Goal Setting isn't just for adults and students doing Accelerated Reader! We all have goals of many shapes and sizes, be it learn to write in cursive, go onto the next grade, make a 100 on a test, or increase the money in our retirement account.
Students of all ages set goals and are learning how to reach them. The form below is a tool you can use to help guide the process. The most important part, I think, is making sure the goal is specific and achievable. I often tell parents and teachers, goals like "lose 50 pounds" or "run 5 miles" can be so big they become unrealistic. The same applies to academics. "Get an A in Math" might be overwhelming to students, so it is important to help students break that large task into small steps. A better goal might be to "study math facts 15 minutes each day" or "turn in Math homework."
Here are two visuals that may help:
1. The image of a ladder helps many students. Write the goal at the top of a ladder with 3 or 4 steps. Even though this picture is with a train, you can see how to break down a large task into small steps. Click here to see an example.
2. This handout asks questions to help guide students through the process. The task of adults is to make sure the steps/actions/strategies are specific (who, what, when, where, how) AND realistic. You could print this or simply have a student write it in a notebook.
TIP: You can enlarge this image by clicking on it (it will be much easier on the eyes)!!
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