The beginning of the school year is similar to the beginning of the New Year.  It’s an opportunity to create goals with the intent of making positive changes.  We call them our resolutions and now is a perfect time to think about resolutions for the 2014-15 school year.

For example, maybe this school year you’d like to work on sending out a monthly class newsletter.  Or perhaps you’d like to integrate more collaborative math projects into your curriculum.  Or, if you’re a parent, your goal may be to volunteer on a regular basis in the classroom.

The key, of course, is to not let those great intentions fall by the wayside as the weeks roll by.  That’s why it’s important to create SMART goals:

Specific – target a specific area

Measurable – define the steps to accomplish the goal

Attainable – consider your ability to make it happen

Realistic – make sure the goal is not too lofty

Timely – set a reasonable time frame

That said, it’s still so easy to fall off the goal wagon.  So here are some simple tips:

• Write down your goals keeping in mind that they need to be SMART.  Research shows that successful people really do take pen to paper when it comes to their goals.
• Include the reasons for your goals.  This helps you focus on the benefits and will ultimately keep you motivated.
• Commit to your calendar.  “Calendar” the specific dates you want things done from baby steps along the way to completion dates.
• Share your goals with others.  Involving others in your goals has a nifty way of keeping you focused and on track! And don’t forget to share your progress along the way, too.
• Piggy-backing on the last tip, create goals together.  Sharing the work load helps ensure that things get done, so why not have more than one person working on the same goal?  For example, team teachers can alternate writing that monthly newsletter or parents from the same classroom can alternate weeks in the classroom.

One final tip.  Consider having your students/children make their own goals for the school year.  Learning how to set and achieve goals is an important life skill.  Those who have a plan have a better chance of accomplishing what they set out to do. That’s because when they’re confronted with choices, they know their goals and make their decisions based on them.  Here’s a simple goal-planning activity sheet that I’ve use with my students*.