Do your students own their learning? Or do they rely on you to let them know how they are doing in class? SMART goals can be taught using goal-setting worksheets that will empower your students to own their learning!

Last week, I introduced you to the importance of goal setting with your students: Teaching Students How to Set SMART Goals That Make an Impact on Their Learning.
But, are you hesitant to actually start this process with your students?
Are you wondering where to start? What kind of goals should we set?
It’s a lot easier than it sounds. So, read on.
The goal-setting process I’m going to explain relies on the acronym SMART.

Table of Contents
Where to Start
Before you can start helping your students create goals for themselves, you have to decide what to focus on. Goal setting is the epitome of differentiation for your students. Just as their instructional needs should be differentiated – their goals will be too. Some will need reading goals, some math, some behavioral – where should you start? Here’s a list of ideas that can get you started:
- The Number of Books Read
- Reading Fluency Rate
- Reading Comprehension Scores
- Math Facts
- Math Test Scores
- Weekly Assessments
- Improved Grades
- Behavioral: Interruptions, blurting out, getting out of seat
- Homework Completion
- Attendance
If the task or activity can be measured – you can create a goal for it!
Let me show you how easy it is!
How to Set Goals Using Worksheets with Sentence Starters
These worksheets make goal setting so much easier for students and teachers! The sentence starters help kids verbalize and explain what they want to achieve. They are perfect for students who are learning how to set goals.

This worksheet can be used for any type of math goal! They are also available for reading, math facts, Accelerated Reader, and Writing goals.
Using Goal Setting Worksheets Without Sentence Starters
Once your students have gotten the hang of setting goals – they can progress to the goal-setting worksheets without sentence starters. If we want them to own their learning – they need to be able to express their goals on their own – as long as they are SMART!

Riley is a reluctant reader, so this is a realistic goal for him. He needs to experience success so that he can see the value in it and how it affects his learning.
Rewarding Students for Goal Achievement
Of course, once a student reaches their goal – we want to acknowledge it. These certificates will do the trick! Kids LOVE to get recognition and these certificates will do that without costing you any $$$.

Using these worksheets will empower your students to own their learning because their goals are SMART! Once they experience success – they will want to do it MORE!
Are you ready to get your students setting goals this school year – no matter what grade level or subject? Or do you need to learn and know more? In this post, I share more details about goal setting!
If you are ready to start goal setting, grab this FREE Goal Setting resource!
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