Your Goal, Your Game! Script

Introduction (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that can help you achieve amazing things in and out of school. We're going to talk about goals!

First, let's get our brains warmed up. I'm handing out a quick Warm Up: Goal Brainstorm worksheet. For the next two minutes, I want you to silently write down any goals you have. They can be big, like 'become an astronaut,' or small, like 'finish my homework tonight.' Don't overthink it, just jot down whatever comes to mind."

(Distribute Warm Up: Goal Brainstorm and allow students to complete.)

(Teacher): "Alright, pens down! Who would be brave enough to share just one goal they wrote down? It doesn't have to be perfect or huge. Yes, [Student Name]? Thank you! Anyone else? [Student Name]? Great!

(Acknowledge responses. Transition to Slide 1 of the Slide Deck: Your Goal, Your Game!.)

What are Goals and Why Do They Matter? (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Look at our first slide: 'Your Goal, Your Game!' This lesson is all about taking charge of what you want to achieve.

(Advance to Slide 2: What's Your Superpower Wish?)

(Teacher): "Imagine you suddenly had a superpower! What would you use it to achieve? Would you instantly learn a new language? Become a basketball superstar? Help clean up your neighborhood? Think about it for a moment. This 'superpower wish' is actually a lot like a goal – something you desire to do or become."

(Allow brief student contemplation. Advance to Slide 3: What's a Goal, Anyway?)

(Teacher): "So, what exactly is a goal? Simply put, a goal is something you want to achieve or do in the future. It's like a target you're aiming for.

But why are goals so important? They give us direction, like a map showing us where to go. They help us stay focused on what really matters. And most importantly, they help us make our dreams happen! Without a goal, it's easy to just drift along. With a goal, you have a clear destination.

Now, let's have a quick Discussion: Why Goals Matter. In small groups or with a partner, I want you to discuss these questions: 'Why do you think having goals is helpful in real life? Can you think of a time when setting a goal (even a small one) helped you achieve something?' We'll take about 3 minutes for this, then come back together."

(Facilitate small group discussion, then bring the class back for a few shares.)

Reading: The Power of Goals (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent thoughts! To dive a little deeper into why goals are so powerful, I'm going to hand out a short Reading: The Power of Goals. I'd like you to read this quietly to yourselves, or with a partner if you prefer. As you read, think about one new idea you learn about goals."

(Distribute Reading: The Power of Goals and allow students to read. Circulate to offer support.)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's quickly touch on that reading. What was one key takeaway or new idea you learned about the power of goals? [Student Name]? Interesting! [Student Name]? Great point!

Understanding SMART Goals (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "So, we know goals are important. But how do we make sure our goals are the best they can be? How do we make them super effective? We use a secret weapon! (Advance to Slide 4: Ready to Get SMART?) It's called SMART Goals! This is an acronym, which means each letter stands for a word that tells us something important about how to set a good goal."

(Advance to Slide 5: S is for Specific)

(Teacher): "The 'S' in SMART stands for Specific. Your goal should be clear and well-defined, not vague. Think about it like a treasure map – you need clear directions, not just 'go find treasure.'

• Look at the example: 'I want to get better at sports.' Is that specific? Not really. 'Better' could mean anything.
• Now, 'I want to be able to run a mile in under 8 minutes by the end of the school year.' Is that specific? Yes! We know exactly what 'better' means there. It's clear.

(Teacher): "Next, the 'M' (Advance to Slide 6: M is for Measurable) is for Measurable. You need a way to track your progress and know when you've reached your goal. How will you know if you're getting closer? What numbers or achievements will you look for?

• For our running goal, we can time ourselves. The time (under 8 minutes) is measurable."

(Teacher): "The 'A' (Advance to Slide 7: A is for Achievable) is for Achievable. Your goal should be realistic and possible to reach, even if it's a stretch. It means it's something you can actually do with effort. If my goal was to fly to the moon without a rocket, that wouldn't be achievable for me right now.

• Running a mile in 8 minutes is challenging, but for most students, it's achievable with practice."

(Teacher): "Then we have 'R' (Advance to Slide 8: R is for Relevant) for Relevant. Your goal should matter to you and align with what you truly want. Why is this goal important to you? How does it fit into your bigger picture? If a goal isn't relevant to you, you're less likely to stick with it.

• If improving fitness is important to you, then running a faster mile is relevant."

(Teacher): "And finally, the 'T' (Advance to Slide 9: T is for Time-Bound) is for Time-Bound. Your goal needs a deadline! When will you achieve this goal? Setting a date keeps you on track and gives you a target to work towards.

• For our running goal, the deadline is 'by the end of the school year.' That's a clear time frame.

(Teacher): "Okay, that was a lot of information! Let's get some practice. I'm going to give you some examples of goals, and in your groups, I want you to work on the Activity: Goal Sort Challenge. You'll decide if each goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Discuss why or why not for each part."

(Distribute materials for Activity: Goal Sort Challenge and facilitate group work.)

Crafting Your Own SMART Goal (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Fantastic job with the Goal Sort Challenge! You're really getting the hang of SMART goals. Now, it's your turn to apply what you've learned. (Advance to Slide 10: Putting it all together: My SMART Goal)

I'm handing out the Worksheet: My SMART Goal. On this worksheet, you'll think about something you truly want to accomplish – it could be something academic, a personal skill, or anything you desire. Then, you'll use the prompts to make sure your goal is SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

I'll be walking around to help anyone who needs it. This is your chance to set a goal that you can really achieve!"

(Distribute Worksheet: My SMART Goal. Circulate and provide individual assistance.)

Game: Goal Path Challenge (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Amazing work everyone, I see some really thoughtful SMART goals being created! To celebrate our goal-setting progress, let's play a quick Game: Goal Path Challenge! This game will reinforce our learning in a fun way. Listen carefully for the rules."

(Explain rules and facilitate the Game: Goal Path Challenge.)

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Great energy in that game! We're almost out of time, but before you go, I have one last quick activity. Please complete the Cool Down: Goal Reflection. This will help you think about what you learned today. Once you're done, please hand it to me as you leave.

(Distribute Cool Down: Goal Reflection.)

(Teacher): "For those of you who really enjoyed this, we also have an optional, longer-term project called Project: My Goal Journey where you can apply these skills. I'll hand out the project guide and the Rubric: My Goal Journey Project for it tomorrow. Also, we'll have a quick Quiz: Goal Getter Check on goal setting next week to see what you've remembered.

"Thank you all for being such active learners today! Remember, your goals are your game – go out and play to win!"

Warm Up: Goal Brainstorm

Instructions: For the next two minutes, quickly write down any goals you have. They can be big, small, serious, or fun! Don't worry about making them perfect.

My Goals:

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5.

The Power of Goals: Your Future, Your Story

Have you ever started a video game without knowing what you were supposed to do? It's probably confusing and not much fun, right? You wander around, maybe hit a few buttons, but you don't feel like you're accomplishing anything. Life can sometimes feel a bit like that if we don't have goals!

What's a Goal?

Simply put, a goal is a dream with a deadline. It's something specific you want to achieve or do in the future. Goals can be tiny, like "finish my homework before dinner," or huge, like "discover a cure for a disease." Both are important because they give you something to work towards.

Why are Goals So Powerful?

1. They Give You Direction: Imagine trying to drive to a new place without a map or GPS. You'd probably get lost! Goals are like your personal GPS. They tell you where you're going and help you plan the best route to get there.

2. They Keep You Motivated: When you have a clear goal, it's easier to stay energized and focused, even when things get tough. You know why you're working hard, and that vision of success can push you forward.

3. They Help You Track Progress: Goals allow you to see how far you've come. Every small step you take towards your goal is a victory! This feeling of accomplishment builds confidence and encourages you to keep going.

4. They Help You Make Choices: Sometimes we have to choose between two good things. If you have a clear goal, it can help you decide which choice will get you closer to what you want to achieve.

5. They Make the Impossible Seem Possible: Many amazing achievements throughout history started with a simple goal. From inventing the light bulb to landing on the moon, big dreams become reality when people set clear goals and work hard to reach them.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Goals aren't just for adults or famous people. They're for everyone. By learning how to set goals, you're learning a superpower that will help you in school, in your hobbies, and in your life. It's like writing your own amazing story – and you get to decide what happens next! The more clearly you define your goals, the better your chances of achieving them.

Discussion: Why Goals Matter

Take a few minutes to discuss the following questions with a partner or in a small group. Be ready to share your thoughts with the class!

1. Why do you think having goals is helpful in real life? Think about school, sports, hobbies, or even just daily tasks.
   
   
   
   
   

2. Can you think of a time when setting a goal (even a small one, like finishing a chore or learning a new move in a game) helped you achieve something? What happened?
   
   
   
   
   

3. What might happen if someone never set any goals? How might their life be different?
   
   
   
   
   

Activity: Goal Sort Challenge

Instructions: Read each goal statement below. For each one, decide if it meets the criteria of a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound). Check the box for each criterion the goal meets, and explain your reasoning.

Goal 1: "I want to get good grades."

• Specific: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Measurable: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Achievable: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Relevant: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Time-Bound: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  

Goal 2: "I will read 3 chapter books by the end of this semester to improve my reading comprehension."

• Specific: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Measurable: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Achievable: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Relevant: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Time-Bound: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  

Goal 3: "I want to learn to play a song on the guitar by Friday."

• Specific: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Measurable: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Achievable: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Relevant: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  
• Time-Bound: [ ] Yes [ ] No
  Why or why not?
  
  
  

Worksheet: My SMART Goal

Instructions: Now it's your turn to create your own SMART goal! Think about something you really want to achieve. Use the prompts below to make sure your goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

My Goal Idea:

What is something you want to achieve or do?

Making it SMART:

1. S - Specific: Describe your goal clearly. What exactly do you want to achieve? Who is involved? Where will it happen? Why is it important?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. M - Measurable: How will you know when you have reached your goal? What will you see, hear, or feel? What numbers or criteria can you use to track your progress?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. A - Achievable: Is your goal realistic? Can you actually do it? What steps will you take? Do you have the skills or resources, or can you get them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. R - Relevant: Why is this goal important to you? How does it connect to your other interests or values? Is it worth the effort?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. T - Time-Bound: When will you achieve this goal? Set a clear deadline (e.g., "by next month," "before the school play," "by my birthday").
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Final SMART Goal:

Write your complete SMART goal here, using all the elements you just thought about:

Game: Goal Path Challenge

Overview: This is a quick, interactive game to reinforce the concepts of SMART goals and the journey to achieving them. Students will answer questions about goal setting to advance on a

Answer Key: Goal Getter Check

1. What does the 'M' in SMART goals stand for?

• Correct Answer: Measurable
• Thought Process: The SMART acronym helps remember the key elements of effective goal setting. S-Specific, M-Measurable, A-Achievable, R-Relevant, T-Time-bound.

2. Explain in your own words why it's important for a goal to be 'Time-Bound'.

• Correct Answer (Student responses may vary but should include these key ideas): A time-bound goal has a deadline or a target completion date. This is important because it creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay motivated. Without a deadline, it's easy to keep putting off working on your goal, and you might never achieve it. A deadline also helps you plan your steps and track your progress more effectively.

Project: My Goal Journey

Overview: For this project, you will apply your knowledge of SMART goals to a personal goal you want to achieve over the next few weeks or months. You will plan your steps, track your progress, and reflect on your journey.

Objective: To successfully set and work towards a personal SMART goal, demonstrating understanding of the goal-setting process.

Deliverables:

1. SMART Goal Statement: A clear, well-written SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound).
   
   
   
   

2. Action Plan: A list of at least 5 specific steps you will take to achieve your goal, including target dates for each step. Think about what you need to do first, next, and so on.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Progress Log: A journal or log where you record your progress towards your goal at least once a week. Include what you did, any challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and your feelings about your progress.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Reflection Essay (1-2 paragraphs): Once your deadline arrives (or your goal is met), write a short reflection on your goal journey. Discuss:

   • Did you achieve your goal? Why or why not?
   • What was the most challenging part?
   • What did you learn about yourself or the goal-setting process?
   • What advice would you give to someone setting a similar goal?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Timeline:

• Week 1: Choose your goal and complete your SMART Goal Statement and Action Plan.
• Weeks 2-4 (or duration of your goal): Work on your goal and maintain your Progress Log weekly.
• Final Week: Complete your Reflection Essay and submit your project.

Rubric: My Goal Journey Project

Cool Down: Goal Reflection

Instructions: Take a few minutes to reflect on what you learned about goal setting today. Please answer the questions below.

1. What is one new thing you learned about setting goals today?
   
   
   
   

2. Why is it important to make your goals 'Specific' and 'Time-Bound'?
   
   
   
   

3. Write down one small personal goal you have for the rest of this week. It doesn't have to be SMART, just something you want to accomplish!