Your Future Goals Slide Deck
Your Future, Your Goals!
Setting Yourself Up for Success!
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome students and get them settled. Introduce the lesson's title and briefly explain that today they'll explore how to think about their future and set themselves up for success.
Warm-Up: What's Your Everest?
Think about a small achievement you're proud of.
Now, think about something you want to achieve in the future. It could be big or small!
Complete your Goal Getter Warm-Up
TEACHER NOTES: Explain that the warm-up is to get them thinking about achievements and aspirations. Allow a few minutes for students to complete the Goal Getter Warm-Up.
What is a Goal?
A goal is a desired result that a person plans and commits to achieve.
It's like a target you're aiming for!
TEACHER NOTES: Ask students for a few volunteers to share their responses from the warm-up, particularly about their future aspirations. Use these as a springboard into the definition of a goal.
Dreams vs. Goals
A Dream
Something you wish for, but might not have a clear plan to achieve.
A Goal
A dream with a deadline and a plan!
TEACHER NOTES: Discuss the difference between a dream and a goal. Emphasize that a dream becomes a goal when you attach a plan to it.
Why Are Goals Important?
Direction
They give you a clear path.
Motivation
They inspire you to work hard.
Progress
They help you track achievements.
Growth
They push you to learn new things.
TEACHER NOTES: Lead a brief discussion about why goal setting is important for 9th graders. Prompt them to think about school, personal growth, and future plans.
Making Goals SMART
To make your goals truly powerful, we use the SMART framework!
S
M
A
R
T
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the SMART acronym. Explain that this framework makes goals powerful and achievable. Tell them you'll break down each letter.
S
Specific
Your goal should be clear and well-defined. What exactly do you want to achieve?
Instead of:
"I want to do better in school."
Try:
"I want to increase my math grade to a B+ by the end of the semester."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain 'Specific'. Give an example of a non-specific goal and how to make it specific. Ask for student examples if time permits.
M
Measurable
How will you track your progress? Use numbers or clear indicators.
How will you know?
"I will check my grades weekly to see my progress towards a B+ in math."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain 'Measurable'. How will students know they've reached their goal? Provide a clear example.
A
Achievable
Is your goal realistic? Can you actually do it with the resources you have?
Can I do it?
"Yes, with consistent studying and asking for help, improving my grade by one letter is achievable."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain 'Achievable'. Emphasize that goals should be challenging but realistic. Discuss the difference between a goal being too easy and too hard.
R
Relevant
Is your goal important to you and aligned with your broader aspirations?
Why is this important to me?
"I want to pursue a career in engineering, and strong math skills are essential for my future."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain 'Relevant'. Connect the goal back to their personal aspirations and values. Why is this goal important to them?
T
Time-bound
When do you want to achieve this goal? Set a clear deadline.
By when?
"I will achieve a B+ in math by the end of the current semester (December 20th)."
TEACHER NOTES: Explain 'Time-bound'. Stress the importance of a deadline. This creates urgency and helps with planning.
Your Turn: Create Your SMART Goal!
Now, it's your chance to set your own SMART goal!
Complete your My SMART Goal Worksheet now!
TEACHER NOTES: Transition to the worksheet. Instruct students to use what they've learned to create their own SMART goal. Circulate and assist as they work on the My SMART Goal Worksheet.
Keep Aiming High!
Remember, setting SMART goals is a powerful tool for your future. You have the ability to achieve amazing things!
What's your next SMART goal?
TEACHER NOTES: Ask for volunteers to share their SMART goals or discuss a part of the SMART framework they found challenging. Reinforce the key takeaways and encourage continued goal setting.
My SMART Goal Worksheet
My SMART Goal
Action Plan Worksheet
Name
Date
Instructions: Use what you've learned about the SMART framework to turn a general idea into a powerful goal. Think about an academic or personal achievement you want to reach. Fill out each section below.
My Initial Goal Idea
Start with a general idea of what you want to achieve (e.g., "I want to get better at guitar").
S
Specific
What exactly do I want to achieve? Who is involved? Where? Why is this important?
M
Measurable
How will I track my progress? What are the specific indicators of success?
A
Achievable
Is this realistic given my resources? What steps can I take to make it happen?
R
Relevant
Does this align with my values? Is it the right time? Why does it matter to me personally?
T
Time-bound
What is my final deadline? Are there smaller milestones along the way?
My Final SMART Goal Statement
Combine all the elements above into one clear sentence (e.g., "I will [Specific Goal] by [Time] as measured by [Measurement] because [Reason]").
