SEL: How to Set a Strong Goal (SMART Goals) Practice
Practice making goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
SEL: How to Set a Strong Goal (SMART Goals) Practice
Practice making goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
SEL - Grade 6-8
- 1
A student writes this goal: "I want to do better in math." Rewrite it as a SMART goal by making it specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Include what will improve, how you will measure it, and when it will happen.
A stronger SMART goal could be: I will raise my math quiz average from 72% to 80% by the end of the next six weeks by completing all homework and studying for 20 minutes three times each week. - 2
Identify which SMART part is missing from this goal: "I will read more books this semester." Explain your answer.
The goal is missing a clear measurable part because it does not say how many books the student will read. A measurable version would name a number, such as reading 4 books this semester. - 3
Complete the SMART chart for this goal: "I will turn in all science assignments on time for the next month by using my planner every day." Write one short note for each letter: S, M, A, R, and T.
Match each letter to a part of the goal.
S: The goal focuses on turning in science assignments on time. M: The student can measure whether all assignments are turned in on time. A: It is achievable because using a planner every day can help. R: It is relevant because completing science work supports learning and grades. T: The deadline is the next month. - 4
A goal says: "I will practice basketball for 3 hours every school night, even when I have homework." Is this goal achievable for most middle school students? Explain why or why not, then suggest a more achievable version.
This goal may not be achievable because 3 hours every school night could interfere with homework, rest, and other responsibilities. A more achievable version could be: I will practice basketball for 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next four weeks. - 5
Choose the stronger goal and explain why: A. "I will be nicer." B. "I will give one sincere compliment to a classmate or family member each school day for two weeks."
Look for details that make the goal easy to track.
Goal B is stronger because it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It names the action, how often it will happen, and the time period. - 6
Write a SMART goal for improving your study habits. Include what you will do, how often you will do it, and when you will check your progress.
One example is: I will study for social studies for 20 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday each week for the next four weeks, and I will check my quiz scores and planner at the end of each week to track my progress. - 7
This goal is measurable but not very relevant: "I will memorize 50 random phone numbers by Friday to improve my science grade." Explain why the goal is not relevant and revise it.
Relevant goals should connect clearly to the larger purpose.
The goal is not relevant because memorizing random phone numbers does not directly help with science learning or grades. A better goal could be: I will review my science vocabulary for 15 minutes every school night until Friday so I can improve my score on the unit quiz. - 8
Create a time-bound ending for this goal: "I will organize my binder by sorting papers into the correct sections." Write the complete goal with a deadline.
A complete time-bound goal could be: I will organize my binder by sorting papers into the correct sections by 7:00 p.m. this Friday. - 9
Look at this weekly goal plan: Monday - study 10 minutes, Tuesday - study 10 minutes, Wednesday - study 10 minutes, Thursday - study 10 minutes, Friday - take a practice quiz. Write a SMART goal that matches the plan.
Use the schedule to include the action, amount, and deadline.
A SMART goal that matches the plan is: I will prepare for my vocabulary quiz by studying for 10 minutes Monday through Thursday and taking a practice quiz on Friday this week. - 10
A student has this goal: "I will get straight A's by next week." Explain which SMART part may be unrealistic, and revise the goal to be more achievable.
The achievable part may be unrealistic because grades usually cannot change to straight A's in only one week. A more achievable goal could be: I will improve my English grade by completing all missing assignments and asking my teacher for feedback by the end of the next two weeks. - 11
Write one SMART goal for handling stress in a healthy way. It should include a coping strategy, a schedule, and a way to measure success.
Healthy coping strategies can include breathing, journaling, exercise, talking to a trusted adult, or taking a calm break.
One example is: I will practice deep breathing for 5 minutes after school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next three weeks, and I will rate my stress from 1 to 5 before and after each practice. - 12
Review this goal: "I will improve my friendships by being a better listener." Add at least two details to make it more specific and measurable.
A stronger version could be: I will improve my friendships by putting my phone away and asking at least one follow-up question during conversations with friends at lunch three times each week for the next month.