Helping Children Set Goals For The School Year
It’s the beginning of a new school year, and teachers have been busy setting classroom goals and expectations for their students. But it’s also important to spend some time at home discussing what your children want to achieve this school year and what you expect.
Having children set academic and personal goals for the school year can empower them to think independently and build self-confidence. Children are more likely to be motivated to achieve goals that they have set themselves.
Journey and I began this exercise when she started first grade. A week or so before school starts, we talk about what goals she would like to accomplish during the school year, and she writes them down in a journal. Then she posts them where she can see them daily to stay on track.
Once she sets her goals, we talk about how to accomplish them. To help her better define her goals and determine what steps she needs to take to achieve them, I ask questions like…
- What are a few of your strengths, and how can they help you succeed this school year?
- What are some areas that you can use some improvement?
- Are there any new skills you want to learn or improve?
- What strategies can you use to overcome any obstacles you may encounter?
- What skills can you contribute to your school community to make it better?
How can I support you?
You can do this whole exercise in 30 minutes or less. Or you can do it over a few days like I usually do, discussing the goals during one conversation and the action plan during another. You can also discuss while you make dinner, at the dinner table, or in the car.
Taking the time to help your kids develop goal-setting strategies can set them up for long-term personal, academic, and professional success.
Be Inspired,
