Activity Overview
When we ask students to think about their goals and dreams in life, many times you get general statements without a feasible plan to accomplish them. Reinforcing the specific characteristics in creating SMART goals will help students form an outline to achieve their goals. After covering the different aspects of SMART goals, students will create a storyboard visualizing their goal.
| S | Specific |
|---|---|
| M | Measurable |
| A | Action |
| R | Realistic |
| T | Time |
Goals should be specific. Eliminating vague desired outcomes will help focus the next steps. Goals should be measurable. How will you know when your goal is achieved? Action is the next aspect. What do you have to do in order to reach your goal. Realistic is the fourth part of a SMART goal. Is your goal doable? Finally, the last aspect is time. How much time will you need to achieve your goal.
Also check out the version of SMART goals for business.
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
Create a visual representation of your SMART goal in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Define each definition of the titles in the description box below each cell.
- Come up with a goal you have and create a visual representation in the S cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of how you will measure your goal in the M cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of the actions you’ll take to achieve your goal in the A cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of a realistic way you’ll achieve your goal in the R cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of the time it’ll take to achieve your goal in the T cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what a specific goal looks like. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what a specific goal looks like. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Measurable | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how they would measure their goal. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how they would measure their goal. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Action | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what they could do to their goal. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what they could do to their goal. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Realistic | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how realistic their goal. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how realistic their goal. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Time | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict a time frame when their goal will be reached. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict a time frame when their goal will be reached. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Grammar | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates student understanding of SMART goals. | 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
When we ask students to think about their goals and dreams in life, many times you get general statements without a feasible plan to accomplish them. Reinforcing the specific characteristics in creating SMART goals will help students form an outline to achieve their goals. After covering the different aspects of SMART goals, students will create a storyboard visualizing their goal.
| S | Specific |
|---|---|
| M | Measurable |
| A | Action |
| R | Realistic |
| T | Time |
Goals should be specific. Eliminating vague desired outcomes will help focus the next steps. Goals should be measurable. How will you know when your goal is achieved? Action is the next aspect. What do you have to do in order to reach your goal. Realistic is the fourth part of a SMART goal. Is your goal doable? Finally, the last aspect is time. How much time will you need to achieve your goal.
Also check out the version of SMART goals for business.
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
Create a visual representation of your SMART goal in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Define each definition of the titles in the description box below each cell.
- Come up with a goal you have and create a visual representation in the S cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of how you will measure your goal in the M cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of the actions you’ll take to achieve your goal in the A cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of a realistic way you’ll achieve your goal in the R cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
- Create a picture of the time it’ll take to achieve your goal in the T cell. Briefly describe it in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what a specific goal looks like. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what a specific goal looks like. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Measurable | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how they would measure their goal. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how they would measure their goal. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Action | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what they could do to their goal. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict what they could do to their goal. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Realistic | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how realistic their goal. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict how realistic their goal. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Time | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict a time frame when their goal will be reached. The title indicates the step while the description accurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict a time frame when their goal will be reached. The title indicates the step while the description inaccurately explains the scenario depicted. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict choices. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Grammar | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates student understanding of SMART goals. | 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 What is Your SMART Goal?
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on SMART Goals
Guide your students to reflect on their goal-setting process by leading a class discussion that encourages sharing and learning from each other. This builds a supportive classroom environment and helps students deepen their understanding of SMART goals.
Start with open-ended questions about goals
Encourage students to share what types of goals they have and why those goals matter to them. Asking open-ended questions helps students think critically and connect personally with the topic.
Invite students to share their SMART goal storyboards
Give students the chance to present their storyboards to the class. Presenting visually allows peers to see different approaches and celebrate creativity in goal-setting.
Highlight specific examples of each SMART component
Point out strong examples of Specific, Measurable, Action, Realistic, and Time aspects from student work. Spotlighting these details reinforces key concepts and rewards careful thinking.
Encourage peer feedback in a positive way
Ask students to give one compliment and one suggestion to their classmates. Constructive feedback helps students improve and builds a growth mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is Your SMART Goal?
What is a SMART goal for students?
A SMART goal for students is a clearly defined objective that is Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-bound. This approach helps students set achievable goals with a clear plan for success.
How do you teach SMART goals in middle school?
To teach SMART goals in middle school, introduce each element (Specific, Measurable, Action, Realistic, Time), provide examples, and have students create storyboards or visuals for their own goals. This helps make the concept concrete and engaging.
Can you give an example of a SMART goal for a 6th grader?
Example: I want to improve my math grade from a C to a B by practicing 20 minutes daily and completing all homework for the next semester. This goal is specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound.
What are some easy classroom activities for setting SMART goals?
Easy classroom activities include using a SMART goal storyboard, group discussions about personal goals, and breaking down sample goals together. Visual projects, like drawing or digital storyboards, help students personalize the process.
Why is it important for students to set SMART goals?
Setting SMART goals helps students focus, stay motivated, and track their progress. It encourages responsibility and gives them a step-by-step plan to achieve both academic and personal growth.
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