Introduction
Goal setting is an essential skill that helps students stay focused and overcome various distractions, both outward and inward. Outward distractions may include screens, obligations, or other demands on their time, while inward distractions are doubting thoughts that prevent them from working towards their goals. By learning to set and work towards goals, students can make lasting personal progress and feel happier. This blog post will explore an engaging no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help students develop their goal-setting abilities.
No-Prep Activity
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and helps students practice setting goals for themselves. Start by asking students to think of a goal they would like to accomplish, either school-related or life-related. Have them write down their goal and a To-Do list of tasks they need to complete before they can work on it. Next, encourage students to break their goal down into smaller steps and to write down these steps. Finally, have students share their goals and steps with a partner, so they can hold each other accountable and offer support.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to set goals, and how can they help us overcome distractions?
- What are some strategies you can use to stay focused on your goals and avoid procrastination?
- How can having a partner or support system help you stay accountable to your goals?
- What are some examples of rewards or incentives you can use to motivate yourself to work towards your goals?
- How can tracking your progress help you stay motivated and make lasting personal progress?
Related Skills
In addition to goal setting, there are other relevant skills that students can develop to support their personal progress and happiness. Some of these skills include time management, self-reflection, self-motivation, and stress management. By developing these skills, students can better manage their time, prioritize tasks, stay motivated, and cope with challenges as they work towards their goals.
Next Steps
To help students continue developing their goal-setting skills and other related abilities, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our skill-building materials at Everyday Speech. Our resources offer engaging activities, videos, and discussion prompts to support students in their social-emotional learning journey. By providing students with the tools they need to set and achieve their goals, we can help them overcome distractions, make lasting personal progress, and ultimately, lead happier lives.
