Goal setting is a great way to promote the development of important social and emotional skills in children. Here are five resources to teach children the benefits of goal setting.

Goal setting is a great way to promote the development of important social and emotional skills in children. It helps to increase their self-confidence, teaches resilience and provides the motivation needed to reach their goals. According to HumanBean.com, "the idea with goal setting for kids is to get them started in the life-long frame of mind for thinking, planning and taking action to achieve results." Children are naturally great goal-setters and educators can encourage and develop their ideas into attainable goals.

Here are five resources to teach children the benefits of goal setting:

  • Read Elli the Ant, a story about an ant who knew the importance of his task and overcame many distractions to reach his goal. The book inspires children to work towards their dreams despite what happens around them. It's also available in PDF format.
  • Check out the Goal Setting for Students and Goal Setting / January Lessons boards on Pinterest for free printables and activity ideas to help students set and achieve goals in the learning environment.
  • Visit the Women's and Children's Health Network website, which gives children a lesson on goal setting and teaches them how to visualize their goals, make affirmations and stick to their goals.
  • Try this goal-setting activity from Character.org, which uses the story "Amazing Grace" to discuss goals, obstacles and overcoming those obstacles.
  • Visit the Classroom Champions website to view videos from athletes, educators and students on the importance of goal setting and how to effectively set and reach goals.

Goal setting is beneficial to students in many ways. It helps them learn that they are responsible for their own successes and failures and teaches them how to prioritize their time, among other things. Help your students learn the benefits of goal setting and set them on the path to life-long achievement.

For more information on goal setting for students, visit:

The Impact of Goal Setting for Students

How to Set Goals {Achieving Goals}

Back to School: Goal Setting With Your Students