Making Goals

Middle school can be a stressful transition for children, and going from mainstream school to an alternative school can be an emotional event for students to face. A good way to ensure children are using their power to take control of their lives would be asking them to create a list of goals. For example, a middle schooler’s goal may be to get a B in a math class. In order for that student to get a good grade, they should organize a schedule to set aside time for studying each night. If the child gets stuck on a problem or does not understand a concept, he/she can ask the teacher for help the next day.

Setting aside time to make goals happen, like practicing, is crucial 

Another example of setting a specific goal could be wanting to make a sports team at school. In order to do so, the student would need to make time in his/her schedule for practicing for the sport, as well as keeping track of tryout days, so he/she would know when training should be completed. Making children set up basic goals like these examples will force them to utilize time-management skills.

Goal-setting plays a vital role in success. The ability to conceptualize an achievement, recognize steps needed to reach it, and executing those steps is a complex process a middle schooler may not know how to approach. However, allowing students to recognize the importance of personal objectives can increase their self-monitoring and achievements. A foundational tool in goal setting is a goal worksheet.

A template for what a goal sheet could look like 

Creating a goal worksheet for students to fill out can inspire a conscious motivation to do well and work hard. Writing out and conceptualizing ambitions can make them appear more attainable. Have a student write out their goal to being organized. Second, have him/her expand on the goal with an action plan such as listing the steps he/she will take to reach the goal and the people the individual will look to for support. Finally, have the child explain how he/she will reach their goal. Explanation of steps makes the goal more concrete and reachable. Scheduling check-ins with goal progress will also hold the student accountable for keeping track of their goal.

While a goal worksheet is an effective tool in inspiring middle schoolers to reach their goals, other ways to do so include having students keep “goal journals”. In a goal journal, a student would keep track of how their goal is going by documenting their actions three to five days a week. Having a goal journal could also help with organization of thoughts and ambitions, which I will be expanding upon in my next post. Help children make and achieve their goals, and thanks for reading!