Setting Goals with Your Students in the New Year

The start of the new year is a great time to help your elementary students set achievable goals. It can be an exciting process for them and a great way to get them thinking about what they want to accomplish throughout the year. However, it can also be difficult for young children who may not have had experience setting goals before. Here are some tips to help you guide your students as they set their New Year's goals.

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Make Goals Fun and Positive

Be sure to emphasize that goal-setting should be fun and positive! You don't want your students to feel overwhelmed or like their goals are impossible to achieve. Encourage them to brainstorm ideas and focus on activities that make them happy. This could include anything from reading more books to learning a new instrument! Make sure they know that no matter what, you will be there cheering them on every step of the way.

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Guide Them Through the Process

Help your students think through each goal in detail. Remind them that it’s important to break down goals into smaller chunks so they become more manageable. By doing this, they will be able to break their big goal into smaller steps which will make it seem less intimidating and much easier for them to tackle. Additionally, help them think through actionable steps that they can take in order to reach their goal—this could include things like making a plan, setting reminders on their calendar, or asking for help when needed.

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Create Accountability

Above all else, remind your students that having someone hold them accountable is key when trying to reach any goal—big or small! Helping your students create an accountability system can go a long way in ensuring success with their goals this year. Have each student pick one person who can check in with them regularly (perhaps once a month) about how their progress is going and provide support if needed.

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Goal-setting can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your students! With these tips, you’ll have everything you need to help your elementary students create achievable goals this New Year’s season - ones that will propel them forward towards even greater success in 2021! Don’t forget—celebrating successes along the way is just as important as reaching that final destination!

Need help getting your students ready for the New Year? Check out my goal setting pack on TPT.