Goal Setting & New Year Reflection Lesson Pack (Grades 3–8)

Goal Setting & New Year Reflection Lesson Pack (Grades 3–8)

Start the new year strong with this engaging Goal Setting and Reflection Lesson Pack! Perfect for grades 3–8, this SEL and ELA resource helps students look back on the past year, identify strengths, and set meaningful SMART goals for the months ahead. It’s an inspiring way to build community, self-awareness, and motivation in your classroom.

What’s Included

• 2-hour, ready-to-teach lesson plan (120 minutes)
• Goal Setting & Reflection PowerPoint Slides for guided discussion
• Printable student worksheet (reflection + goal planning)
• Answer key / sample responses for teacher support
• Differentiation tips for grades 3–5 and 6–8
• Optional extensions: goal tracker, class goal wall, parent discussion

How It Works in the Classroom

• Begin with a warm-up reflection and whole-group discussion
• Model growth mindset language (“I learned…”, “Next time I will…”)
• Students write and share three personal goals (academic, personal, and social/health)
• Wrap up with a class reflection to reinforce responsibility and motivation
• Use for SEL lessons, morning meetings, advisory, or the first week back after break

Standards & Learning Goals

Students will:

• Reflect on personal growth and learning experiences
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Write age-appropriate SMART goals
• Develop action steps and timelines
• Practice communication and peer feedback

Why Teachers Love It

• Builds classroom community and emotional awareness
• Encourages student ownership of learning
• Easy to differentiate and adapt for multiple grade levels
• Perfect New Year’s, mid-year, or goal-setting week activity
• Low prep — just print or project and teach!

Help your students start the new year with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Add this Goal Setting & New Year Reflection Lesson to your SEL toolbox today!