Goal Setting for Kids and Teens

The Best Time For Setting Goals is the Present

As I was growing up, the only time I heard about goal setting or the importance of setting goals was on New Year's Eve. It seemed that everyone set a goal for New Year's and then despite the short lived effort,  the goal was rarely realized. 

Ever wonder why? 

Here it is:

Goals need a thorough think through. 

Goals need an action plan.

Goals need to be: specific, time bound, manageable, attainable, and of course, realistic.

Goals need to occupy your thoughts regularly in order to achieve them.

Print Goal Resources for Kids

Goals mean identifying the barriers to success and overcoming them.

Any wonder why most New Years Goals fall flat??!!

I have made a lot of resources to help individuals set and realize goals. Although these resources can be used for students, they're actually ideal for anyone hoping to achieve a goal.

What does goal setting look like in the classroom?

1.  Begin with a brainstorm about what a goal is.

2.  Ask your students if they have ever set goals that they have achieved.

3.  Discuss what is needed to realize a goal. (commitment, a plan, help when stuck...)

4.  Discuss what a reasonable long term and short goal might look like.

5.  Ask the students to write down a goal that they would like to achieve in the next month.

6.  Have students write down a couple of strategies that will help them realize their goals.

Although this is a start for students to think about their goals, you'll find more information and resources here.