Reach for the Stars Lesson Plan Reach for the Stars!
Goal Setting Lesson Plan • Grade 3
Tier 1 Instruction
Time & Audience
Duration: 30 MinutesSetting: Whole ClassGrade: 3rd Grade
Objective
Students will be able to define what a goal is, identify a personal goal, and list at least two steps to achieve their goal.
Materials Needed
Whiteboard or Projector
Reach for the Stars! Presentation
My Goal Starters Warm-Up
Goals: Reach for the Stars! Script
Goal Steps Challenge Activity
Goal Path Race Game Cards
My Goal Journey Worksheet
One Step Forward Cool-Down
Pencils or markers
Why This Matters
Understanding how to set and work towards goals helps students develop self-discipline, perseverance, and a sense of accomplishment, which are essential life skills. This aligns with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors: M 1 (Belief in self) and B-LS 1 (Healthy self-concept).
Prep (10 Minutes)
Review the script and presentation slides.
Ensure projector/audio is ready for the video.
Print student materials (Warm-up, Worksheet, Cool-down).
Cut out the Goal Cards for the Path Race game.
Have sticky notes or index cards ready for the game.
Instructional Sequence
5 Min
Introduction & Warm-Up
Use "My Goal Starters" to help students identify one thing they want to improve. Briefly share responses.
7 Min
Direct Instruction & Video
Define "Goal" using the slide deck. Watch the kid-friendly video. Discuss why goals are helpful for growth.
8 Min
Guided Practice: Goal Steps
Students complete the "Goal Steps Challenge" by breaking a personal goal into 2-3 small steps. Partner share.
5 Min
Activity: Goal Path Race
Group game where students sequence steps for common goals using cards and sticky notes.
5 Min
Review & Cool-Down
Complete "My Goal Journey" worksheet and exit ticket cool-down. Collect for assessment.
Reach for the Stars Script Reach for the Stars! Script
Instructional Guide for Grade 3 Goal Setting
5 Min
Part 1: Introduction & Warm-Up
Script:
"Good morning, Super Stars! Today, we're going on an exciting adventure to talk about something that can help all of us shine even brighter: Goals! Has anyone heard of a goal before? What do you think it means?"
(Allow a few student responses.)
"That's a great start! To warm up our brains, I want everyone to grab a My Goal Starters Warm-Up sheet. On this paper, I want you to quickly jot down one thing you want to get better at, or something new you want to try. Maybe you want to learn to tie your shoes, or get better at reading, or even learn a new game!"
(Give students 1-2 minutes to write.)
"Now, turn to a partner next to you and share what you wrote. Tell them why you want to get better at it or try it. Why is it important to you?"
7 Min
Part 2: Direct Instruction & Video
"Let's dive deeper into what a goal actually is. Look at our Reach for the Stars! Presentation . Our first slide asks, 'What is a Goal?' A goal is simply something you want to do or be good at. It's like a target you're aiming for! It helps you know where you're going."
"Now, we're going to watch a quick video that will show us more about setting goals. Pay close attention to what the kids in the video want to achieve and how they plan to do it!"
(Play the video from Slide 3.)
"Wow, wasn't that interesting? What did you learn from the video about goals? Why do you think goals are important for us?"
8 Min
Part 3: Goal Steps Challenge
"That was a great discussion! Now, here's a secret about big goals: they're usually achieved by taking lots of small steps! It's like climbing a ladder, one rung at a time. We're going to try that out now with our Goal Steps Challenge Activity ."
"On your paper, you'll see a big star. In that star, I want you to write your personal goal. Then, on the lines below, write down 2 or 3 small steps you need to take to reach that goal. For example, if your goal is 'read 10 chapter books,' your first step might be 'choose my first chapter book.'"
(Give students 4-5 minutes to work. Circulate and assist.)
5 Min
Part 4: Goal Path Race
"Ready for a fun game? We're going to play the Goal Path Race Game ! I'm going to split you into small teams, and each team will get a goal card. Your job will be to brainstorm as many small steps as you can to reach that goal and arrange them in order to create a 'goal path'."
(Facilitate game. Debrief by asking why steps are important and what happens if we skip one.)
5 Min
Part 5: Review & Cool-Down
"To help you remember your goals, we're going to complete the My Goal Journey Worksheet . Finally, we'll do the One Step Forward Cool-Down . Write down one new thing you learned today and one small step you'll take starting tomorrow!"
"Remember, every big journey starts with a small step. Keep reaching for those stars!"
Reach for the Stars Presentation Reach for the Stars!
Setting Goals for Success
What do you want to achieve?
What is a Goal?
A goal is something you want to do or be good at!
It's like a target you're aiming for!
It helps you know where you're going!
Watch & Learn: Setting Goals!
Embedded media
Listen for examples of goals and steps!
Why Set Goals?
Goals help us learn new things!
Goals help us get better at things!
Goals make us feel proud!
"Why do you think setting goals is helpful?"
Goals Have Steps!
Big goals can be reached with small steps.
1 What's the first thing you need to do?
2 What comes next?
Time to Set
YOUR Goals!
Get ready to think about what you want to achieve and the steps you'll take to get there!
My Goal Starters Warm Up MY GOAL STARTERS
Step 1: Write it down!
What is one thing you want to get better at, or something new you want to try?
Step 2: Share with a partner!
Turn to a partner and share what you wrote. Why do you want to get better at it or try it?
Goal Steps Challenge Activity Goal Steps Challenge
BREAK IT DOWN TO REACH THE TOP!
Grade 3
Instructions: Think of a goal you have. It could be for school, home, or sports! Write your goal in the BIG STAR below.
Then, think of the small steps you need to take. Write each step on a line. You need at least 2 steps!
My Goal:
Write your goal here!
Steps to Reach My Goal:
1
2
3
BONUS: Share your goal and steps with a classmate! Ask them for one idea to help you with a step.
Goal Path Race Game Goal Path Race
Classroom Team Building Activity
How to Play:
Work in small teams. Your teacher will give your team one goal card.
Brainstorm as many small steps as you can to reach that goal.
Write each step on a separate sticky note or piece of paper.
Arrange your steps in the right order (1 to 5+) to create a Goal Path on your desk.
The first team with a logical 5-step path wins!
Printable Goal Cards
CARD 1
Learn to play a new song on the recorder!
CARD 2
Dribble a basketball 20 times in a row!
CARD 3
Write a super cool short story!
CARD 4
Help with chores every day for a whole week!
CARD 5
Collect and recycle plastic bottles for one month!
Discussion Questions:
Was it easy or hard to break the goal into steps? Why is it important to have steps? What happens if you skip one?
My Goal Journey Worksheet My Goal Journey
REACH FOR THE STARS! • GRADE 3
Name:
Date:
My Super Star Goal!
What is one big goal you want to achieve? Think about something you really want to do or get better at.
The Steps to Get There!
Break your big goal into smaller steps. List at least 3 steps.
1
2
3
4
(Optional)
How Will I Know I Reached My Goal?
What will it look or feel like when you accomplish your goal?
Draw Your Goal!
Draw a picture of yourself achieving your goal! What does success look like?
KEEP REACHING FOR THE STARS!
One Step Forward Cool Down ONE STEP FORWARD
Exit Ticket Reflection
Take a moment to think about everything we learned today about goals.
1
One new thing you learned about setting goals:
2
One small step you will take towards your personal goal:
BONUS CHALLENGE:
Share your answer to number 2 with the person next to you before you turn this in!
