Lesson Plan
Your Goal, Your Glory
Students will be able to define what a goal is, identify different types of goals, and apply the SMART goal-setting framework to create their own personal goals. Students will also learn strategies for overcoming obstacles and maintaining motivation.
Setting goals is a crucial life skill that empowers students to take control of their future, develop self-discipline, and achieve their aspirations. This lesson helps students build a foundation for success in academics, personal life, and beyond.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, direct instruction, guided practice, and independent reflection.
Materials
- Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck, - Goal Setting Worksheet, - Goal Setting Answer Key, - Goal Reflection Cool Down, - Whiteboard or projector, and - Markers or pens
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Your Goal, Your Glory Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck, Goal Setting Worksheet, Goal Setting Answer Key, and Goal Reflection Cool Down.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready.
- Print copies of the Goal Setting Worksheet for each student.
Step 1
Introduction: What's Your North Star?
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion using Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck (Slide 2: "What's a Goal, Anyway?").
- Ask students: "What does it mean to have a goal? Why do people set goals?"
- Introduce the concept of a 'North Star' as something that guides you, just like a goal guides your actions and future. (Slide 3: "Your North Star").
Step 2
Understanding Goals: Types and Importance
10 minutes
- Use Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck to explain different types of goals (short-term vs. long-term) and why they are important. (Slides 4-6).
- Facilitate a brief partner share: "Share a small goal you've achieved recently and how it felt." (Slide 7).
Step 3
SMART Goals: Your Roadmap to Success
15 minutes
- Introduce the SMART goal framework using Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck (Slides 8-13), explaining each component (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Provide examples for each component.
- Distribute the Goal Setting Worksheet.
- Guide students through the process of writing their own SMART goal on the worksheet. Circulate to provide support and feedback.
Step 4
Overcoming Obstacles & Staying Motivated
10 minutes
- Discuss common obstacles to achieving goals and strategies to overcome them (Slides 14-16 in Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck).
- Brainstorm ways to stay motivated (e.g., tracking progress, celebrating small wins, seeking support).
Step 5
Wrap-up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Distribute the Goal Reflection Cool Down and ask students to complete it.
- Briefly recap the importance of goal setting and the SMART framework. (Slide 17 in Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck)
- Collect worksheets and cool downs.
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Slide Deck
Your Goal, Your Glory
What does it mean to set a goal?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of goals. Ask them to think about what a goal means to them.
What's a Goal, Anyway?
• Have you ever heard the word "goal" before?
• What comes to mind when you hear it?
• Why do people set goals?
Engage students with a question to activate prior knowledge. Encourage a few students to share their initial thoughts.
Your North Star
• A "North Star" is something that guides you.
• Just like a ship uses the North Star to navigate, your goals help guide your actions and future.
• What guides you?
Introduce the concept of a 'North Star' as a metaphor for guiding principles and long-term aspirations. Explain that goals help us navigate towards our own 'North Star.'
Types of Goals: Short-Term
• Short-term goals are things you want to achieve relatively quickly, usually within a few days, weeks, or months.
• Examples: Finishing a homework assignment, reading a book, saving up for a small toy.
Explain that goals can be different lengths of time. Provide examples of short-term goals.
Types of Goals: Long-Term
• Long-term goals are bigger aspirations that take a longer time to achieve, often many months, years, or even a lifetime.
• Examples: Learning a new language, graduating from high school, becoming a doctor.
Explain that goals can be different lengths of time. Provide examples of long-term goals.
Why Are Goals Important?
• They give us direction and purpose.
• They help us focus our efforts.
• They motivate us to work hard.
• They help us track our progress.
• They give us a sense of accomplishment!
Discuss why setting goals is beneficial for personal growth and achievement.
Share Your Wins!
• Turn to a partner.
• Share a small goal you've achieved recently.
• How did it feel when you accomplished it?
Facilitate a brief partner share to allow students to connect with the concept of goal achievement on a personal level.
SMART Goals: Your Roadmap to Success
• Not all goals are created equal.
• To make your goals easier to achieve, we use the SMART framework.
Introduce the SMART acronym as a framework for effective goal setting. Explain that SMART goals are more likely to be achieved.
S is for Specific
• Your goal should be clear and well-defined.
• Instead of: "I want to get good grades."
• Try: "I want to get an A on my next history test."
Explain the 'Specific' component of SMART goals. Provide an example.
M is for Measurable
• You need a way to track your progress and know when you've reached your goal.
• Instead of: "I want to read more."
• Try: "I want to read one chapter of a new book every day."
Explain the 'Measurable' component of SMART goals. Provide an example.
A is for Achievable
• Your goal should be realistic and something you can actually accomplish.
• Instead of: "I want to learn to fly by tomorrow."
• Try: "I want to learn 10 new Spanish words this week."
Explain the 'Achievable' component of SMART goals. Provide an example.
R is for Relevant
• Your goal should matter to you and align with your values or other objectives.
• Instead of: "I want to build a sandcastle in my backyard (when you live far from the beach)."
• Try: "I want to improve my math skills so I can understand my science class better."
Explain the 'Relevant' component of SMART goals. Provide an example.
T is for Time-bound
• Your goal needs a deadline. This creates urgency and helps you stay focused.
• Instead of: "I will clean my room."
• Try: "I will clean my room by Saturday afternoon."
Explain the 'Time-bound' component of SMART goals. Provide an example.
Roadblocks Ahead!
• What are some things that might make it hard to reach a goal?
• (Possible answers: getting distracted, losing motivation, unexpected events, it's too difficult.)
Initiate a discussion about common challenges students might face when pursuing goals.
Overcoming Obstacles
• Break it down: Make big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Ask for help: Talk to a teacher, parent, or friend.
• Don't give up: It's okay to make mistakes; just learn from them and keep trying!
Present practical strategies for overcoming obstacles.
Staying Motivated
• Track your progress: See how far you've come!
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your efforts along the way.
• Remind yourself WHY: What's your "glory" at the end?
• Find an accountability buddy: Someone to check in with.
Discuss different ways to maintain motivation throughout the goal-setting journey.
Your Goal, Your Glory!
• You now have the tools to set amazing goals!
• Remember the SMART framework.
• Go out there and achieve your glory!
Conclude the lesson by reiterating the main takeaway and encouraging students to apply what they've learned.
Script
Your Goal, Your Glory Script
Introduction: What's Your North Star? (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really powerful that can help you achieve amazing things in your life. We're going to talk about goals!"
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 2: "What's a Goal, Anyway?")
Teacher: "So, what exactly is a goal? When you hear that word, what comes to mind? Why do you think people set goals? Take a moment to think about it, and then I'd love to hear your ideas."
(Allow 30-60 seconds for students to think, then call on a few to share. Affirm all reasonable responses.)
Teacher: "Those are some great ideas! A goal is essentially a desired result that a person or a system envisions, plans, and commits to achieve. Think of it like a destination you want to reach."
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 3: "Your North Star")
Teacher: "Have you ever heard of a North Star? For centuries, sailors used the North Star to guide them across vast oceans. It was their constant, their compass. In the same way, your goals can be your North Star. They guide your actions, your choices, and your future. They help you navigate towards where you want to go in life. What do you think guides you now?"
Understanding Goals: Types and Importance (10 minutes)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 4: "Types of Goals: Short-Term")
Teacher: "Goals aren't all the same. Some are things we want to achieve pretty quickly, and we call those short-term goals. These are usually things you can do in a few days, weeks, or months. Can anyone think of an example of a short-term goal?"
(Call on students for examples. Provide a few if students are struggling.)
Teacher: "Great examples! Things like finishing a homework assignment by tonight, reading a specific book this month, or saving up for a small toy are all short-term goals."
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 5: "Types of Goals: Long-Term")
Teacher: "Then we have long-term goals. These are bigger aspirations that take a longer time to achieve – many months, years, or even a lifetime! What might be some long-term goals for someone your age, or even for an adult?"
(Call on students for examples. Provide a few if students are struggling.)
Teacher: "Exactly! Learning a new language, graduating from high school, or even deciding what career you want to pursue are all long-term goals."
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 6: "Why Are Goals Important?")
Teacher: "So, why bother with goals at all? Why are they so important?"
(Allow students to share. Guide them to discuss points on the slide if they don't cover them.)
Teacher: "Goals give us direction and purpose, helping us focus our energy. They motivate us, help us track our progress, and give us an amazing feeling of accomplishment when we reach them!"
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Share Your Wins!")
Teacher: "To really feel this, I want you to turn to a partner and share a small goal you've achieved recently, big or small. Maybe it was finishing a challenging video game level, learning a new trick with your skateboard, or doing well on a quiz. How did it feel when you accomplished it?"
(Allow 2-3 minutes for partner sharing, then bring the class back together.)
SMART Goals: Your Roadmap to Success (15 minutes)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 8: "SMART Goals: Your Roadmap to Success")
Teacher: "Now that we understand what goals are and why they're important, let's talk about how to set effective goals. Not all goals are created equal, and some are much easier to achieve than others. That's where the SMART framework comes in."
(Distribute the Goal Setting Worksheet.)
Teacher: "SMART is an acronym, where each letter stands for a key part of a good goal. We're going to go through each one, and then you'll get a chance to practice setting your own SMART goal on your worksheet."
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 9: "S is for Specific")
Teacher: "The 'S' in SMART stands for Specific. Your goal needs to be clear and well-defined. Instead of saying, 'I want to get good grades,' a specific goal would be 'I want to get an A on my next history test.' See the difference? One is fuzzy, the other is crystal clear."
(Ask students to write down the meaning of 'Specific' on their worksheet.)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 10: "M is for Measurable")
Teacher: "Next, 'M' is for Measurable. You need a way to track your progress and know when you've actually reached your goal. If your goal is 'I want to read more,' how will you know if you've done it? A measurable goal would be, 'I want to read one chapter of a new book every day.' You can count that!"
(Ask students to write down the meaning of 'Measurable' on their worksheet.)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 11: "A is for Achievable")
Teacher: "'A' stands for Achievable. Your goal should be realistic and something you can actually accomplish. If I said, 'I want to learn to fly by tomorrow,' that's probably not achievable! But 'I want to learn 10 new Spanish words this week' is. It challenges you, but it's possible."
(Ask students to write down the meaning of 'Achievable' on their worksheet.)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 12: "R is for Relevant")
Teacher: "'R' is for Relevant. Your goal should matter to you and align with your values or other objectives. If you hate swimming, setting a goal to swim across the ocean probably isn't relevant to you. But if you want to understand your science class better, then 'I want to improve my math skills' is very relevant."
(Ask students to write down the meaning of 'Relevant' on their worksheet.)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 13: "T is for Time-bound")
Teacher: "Finally, 'T' is for Time-bound. Your goal needs a deadline! This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. Instead of 'I will clean my room,' a time-bound goal is 'I will clean my room by Saturday afternoon.' Deadlines keep us moving forward."
(Ask students to write down the meaning of 'Time-bound' on their worksheet.)
Teacher: "Now, on your Goal Setting Worksheet, I want you to think of one goal you have, either short-term or long-term. Then, use the SMART framework to make it a truly effective goal. Write it down in the space provided. I'll be walking around to help if you have questions."
(Circulate the room, providing individual support and feedback as students work on their goals.)
Overcoming Obstacles & Staying Motivated (10 minutes)
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 14: "Roadblocks Ahead!")
Teacher: "Setting a SMART goal is a fantastic first step, but let's be real – sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. What are some things that might make it hard to reach a goal?"
(Encourage students to share. Prompt with examples like 'getting distracted,' 'losing motivation,' 'unexpected events,' 'it's too difficult.')
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 15: "Overcoming Obstacles")
Teacher: "Exactly! We all face roadblocks. But successful people know how to get around them. Here are some strategies:
- Break it down: If your goal feels too big, break it into smaller, mini-goals. Like climbing a mountain one step at a time.
- Ask for help: Don't be afraid to talk to a teacher, parent, or friend if you're struggling. They can offer advice or support.
- Don't give up: It's okay to make mistakes or have setbacks. Learn from them, adjust your plan, and keep trying!"
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 16: "Staying Motivated")
Teacher: "Motivation can also come and go. How can we keep ourselves going, even when it gets tough?"
(Allow students to brainstorm. Guide them to discuss points on the slide.)
Teacher: "Great ideas!
- Track your progress: Seeing how far you've come can be a huge motivator.
- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your efforts along the way. Did you finish that difficult task? High five yourself!
- Remind yourself WHY: What's your 'glory' at the end? Why is this goal important to you?
- Find an accountability buddy: Someone who checks in with you can make a big difference!"
Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)
(Distribute the Goal Reflection Cool Down.)
Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson today, please complete this Goal Reflection Cool Down. It asks you to think about what you've learned and how you can apply it. When you're done, please turn it in."
(Display Your Goal, Your Glory Slide Deck - Slide 17: "Your Goal, Your Glory!")
Teacher: "Remember, you now have the tools to set amazing goals! The SMART framework is your roadmap. Go out there and achieve your glory! I'm excited to see what amazing things you all accomplish."
(Collect cool downs and worksheets as students finish.)
Worksheet
Your Goal, Your Glory: Goal Setting Worksheet
Name: __________________________ Date: __________________________
Part 1: What is a Goal?
-
In your own words, what is a goal?
-
Why do you think it's important to set goals?
-
Give one example of a short-term goal and one example of a long-term goal.
- Short-term goal example:
- Long-term goal example:
- Short-term goal example:
Part 2: Understanding SMART Goals
Fill in the blanks with what each letter in the SMART acronym stands for, and a short explanation in your own words.
S - ________________________
- Explanation:
M - ________________________
- Explanation:
A - ________________________
- Explanation:
R - ________________________
- Explanation:
T - ________________________
- Explanation:
Part 3: Setting Your Own SMART Goal
Think about something you want to achieve. It can be a goal for school, a personal skill, a family goal, or anything important to you! Use the SMART framework to write your goal clearly below.
My Goal Idea:
Now, make it SMART!
Specific: What exactly do I want to achieve? Who is involved? When will it happen? Where? Why is this important?
Measurable: How will I know when I have reached my goal? What progress can I track?
Achievable: Is this goal realistic? Do I have the resources and abilities to achieve it? If not, what do I need?
Relevant: Is this goal important to me? Does it align with my other values or bigger aspirations?
Time-bound: What is the deadline for this goal? When exactly will I achieve it?
My Completed SMART Goal Statement:
Write your full SMART goal here, combining all the elements.
Part 4: Facing Challenges
-
What is one possible obstacle you might face while working towards your SMART goal?
-
What is one strategy you can use to overcome that obstacle or stay motivated?
Answer Key
Your Goal, Your Glory: Goal Setting Worksheet Answer Key
Part 1: What is a Goal?
-
In your own words, what is a goal?
- Thought Process: A goal is a target or desired outcome. Students should articulate that it's something they want to achieve or work towards. Accept various phrasings that capture this essence.
- Sample Answer: A goal is something I want to do or achieve in the future. It's like a target I'm aiming for.
-
Why do you think it's important to set goals?
- Thought Process: Students should connect goals to motivation, direction, purpose, and achievement. They might mention feeling good when they accomplish something.
- Sample Answer: It's important because goals give me something to work towards. They help me stay focused, make a plan, and feel proud when I succeed.
-
Give one example of a short-term goal and one example of a long-term goal.
- Thought Process: Short-term goals should be achievable relatively quickly (days/weeks/months). Long-term goals should be larger aspirations taking significant time (months/years/lifetime).
- Sample Short-Term Goal: Finish my science project by Friday.
- Sample Long-Term Goal: Learn to play the guitar well enough to perform a song.
Part 2: Understanding SMART Goals
Fill in the blanks with what each letter in the SMART acronym stands for, and a short explanation in your own words.
S - Specific
- Explanation: My goal should be clear and exact, not vague. It tells me exactly what I want to do.
M - Measurable
- Explanation: I need to be able to track my progress and know when I have successfully reached my goal, often by using numbers or clear indicators.
A - Achievable
- Explanation: My goal needs to be realistic and possible for me to accomplish with effort, not something impossible.
R - Relevant
- Explanation: My goal should be important to me and make sense with what I want for my life or other things I care about.
T - Time-bound
- Explanation: My goal must have a deadline or a specific end date to keep me on track.
Part 3: Setting Your Own SMART Goal
Think about something you want to achieve. It can be a goal for school, a personal skill, a family goal, or anything important to you! Use the SMART framework to write your goal clearly below.
My Goal Idea: (Student's initial idea, e.g., "Get better at basketball.")
Specific: What exactly do I want to achieve? Who is involved? When will it happen? Where? Why is this important?
- Thought Process: The student should break down their general idea into concrete details. For basketball:
Lesson Plan
What's This Feeling in My Heart?
The student will be able to identify and name three basic emotions (e.g., happy, sad, mad) in themselves and from picture cards.
Understanding and naming emotions helps students better understand themselves and communicate their needs to others, leading to healthier relationships and improved self-management.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Through interactive discussion, activity, and story time.
Materials
Smartboard or projector, Feeling Faces Cards, My Feelings Drawing Page, Crayons or colored pencils, and Storybook About Feelings (e.g., "The Color Monster" or "Glad Monster, Sad Monster")
Prep
Review Materials and Set Up
10 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan and all generated materials to ensure familiarity with the content and flow.
* Print and cut out the Feeling Faces Cards. Consider laminating them for future use.
* Make copies of the My Feelings Drawing Page for each student.
* Select and have ready a Storybook About Feelings.
* Ensure projector/Smartboard is set up for the slide deck.
Step 1
Connect & Welcome (2 minutes)
2 minutes
- Teacher: Welcome students and start with a brief mindfulness moment or a check-in question like, "How are you feeling right now, in one word?"
* Introduce the topic: Today we're going to talk about feelings! We all have them, and they are important.
* Reference Slide Deck - Slide 1-2
Step 2
Introduce Feelings (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Teacher: Explain that feelings are normal and everyone experiences them. Show the Slide Deck explaining basic emotions (happy, sad, mad).
* Ask students for examples of when they feel happy, sad, or mad.
* Discuss facial expressions and body language associated with each emotion.
* Reference Slide Deck - Slide 3-5
Step 3
Feeling Faces Activity (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Teacher: Distribute the Feeling Faces Cards. Hold up each card and ask students to identify the emotion shown.
* Encourage students to make the facial expression themselves.
* Discuss scenarios: "What makes you feel like this?"
* Reference Slide Deck - Slide 6
Step 4
Story Time (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Teacher: Read aloud the chosen Storybook About Feelings.
* Pause during the story to ask students to identify the feelings of the characters. "How do you think [character name] is feeling right now? Why?"
* Reference Slide Deck - Slide 7
Step 5
Closing Circle & Reflection (3 minutes)
3 minutes
- Teacher: Bring students back to a circle.
* Distribute the My Feelings Drawing Page and crayons.
* Teacher: Ask students to draw one feeling they learned about today, or how they feel right now. Remind them there are no right or wrong feelings.
* Conclude by reinforcing that it's okay to have all feelings and that we can learn to understand them better.
* Reference Slide Deck - Slide 8
Slide Deck
What's This Feeling in My Heart?
Let's explore our feelings together!
Welcome students to the lesson. You can start with a quick mindfulness moment or a general check-in. Introduce the idea that everyone has feelings and we're going to learn about them.
How Are You Feeling Today?
It's okay to have all sorts of feelings!
Ask students to think about how they are feeling right now. Encourage them to share one word if they feel comfortable, emphasizing that all feelings are okay.
Feeling Happy!
When something good happens or you feel joyful.
What makes you feel happy?
Introduce the first basic emotion: Happy. Discuss what 'happy' looks like and sounds like. Ask students to share things that make them feel happy.
Feeling Sad...
When you feel upset, disappointed, or something makes you cry.
What makes you feel sad?
Introduce the second basic emotion: Sad. Discuss what 'sad' might look like or feel like. Emphasize that it's okay to feel sad and that we can ask for comfort. Ask students to share things that might make someone feel sad.
Feeling Mad!
When you are angry, frustrated, or something isn't fair.
What makes you feel mad?
Introduce the third basic emotion: Mad. Discuss what 'mad' might look like or feel like. Talk about healthy ways to deal with feeling mad (e.g., taking a deep breath). Ask students what might make them feel mad.
Let's Play with Feelings!
We'll use our Feeling Faces Cards to guess and show emotions!
Explain that students will now use the Feeling Faces Cards to practice identifying emotions. Model how to show a card and identify the emotion.
Story Time: Feelings in a Book
Listen closely and try to spot the feelings in our story.
Introduce story time. Explain that you will read a story about feelings and you'll pause to ask them to identify the characters' emotions.
Our Feelings Are Important!
All feelings are okay. Let's draw how we feel or a feeling we learned!
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing that all feelings are okay and encouraging students to use their drawing page to reflect. Briefly review the main emotions covered.