The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to teach students the importance of goal-setting. Everyday Speech’s New Year Goal SEL Activity provides a fun and interactive way for students to set meaningful, personal goals. This activity encourages learners to reflect on their aspirations and practice essential SEL skills like self-awareness, accountability, and perseverance.

Perfect for elementary classrooms, this activity combines creativity with structured goal-setting, helping students start the year with purpose and positivity.

Why Goal-Setting Is Essential for SEL

Goal-setting is a foundational SEL skill. It teaches students to think critically about what they want to achieve and take actionable steps to succeed. By learning to set and work toward goals, students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility.

Incorporating goal-setting activities like the New Year Goal SEL Activity into your curriculum helps students:

• Develop Self-Awareness: Reflect on their strengths, areas for growth, and aspirations.
• Build Self-Management Skills: Practice planning and perseverance to achieve their goals.
• Enhance Confidence: Celebrate successes and learn from challenges.

What Is the New Year Goal SEL Activity?

This activity engages students in a hands-on craft that blends self-reflection and creativity. Here’s how it works:

Steps to Complete the Activity:

1. Brainstorm a Goal
   Students reflect on a meaningful goal they want to achieve in 2024. It can relate to school, home, or a personal interest.
2. Write the Goal
   Once they’ve brainstormed, students write their goal on a party hat template provided in the activity.
3. Decorate and Assemble
   Students draw a self-portrait, decorate their party hats, and assemble their “New Year’s look” using glue or tape.
4. Share and Display
   Students share their goals with classmates and display their creations in the classroom for ongoing motivation.

SEL Skills Practiced in This Activity

The New Year Goal SEL Activity supports multiple SEL competencies, including:

• Self-Awareness: Students identify their aspirations and recognize what’s important to them.
• Self-Management: They practice setting achievable and measurable goals.
• Social Awareness: Sharing goals fosters empathy and understanding among peers.
• Decision-Making: Choosing meaningful goals teaches students to think critically about their choices.

How to Use This Activity in the Classroom

1. Begin with a Discussion

Start by explaining why setting goals is important. Share examples of simple, measurable goals to guide students.

2. Encourage Reflection

Ask students to think about areas where they want to improve or skills they’d like to develop.

3. Make It Creative

Provide art supplies so students can personalize their party hats and drawings. Encourage creativity and self-expression.

4. Facilitate Sharing

Have students share their goals with a partner or the class. This builds confidence and fosters a sense of community.

5. Revisit Throughout the Year

Display the finished projects in the classroom and revisit them periodically to track progress and celebrate achievements.

Tips for Success

• Provide Examples: Offer goal ideas to inspire students, like “Practice kindness every day” or “Read 20 books this year.”
• Focus on Positivity: Emphasize that goals should be realistic and attainable to encourage progress and growth.
• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize students’ efforts and successes to keep them motivated.

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Everyday Speech: Supporting SEL Year-Round

Kick off 2024 with Everyday Speech’s New Year Goal SEL Activity! By helping students set and work toward meaningful goals, this activity fosters self-awareness, accountability, and creativity. It’s the perfect way to introduce goal-setting while making the start of the year fun and memorable.

Empower your students to achieve their aspirations—try this activity today!

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