Activity Overview
Teens are constantly challenged in making decisions. (Should they try out for a team? Join a club? See friends? Do homework?) We want them to make the best choice every time, because even little decisions may have unforeseen consequences. Developmentally speaking, children are not naturally thinking about the future, instead living in the moment. Setting goals is a great way to help them stay on track and think about the BIG picture. In this activity, students will visualize where they want to be in five years and ten years. This will provide them with big picture milestones that they can work toward while creating their ideal self!
For additional activities to further this exercise, check out our goal setting lesson plan.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Show your ideal self at two different times in your future life by creating a three-cell storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Fill in the title boxes with Present, Five Years From Now, and Ten Years From Now.
- In the first cell, create a image of who you are today.
- In the second cell, create an image of who you want to be in five years.
- In the third cell, create an image of who you want to be in ten years.
- Put a brief description of what you created in the cell above and include a decision that was made.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal Self-Concept | The student was able to show two examples of a positive ideal self. Their creation of an ideal self was a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. | The student was able to show one example of a positive ideal self. Their creation of an ideal self was a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. | The student was unable to show an example of a positive ideal self. Their creation wasn't a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. |
| Structure of the Storyboard | There were three cells used with each cell having a title with a timeline and a description of what their ideal self is. The description is brief, providing adequate context for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. | The description does not provide enough information in one or more cells for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. | The description does not provide enough information in all cells for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. |
| Use of Conventions | The student uses ideal spelling and grammar with few to no mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content for the reader. |
Activity Overview
Teens are constantly challenged in making decisions. (Should they try out for a team? Join a club? See friends? Do homework?) We want them to make the best choice every time, because even little decisions may have unforeseen consequences. Developmentally speaking, children are not naturally thinking about the future, instead living in the moment. Setting goals is a great way to help them stay on track and think about the BIG picture. In this activity, students will visualize where they want to be in five years and ten years. This will provide them with big picture milestones that they can work toward while creating their ideal self!
For additional activities to further this exercise, check out our goal setting lesson plan.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Show your ideal self at two different times in your future life by creating a three-cell storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Fill in the title boxes with Present, Five Years From Now, and Ten Years From Now.
- In the first cell, create a image of who you are today.
- In the second cell, create an image of who you want to be in five years.
- In the third cell, create an image of who you want to be in ten years.
- Put a brief description of what you created in the cell above and include a decision that was made.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal Self-Concept | The student was able to show two examples of a positive ideal self. Their creation of an ideal self was a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. | The student was able to show one example of a positive ideal self. Their creation of an ideal self was a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. | The student was unable to show an example of a positive ideal self. Their creation wasn't a depiction of who they want to be at a future point in time. |
| Structure of the Storyboard | There were three cells used with each cell having a title with a timeline and a description of what their ideal self is. The description is brief, providing adequate context for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. | The description does not provide enough information in one or more cells for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. | The description does not provide enough information in all cells for the reader to understand the decision(s) that were made to become their ideal self. |
| Use of Conventions | The student uses ideal spelling and grammar with few to no mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content for the reader. |
How Tos about Here I am... Setting Goals for Myself
Guide students to set realistic short-term goals
Begin by discussing what short-term goals are and how they help achieve long-term dreams. Explain that goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable so students can track their progress and feel motivated.
Brainstorm personal goals as a class
Encourage students to share examples of short-term goals in academics, hobbies, or friendships. List their ideas on the board to inspire everyone and help students realize they are not alone in their aspirations.
Have each student write one short-term goal
Ask students to write a specific goal they want to achieve in the next month. Guide them to use clear language, such as "I will read 3 books" or "I will join a new club." This builds ownership and clarity.
Help students list steps to reach their goal
Support students as they break their goals into 2–3 actionable steps. For example, if the goal is to improve a grade, steps could include setting aside study time and asking for help when needed.
Check in weekly and celebrate progress
Set aside a few minutes each week for students to share updates or challenges. Celebrate small wins as a class to boost motivation and reinforce the value of goal setting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Here I am... Setting Goals for Myself
What is a goal setting activity for middle or high school students?
A goal setting activity for grades 6-12 helps students visualize their future by creating a storyboard showing their present self, and who they want to become in five and ten years. This encourages long-term thinking and decision-making skills.
How can I teach students to set personal goals?
To teach students to set personal goals, guide them through visualizing their ideal future selves and identifying key decisions that will help them reach those goals. Activities like storyboarding their present and future selves make goal setting concrete and motivating.
Why is goal setting important for teens?
Goal setting is important for teens because it helps them look beyond immediate choices, develop future-oriented thinking, and make decisions that align with their long-term aspirations. This builds self-esteem and responsibility.
What are some easy goal setting lesson ideas for K-12 classrooms?
Easy goal setting lesson ideas include having students create storyboards of their present and future selves, writing vision statements, or reflecting on decisions that impact their long-term goals. These activities are quick, engaging, and adaptable for different grade levels.
How does visualizing the future help students develop self-esteem?
Visualizing the future encourages students to see their potential and plan steps toward personal growth. By imagining success, they build confidence and motivation, which strengthens self-esteem.
More Storyboard That Activities
Self Esteem
!["I Am..." Self Esteem Poster Activity](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/10803320/cell-row-0-col-0-w400.png ""I Am..." Self Esteem Poster")
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
