Lesson 208: Setting small goals

❤️ SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Understanding Myself

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Objective

I can choose a small goal for myself and break it into tiny steps. I can plan one small action to try today and remember that trying again helps me grow.

Materials

Mini-lesson — What is a small goal?

A goal is something you want to do or get better at. A small goal uses tiny steps that feel safe and possible for you.

Examples of small goals

  • "I want to read one short book with an adult each day."
  • "I want to put my toys away after I play."
  • "I want to practise tying one shoe each afternoon."

Big goal vs. small steps

  • A big goal might feel heavy or too far away.
  • Small steps are like little stairs that help you climb slowly.
  • We can ask, "What is one tiny thing I can do today?"

Good small goals

  • They are kind to your body and feelings.
  • They are safe and do not hurt anyone.
  • They are clear (you know what to do).
  • They are small enough to try in a short time.

Trying and trying again

  • Sometimes we reach a goal; sometimes we practise again.
  • Every try is part of learning.
  • We can say, "I am still working on this."

Adults can help children pick gentle, realistic goals that match their age, health, and family needs.

Picture strip: Climbing a small goal ladder

Guided Practice — My small goal ladder

You and an adult will choose one small goal and break it into three tiny steps.

  1. On a notebook page, draw a big ladder with three steps. Leave room to write on each step.
  2. With the adult, think of one small goal that feels kind and safe. Examples: "I want to read for 5 minutes." or "I want to put my shoes on the shelf."
  3. At the top of the page, write or trace your goal in a simple sentence, such as "My small goal is to read 5 minutes."
  4. Now think of three tiny steps that can help. For example:
    • Step 1: "Choose a book."
    • Step 2: "Sit in my reading spot."
    • Step 3: "Read with an adult for 5 minutes."
    Write or trace one step on each ladder step.
  5. Add a small picture next to each step to show what it looks like.
  6. Read the three steps out loud with the adult. The adult can say, "These are kind, possible steps for you."
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: As you trace, say a sentence such as "Small steps help me reach my goal."

Practice — Today's tiny goal card

Use this practice to help your child choose one tiny goal for today and notice when they have tried it.

  1. On a new page, draw a simple card shape and title it "Today's tiny goal".
  2. With the adult, choose one very small action to try today, linked to the child's ladder goal. Example: "Today I will put my shoes on the shelf one time."
  3. Write or trace the tiny goal in a short sentence on the card. Keep it clear and kind.
  4. Draw a picture of yourself trying the tiny goal.
  5. Add a little box at the bottom that says "I tried it" with a checkbox. At the end of the day, the adult and child can check the box together if the child tried, even if it was not perfect.
  6. Say a sentence together, such as "I am proud that I tried my tiny goal." The adult can add, "We can choose a new tiny goal another day."

Quick Check — Setting small goals

Answer each question about goals, small steps, and trying again.

1) What is a goal?

A goal is something you want to do or improve.

2) Which is an example of a small goal?

A small goal is short and realistic, like reading for 5 minutes.

3) Why do we use small steps for goals?

Small steps make goals feel easier to reach.

4) Which sentence is a good tiny step?

Putting toys in the box is a clear, small step.

5) Which tiny goal is kind and safe?

Good goals are kind and safe for your body.

6) You forget to try your tiny goal today. What is a helpful thought?

Trying again on another day is part of reaching goals.

7) Who can help you choose a good goal for you?

Trusted adults can help you choose gentle, realistic goals.

8) Which sentence shows kind self-talk about goals?

Kind self-talk remembers that learning takes time and small steps.

9) When you finish or try a tiny goal, what can you do?

It is good to notice your effort and feel proud.

10) What is one big goal of this lesson?

The goal is to use small, kind steps to work on goals.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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