Do you use SMART Goals in your classroom? I started using them a few years back after I had visited another classroom and saw an interesting "goal" board on the wall. Happily, I had an opportunity to talk with the teacher and she explained that it was where students posted their own personalized goals. At that point I had never heard, nor seen, anything like it. But, I knew I wanted it for my class too.
I started to do a bit of poking around. I found a few different goal setting systems, but I was drawn to SMART Goals the most. I decided to pour my efforts into this method because it was clearly designed and student-friendly.
For our purposes, I used the acronym SMART to stand for the following:
S = Specifc
M = Measureable
A = Achieveable
R = Rewarding
T = Time
To start, I set up a Goal Center. I like to post the different components of a SMART Goal so the students can refer to the poster when setting their goals. Students are also given a mini-version of this poster to keep in their Data Folders.
The Goal Board was made using an old perpetual calendar. I simply added a bulletin board border around the perimeter and hand-lettered a header. I also laminated the entire board for durability.
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| The Goal Center |
Every year, within the first few days of school, I explain to students the idea behind SMART Goals. Each student has a Data Folder that is housed in a specific area of the classroom. Students set, reflect, and monitor their goal-setting each week. I typically set goals on Monday with the due date being either that Friday or the following Monday. The first few weeks it can take a bit longer. Some students have never set goals and they need a lot of modeling to become proficient and confident in goal setting.
I encourage students to set goals that are within the educational setting. They can set academic or social goals. The goals should be something they are able to control.
Examples of specific goals students can control:
"By Monday 9/10 I will read 5 chapters of Harry Potter #1."
"I will complete my homework every night this week."
"By Friday 9/14 I will master my multiplication facts for the number 5."
Examples of goals they cannot control or are too vague:
"My team will win kickball during PE."
"By Friday I will be better in math.
"By next Monday I will read my book."
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| The Goal Board Redesigned |
4 Steps to Using SMART Goals
1. Set the Goal
Students write their name, a "due" date, and a goal on a sticky note. At the beginning of the year, I will read/review each goal to ensure it meets all of the SMART criteria. Some students will need to rewrite the goal. However, as the year progresses, students are better able to write and monitor their goals independently.
2. Post the Goal
Students place their goals on the board.
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| Student Sticky Notes on the SMART Goal Board |
3. Reflect on the Goal
The following Monday (or due date) students will get their Data Folders, their sticky note, and reflect on the goal. They place their sticky note in the designated space on the reflection sheet and answer two parts: Did I meet my goal? and a Reflection Section.
4. Prepare the Next Goal
Students keep their goals throughout the year. They have a goal sheet that is given to them at the beginning of each month. I color-coordinate mine for organizational purposes. Keeping their goal sheets helps students look back on the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the year, to compare where they are current to where they began, and to possibly set up some long term goals.
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| Student Goal Reflection Sheet |
You can get the posters and goal sheets I use in my classroom for FREE in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store by clicking below:
Happy Goal Setting!