How to Help Students Set and Achieve Goals, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Goals are targets.  Goals help us know what we are trying to accomplish.  Goals keep us focused.  Children and teens learn how to set and achieve goals through practice.

Help your child or teen set a goal.  The goal might involve learning a skill, improving performance in a subject or sport, or thinking ahead about college or career.

The Cool Rule taught in the Cool Kids curriculum lesson on setting goals is "Get it Done."  Guide your child or teen through the steps below.

1.  Know what needs to be done

• Set a specific goal.  Ask, "What do you want to learn, improve in, or accomplish?"
  
• Break down the goal into smaller steps.  Ask, "What steps will it take to achieve your goal?"

2.  Make a plan

• Decide when, where, and how you will complete each step for achieving the goal.
• Ask, "When and how will you complete each step?"

3.  Put the plan into action

• Follow the steps to your plan.
• Work hard.
• Change your plan as needed.
• Affirm progress and achievement of the goal emphasizing your child's effort in completing each step to achieve the goal.
• Say, "You worked hard, and your work paid off."  You can be proud of yourself."

Set specific goals in your family and celebrate when you achieve goals.  Success leads to more success.

Cool Kids is a social and emotional learning program that schools use to teach character and encourage positive behavior.  Permission granted for distribution of these tips by Cool Kids.  www.coolkidschannel.com