Goal Setting Wonders

         Over the summer, I had no idea of what to expect in regards to Classroom Champions.  I only knew I wanted to motivate my students.  Giving them that extra push is really important to me.  Not only do I teach in a Title I district, but also I grew up in on deep in the south (Eupora, Mississippi).  I saw the struggle first hand when it came to people leaving the area and bettering themselves.  It all begins with setting a goal and having someone believe in you.  This is what I want to give my students.

         We started out with the reveal of our Classroom Champions Mentor.  Each student received an envelope containing clues.  I wanted to open the discussion of goals after the students welcomed someone else into their lives that they knew cared.  I was concerned about student buy in initially, but the second the students heard my name they were sold.  The whispers of, “She knows Ms. Foster.” filled the room.  Alex Rigsby elevated me to a level of cool I had yet to know.

         The way goal setting was broken down in the video led me to create a stair type visual so students could visualize ascending a staircase of smaller goals to get to their big goal.  During our lesson, students began brainstorming ideas of possible goals and they were truly reaching for the stars in an effort to make their teacher and mentor proud.   The examples our mentor gave in her video truly resonated with a number of students.   One student, identified as gifted, found out that making more friends could be a valid goal.   When this goal was shared with our class, his should partner whispered, “Can I be your friend?” 

Goal Setting Worksheet

         Students continued to share and lift each other up during their team discussions learning that a goal does not belong to a single person.  A goal belongs to everyone who cares.  We are going to form goals for reading and math based on test score using a similar format.  Parents were excited to see their child’s goal page on their personal ClassDojo story.  I cannot wait to see what students will come up with for their academic goals.

Eduardo wants to get improve his reading like his friend. 

Miranda wants to get better at soccer.

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