The start of a new year is the perfect time for reflection and growth. Everyday Speech’s Countdown to the New Year Craft offers a creative way for students to think about their aspirations for the year ahead. This activity encourages learners to brainstorm 12 goals or resolutions and display them on a clock-themed craft. With each resolution, students take steps toward developing self-awareness and building key social-emotional learning (SEL) skills.

This Countdown to the New Year Craft is ideal for elementary educators looking to engage students in a fun and meaningful way to start the year.

Why Goal-Setting Matters

Teaching students to set goals helps them develop confidence, motivation, and a growth mindset. By identifying specific objectives, students can focus on what they want to achieve while learning how to break goals into actionable steps. The countdown craft takes this process further by creating a visual representation of their aspirations, making the experience memorable and inspiring.

What Is the Countdown to the New Year Craft?

This hands-on activity transforms a traditional New Year’s countdown into a learning opportunity. Students write down 12 resolutions, one for each number on a clock, and assemble their own countdown craft to display and track their goals.

Steps to Create the Countdown Clock:

1. Brainstorm Resolutions: Students think about 12 goals for the new year, answering prompts like, “What do I want to improve?” or “What’s something new I’d like to try?”
2. Write or Glue Resolutions: Resolutions are written directly on the clock face or attached using pre-cut goal ideas provided in the template.
3. Assemble the Clock: Students attach clock hands using a paper fastener, creating a functioning clock.
4. Countdown and Reflect: The clock can be used throughout the year to review goals and celebrate progress.

SEL Benefits of the Activity

The Countdown to the New Year Craft goes beyond a simple craft by fostering key SEL competencies:

• Self-Awareness: Students identify their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.
• Self-Management: Setting and tracking goals encourages focus and perseverance.
• Social Awareness: Sharing goals with peers helps students understand and support each other’s efforts.
• Decision-Making: Prioritizing resolutions teaches students how to make thoughtful and constructive choices.

How to Use This Activity in Your Classroom

1. Start with a Discussion

Kick off the activity with a group discussion about what goals and resolutions mean. Share examples to help students brainstorm ideas for their own goals.

2. Customize the Craft

Provide students with markers, crayons, and decorations to make their countdown clocks uniquely theirs. Encourage creativity while ensuring they reflect on meaningful goals.

3. Share Resolutions

Allow students to share a few of their resolutions with the class or in small groups. This step builds confidence and promotes empathy as students support one another’s aspirations.

4. Incorporate Reflection

Use the clocks as a tool throughout the year, revisiting goals periodically. Celebrate successes and adjust resolutions as needed to keep students motivated.

Tips for Success

• Provide Prompts: Offer example resolutions to inspire students.
• Celebrate Progress: Periodically revisit the clocks to discuss progress.
• Encourage Inclusivity: Remind students that all goals are valuable and unique to each individual.

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Everyday Speech: Supporting SEL Through Creativity

The Countdown to the New Year Craft is part of Everyday Speech’s extensive SEL resources, including video modeling lessons, interactive games, and creative activities. These tools help students develop essential life skills in engaging and accessible ways.

By incorporating this craft into your classroom, you’re not only starting the year with creativity but also equipping your students with the skills to set and achieve their goals.

Start the new year with Everyday Speech’s Countdown to the New Year Craft and help your students embrace reflection and goal-setting. This fun, hands-on activity encourages creativity while teaching valuable SEL skills like self-awareness and decision-making. Whether used for individual, group, or classwide learning, this craft ensures students kick off the year inspired and motivated.

Sample Video

Students learn best by watching others their same-age model the behavior! Check out a sample video modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 14 days here!

Related Blog Posts:

Middle School Goal Setting Worksheet

Teaching Goal Setting to Elementary Students: Activities & Discussion Questions

Goal-Setting for Personal Progress and Happiness in Special Education