Activity Overview
A long term goal may not be achieved for a year or longer. Although the end is far, action may be nearer than students realize. Ask students to reflect back to the previous activity. Have them remember the idea of progression and then read them this scenario.
Jim wants to run his own company. He wants to run a small IT company in the town he grew up it. His long term goal is to be able to support his family while creating jobs and opportunities for others. Currently Jim is in high school. He needs help with his action plan. In the next three cells, depict what Jim should do next for him to be able to achieve his goal.
After they read this scenario, have the students create a storyboard that identifies three actions Jim can take toward achieving his long term goal.. Long term goals may seem overwhelming and stressful. Action plans can relieve that stress and turn something scary into something achievable. This helps reinforce the learning object from the last activity. You may also ask students to do this exercise for their own long term goal as an extended or self reflection activity.
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
Jim wants to run his own company. He wants to run a small IT company in the town he grew up on. His long term goal is to be able to support his family while creating jobs and opportunities for others. Currently, Jim is in high school and he needs help with his action plan. In the next three cells, depict what Jim should do next for him to be able to achieve his goal.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first blank cell, create a visual of Jim’s first action step to achieve his long term goal with a title and description.
- Create a visual of his second action step to achieve his long term goal with a title and description.
- Finally create a visual of Jim’s third action step to achieve his long term goal with a title and description.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action One | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking action to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking action to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking action to fulfill a long term goal. The description fails to reinforce the purpose of this step and why it's important. |
| Action Two | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a second action building off the previous one to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a second action building off the previous one to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a second action building off the previous one to fulfill a long term goal. The description fails to reinforce the purpose of this step and why it's important. |
| Action Three | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a third action building off the previous two to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a third action building off the previous two to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a third action building off the previous two to fulfill a long term goal. The description fails reinforce the purpose of this step and why it's important. |
| Purpose and Grammar | Three cells were used in the storyboard to show an action plan. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Three cells were used in the storyboard to show an action plan. 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. |
Activity Overview
A long term goal may not be achieved for a year or longer. Although the end is far, action may be nearer than students realize. Ask students to reflect back to the previous activity. Have them remember the idea of progression and then read them this scenario.
Jim wants to run his own company. He wants to run a small IT company in the town he grew up it. His long term goal is to be able to support his family while creating jobs and opportunities for others. Currently Jim is in high school. He needs help with his action plan. In the next three cells, depict what Jim should do next for him to be able to achieve his goal.
After they read this scenario, have the students create a storyboard that identifies three actions Jim can take toward achieving his long term goal.. Long term goals may seem overwhelming and stressful. Action plans can relieve that stress and turn something scary into something achievable. This helps reinforce the learning object from the last activity. You may also ask students to do this exercise for their own long term goal as an extended or self reflection activity.
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
Jim wants to run his own company. He wants to run a small IT company in the town he grew up on. His long term goal is to be able to support his family while creating jobs and opportunities for others. Currently, Jim is in high school and he needs help with his action plan. In the next three cells, depict what Jim should do next for him to be able to achieve his goal.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first blank cell, create a visual of Jim’s first action step to achieve his long term goal with a title and description.
- Create a visual of his second action step to achieve his long term goal with a title and description.
- Finally create a visual of Jim’s third action step to achieve his long term goal with a title and description.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action One | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking action to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking action to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking action to fulfill a long term goal. The description fails to reinforce the purpose of this step and why it's important. |
| Action Two | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a second action building off the previous one to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a second action building off the previous one to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a second action building off the previous one to fulfill a long term goal. The description fails to reinforce the purpose of this step and why it's important. |
| Action Three | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a third action building off the previous two to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a third action building off the previous two to fulfill a long term goal. The description reinforces the purpose of this step and why it's important. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey Jim taking a third action building off the previous two to fulfill a long term goal. The description fails reinforce the purpose of this step and why it's important. |
| Purpose and Grammar | Three cells were used in the storyboard to show an action plan. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Three cells were used in the storyboard to show an action plan. 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. |
How Tos about Setting Goals: Plan of Action
How to Guide Students in Setting Realistic Short-Term Goals
Encourage students to break their long-term aspirations into smaller, achievable goals. Start with actions they can accomplish this week or month to build confidence and momentum.
Help Students Brainstorm Action Steps Together
Facilitate a class discussion where students suggest specific actions related to their goals. Group brainstorming sparks ideas and helps learners see different paths to success.
Model Creating a Visual Action Plan
Draw or project a sample storyboard showing a fictional student's goal and action steps. Explain each step visually and verbally so students understand how to map out their own plans.
Remind Students to Set Deadlines for Each Step
Guide students to add due dates to their short-term goals and action steps. Setting deadlines keeps them focused and accountable as they work toward their long-term objectives.
Celebrate Progress and Adjust Goals as Needed
Recognize students’ efforts when they reach an action step. Encourage reflection and allow for goal adjustments so students stay motivated and learn from their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Setting Goals: Plan of Action
What is an action plan for achieving long-term goals in middle school?
An action plan is a step-by-step guide that helps students break down a long-term goal into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes big goals less overwhelming and helps track progress more easily.
How can students create a storyboard to plan out goals?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing their goal into key steps, then drawing or writing each action in a separate cell. Adding titles and descriptions for each step helps visualize the journey to the goal.
Why is breaking down long-term goals important for students?
Breaking down long-term goals helps students avoid feeling overwhelmed and boosts motivation by showing achievable steps. It also makes it easier to measure progress and adjust the plan if needed.
What are some examples of action steps for a student wanting to start a business?
Examples include researching the industry, learning relevant skills like coding or marketing, and connecting with local business owners for mentorship. Each step brings students closer to their entrepreneurial goal.
How can teachers help students set and achieve long-term goals in the classroom?
Teachers can guide students through goal-setting activities, encourage them to make action plans, and provide ongoing support. Using tools like storyboards helps students visualize progress and stay focused.
More Storyboard That Activities
Setting Goals
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