Teacher Background:

Goal-setting is a good self-management and self-awareness skill. Talking about self-reflection also helps students assess their progress and set goals as needed.

Lesson Plan: 

1. Begin by writing the letters “S.M.A.R.T.” on the board lengthwise. Have the students read the article “S.M.A.R.T. Goals” and highlight what each of the letters stands for. 
   • • S = specific (defined)
     • M = measurable (progress)
     • A = attainable (achieved)
     • R = relevant (important)
     • T = timely (deadline)
2. Have the students read through the article again, this time highlighting one word that defines each part of the acronym. 
   1. What does it mean to create a S.M.A.R.T. goal? (Following the S.M.A.R.T. goal steps helps you make goals you can actually do. It can also help you stay on track and make the progress you need to achieve your goal.)
3. Write each step on the board and walk through a S.M.A.R.T. goal example. Encourage the students to help you come up with the answers.  
   1. Example: Suzie’s goal is to run a mile in under 10 minutes.
      1. Specific: Suzie plans to run a mile in under 10 minutes by the end of the semester by pushing herself a bit further every week to take time off of her run.   
      2. Measurable: This goal can be measured throughout the semester by timing her weekly runs and watching her progress.
      3. Attainable: This is an achievable goal that can be easily adjusted to meet Suzie’s individual needs.
      4. Realistic: All children need to participate in P.E. to set themselves up for a healthy future, so this goal is relevant.
      5. Timely: The deadline for this goal is the end of the semester.
4. Give students the graphic organizer S.M.A.R.T. Goals. 
   1. Encourage students to come up with their own goal using these steps.
   2. Have students share their goals and answers with their classmates.

Think Deeply:

Why would it be important for a goal to be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely? How does making a goal S.M.A.R.T. change your results?

Let’s Write:

Make a list of several options for goals that you might choose to work on.

Materials Used: 

Graphic organizer S.M.A.R.T. Goals