Every year we teach how to set up goals, SMART Goals, and Goal-Directed Behavior, but not every child or adult understands why we should set up goals. What is goal setting?

What are the benefits of Goal setting and examples SMART Goals for students? If you ask yourself where do I start, let me tell you, you are in the right place; keep reading.

We will describe seven easy steps to help you set up goals with your students by nurturing the heart first and getting to know them. This is a key that will even decrease behavior issues.

Goal Setting for Students by Nurturing the Heart first

1. Connect to your students with their stories

When I need to start explaining something to my students, I always love to brainstorm ideas and make personal connections with them. Personal goals are very important, but how do I guide my students? I start by providing intentional examples that build personal connections and help me get to know them more. Also, I love to know who is there for them. Basically, their support system at home, people they love and trust that help them succeed or stay on task. If they don’t have anybody, I need to know too, and that’s very important as well. Connecting and taking care of the students’ needs is our priority. Then, I move forward with brainstorming ideas about future goals, support systems and making personal connections with them.

2.  Provide a safe place in your classroom to dream big 

Most of us grew up in a place where there were no rules to set up goals, and probably we will find tons of reasons why we shouldn’t be dreaming that much. The same thing happens to our scholars; not every student grows in a place where they teach them to dream big, have dreams, or hope for a future. On the other hand, we have others who follow their families’ goals, which are sometimes inaccurate for their lives. 

We never destroy dreams; we encourage students to fulfill their full potential and do their best. Like Israelmore said in Shaping the Dream, “Dreams can either die young or mature to become realities, depending on how they are handled.” Well, allow your students to dream big in a safe place, then explain the why, and check for understanding. What do you want to be when you grow up? Where do you want to live? Why do we need to think about our future?

3. Why is it essential to have a support system in your life?

One step goes along with the other one, hand, and hand. It is time to ask questions and allow your students to talk to their shoulder partners. Why do I need people around me to achieve my goals? What is a Support System? Provide examples. “When I get sick, sometimes I need help. I know that my mom is there for me, my grandma for medicine, and my brother to check on me.” Think about your life when you need somebody, who is there for you? 

Guide them to think about their family, friends, teachers, and relatives. Share experiences. Make it a teachable moment and clarify questions. Now is the time to give thanks and be grateful for all those important people we have in our lives.

4. Promote gratitude in your classroom

Gratitude helps students learn how to count their blessings. What are things that you are grateful for? How often do you tell the people you love that you appreciate them? How can you show appreciation for your actions? How are we supposed to behave? What should we do if we make a mistake? Giving thanks every day helps us stay positive, focus on the good things in our lives, and have hope for a future. 

“Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of a true education.”

Martin Luther King

5. Setting Basic Average Academic Goals

What grades would you like to have now and in the future? Do you know what you need to do to get those grades? Help your students to reflect and define clear mindsets and expectations. 

6. Promote a reflection time in your classroom and at home

Thinking about our day and reflecting on it helps us to make plans, changes, adjustments, improve organizational and social skills and decompress. Reflecting on our life and journey is very important, whether in prayer, gratitude wall, thoughts, meditation, or any other style. The most important part is to teach them to set up a specific time to reflect. When do we reflect throughout the day?

7. What are your big NO’s?

Learning what they don’t like at this time helps them build confidence and their personalities. Those statements like, “I do not want to be…,” are a reflection component to start setting up goals, limits, boundaries, and action steps, because you are the main character of your life.

“You are the main character of your life’s story. Give your audience not only something to look forward to but something to be inspired by.” Kevin Ngo

Now, your students are ready for their SMART goals the following day. 

Do you need help finding a resource for your students?

If you are looking to buy something for your students and help them in their Journey before diving into SMART Goals for students; this product is for you. 

Recommended Books

Lazy Ninja by Mary Nhin

My Strong Mind by Niels Van Hove

My Strong Mind II  by Niels Van Hove