Young students have so many goals they are trying to achieve without even realizing it. When was the last time you heard a child say, “I can’t do it”? I’m sure you hear it all the time, and your response is, “Yes, you can!” SMART Goals and a Growth Mindset help students achieve goals and take pride in what they accomplish. In this post, we’ll go over some examples of smart goals for students and why a growth mindset is so important! There are also some Growth Mindset Posters you will love using to help out your kiddos!
What are SMART Goals?
If you’ve never heard of SMART goals, they’re pretty simple. These goals became a popular way to help students become advocates of their own learning. By setting SMART goals, they can achieve more and be proud of themselves! SMART stands for:
- S – Specific – This means that the goals have real numbers with real deadlines.
- M – Measurable – Make the goal trackable somehow.
- A – Attainable – Make sure the goal is challenging but achievable.
- R – Realistic – Be honest with yourself about what can be attained.
- T – Timely – The deadline should be reasonable.
Examples of SMART Goals Kids Will Enjoy
Sometimes it can be tricky to come up with goals for the first time. Here are some great examples to get you and your students started. Use them exactly how they are, or change the wording to meet your needs. Hopefully, they give your students inspiration to create their own as well.
- Improve reading fluency by reading aloud for 10 minutes daily for the next month.
- Increase math problem-solving skills by completing 10 extra math problems each week for the next two months.
- Enhance vocabulary knowledge by learning five new words and using them in sentences every week for the next three months.
- Improve handwriting skills by practicing proper letter formation for 10 minutes each day for the next six weeks.
- Increase active participation in class discussions by asking at least one question or making one relevant comment during each lesson for the next two weeks.
- Improve organization skills by keeping a neat and tidy desk and backpack throughout the entire school year.
- Enhance critical thinking skills by solving puzzles or brain teasers for 15 minutes every day for the next three months.
- Improve time management skills by completing assigned tasks and homework within the given deadlines for the entire school year.
- Increase collaboration skills by actively participating in group projects and sharing ideas with peers for the next semester.
- Enhance digital literacy skills by learning to use a specific educational software or online tool proficiently by the end of the current quarter.
More Fun Examples of SMART Goals for Students
- Improve presentation skills by preparing and delivering a short speech or presentation to the class by the end of the next month.
- Increase physical fitness levels by engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day for the next three weeks.
- Enhance creativity by completing one art project or creative writing activity every week for the next two months.
- Improve problem-solving skills by participating in STEM challenges or solving real-life problems in the community for the next three months.
- Increase responsibility by consistently completing and submitting homework assignments on time for the entire school year.
- Enhance social skills by initiating conversations and engaging in cooperative play during recess for the next two months.
- Improve listening skills by actively listening and summarizing the main points of a story or lesson for the next four weeks.
- Increase self-reflection skills by writing in a journal for five minutes every day to reflect on personal experiences and growth throughout the entire school year.
- Enhance cultural awareness by researching and presenting information about a different country or culture every month for the rest of the school year.
- Improve study habits by creating and following a consistent study routine for at least 30 minutes each day for the next six weeks.
Notice how the deadline is attainable! While it makes sense to complete your homework for the entire year, a great way to put it into practice is to create a shorter-term goal to begin and grow from there. Remember, when setting goals, it’s important to tailor them to the specific needs and abilities of each student and to regularly monitor progress and provide support along the way. Obviously, some of these won’t work for all grades, but you get the idea.
How SMART Goals and Growth Mindset Relate
SMART Goals and a Growth Mindset go hand in hand because the focus is creating and carrying out specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals. The growth mindset caters to goals that are ever-growing. They use the power of YET to reach bigger goals as a student progresses.
Since SMART goals focus on achievements met in a realistic amount of time, there is room to grow. For example, once a student meets their weekly goal, they can start applying it to the whole month, then the whole quarter, and finally the whole year! It just keeps growing!
I created Calm Pastel Growth Mindset Posters your kids will love seeing in the classroom! Try them out and see how much positivity grows. Show students how they can grow in all areas of their lives.
Be sure to check out the full Calm Pastel Bundle, packed with TONS of colorful posters, bulletin borders, printables, labels, and so much more. Find FREE printables in the Freebie Vault too!
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