Here’s why you should help your kids set SMART goals or make New Year’s Resolutions:
Building better habits by setting goals can be beneficial for kids
When kids set goals or make resolutions, they are encouraged to make positive changes.
Setting goals is a life skill
Planning and working towards a goal is empowering!
Okay-so how do you help kids set goals?
Here’s a few tips:
- Take the task seriously-set aside the time to choose meaningful goals.
- Make SMART goals – see below
- Break into smaller goals -for example, a monthly goal can be broken down into weekly goals.
- Review progress-set dates to review progress of goals
- Celebrate success-celebrate the effort of working toward a goal
When setting goals, they should follow the format of SMART goals.
SMART is an acronym for
SPECIFIC-help students be clear about their goals. For example, not just “I want to read more books.” but “I want to read 10 books” or “I want to read 15 minutes each day.”
MEASURABLE-how can you measure your goal? The goal should have an objective way to measure it For example, a deadline, a number, a percentage change, number of minutes or some other measureable way.
ACHIEVABLE-is this goal something that is reasonable and realistic? The goal should be a challenge but still achievable.
RELEVANT or REALISTIC -is this goal important? is this possible to be met? This part is related to achievable. The goal could be achievable but be keep in mind time or supplies necessary to meet the goal.
TIMELY-what is the time frame for this goal? When will the goal be met?
By setting SMART goals, students are set up for success.
Grab this freebie and help your students set SMART goals!
You can help students set goals such at the beginning of a term, before conferences, or of course at New Year’s. Need a fun resource for New Year’s Resolutions? Check out the preview of this goal setting product with a taco theme!
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