Goal setting for the New Year ??

As the new school year begins, it’s a great opportunity to set the tone for wellbeing success in the classroom. Transitioning back to school can bring up a range of emotions for students. While many will be excited some may need additional support. Establishing routines and expectations and encouraging goal-setting early on can create a solid foundation for a positive year ahead.

Why goal setting matters ??

• Builds motivation: Setting goals helps students clarify their focus and direction, fostering internal motivation and sustained engagement.
• Encourages responsibility: Goal setting requires students to take ownership of their learning by identifying their interests, passions, and strengths.
• Promotes personal growth: It allows students to connect with their aspirations and participate in designing their learning journey.

The benefits of goal setting in the classroom ??

Research highlights the positive impact of goal-setting on adolescent learners:

• Improved Engagement & Achievement: Structured goal-setting, including personal, social, and academic objectives, leads to better outcomes, especially for at-risk students.
• Supportive Environments Enhance Success: When goal-setting occurs in a nurturing environment that focuses on growth rather than competition, students are more likely to succeed.

(Source: Burnette, O’Boyle, VanEpps, Pollack, & Finkel, 2013)

Using S.M.A.R.T goals for success ??

The SMART goal framework is designed to guide students to create clear, actionable, and realistic goals. Here’s how it works:

• Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?
• Measurable: How will you track progress and know when it’s achieved?
• Achievable: Is this goal realistic and reachable within the timeframe?
• Relevant: Does this goal align with your interests and have a purpose?
• Time-bound: What’s the deadline or timeline for achieving this goal?

Click here to download a copy of our SMART Wellbeing Goals worksheet.

Tips for teachers ????

• Cultivate a growth mindset: Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to see effort as key to improvement.
• Model flexibility: Show students how to adapt goals in response to setbacks, teaching resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Incorporate goal-setting into routines: Make it a regular part of your classroom practices to reinforce its importance.

Goal setting is more than just a classroom activity—it’s a way to inspire students to take ownership of their learning, build resilience, and unlock their potential. By fostering a supportive environment and incorporating tools like SMART goals, you can help your students embrace challenges, celebrate progress, and thrive in the year ahead.

Get started with these resources ??

Looking for more tools to kickstart the year? Check out these resources: