R - Relevant:
Is this goal important to me? Does it align with my long-term aspirations or academic success? Why does this goal matter right now?
T - Time-bound:
What is my deadline for achieving this goal? What are some smaller deadlines or milestones along the way?
E - Ethical:
Does my goal respect myself and others? Does achieving it involve fair and honest practices? Will it have a positive impact on my learning environment or community?
R - Rewarding:
Is this goal truly meaningful to me? What benefits will I gain (e.g., new skills, better grades, personal satisfaction) from achieving it? Why will this feel good to accomplish?
Action Plan - My First Steps:
What are the first 1-2 concrete steps I will take to start working on this goal?
Peer Feedback (Optional):
(If you are sharing your goal, have your partner provide feedback here.)
Partner Name: _____________________________
Feedback: (What strengths do you see in the goal? What suggestions do you have to make it even more SMART-ER?)
My Reflection after Feedback: (How will I refine my goal based on the feedback?)