MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK

Learning Goals

In Visit 4, students will:

Define the concept of a goal
Describe the relationship between goals and decision-making
Understand the difference between short and long-term goals, and identify examples of each
Identify a dream they have for their lives; and that they can achieve anything with education and positive life choices
Understand that setting goals is the process for fulfilling their dreams

Introduction and Icebreaker

Remember-- Visit Volunteer Tested Ideas from the Classroom for more ideas!

Set the tone by revisiting your classroom rules and expectations. Introduce this visit by defining a goal. Discuss the impact decisions have on goals. Identify the relationship of goals to decisions, consequences and risks, and values, e.g., if you want to graduate, you need know which classes to take and pass them.

Exercide #1: Goals

Exercise Objectives: Students will be able to identify long-term and short-term goals for themselves.

Preparation: Identify personal goals you set for yourself when you were young. Be prepared to identify the value of achieving (or not achieving) the goals you set.

Presentations Suggestions: Lead a discussion about the importance of setting SMART goals. Discuss each word in the acronym and then brainstorm examples of SMART goals. Write the examples on the board. Apply examples for each statement in the exercise. Share personal examples of goals you set when you were young. Include short-term and long-term goals in the example. Address such questions as: how did you stay motivated; and, was your effort was worthwhile. Ask the students to independently complete the statements with goals they would like to achieve.

Exercide #2: Setting a Goald

Objective: Students will be able to set a goal and understand how to achieving it.

Preparation: Decide if graduating from high school is an appropriate goal to discuss for your class. If you would prefer to discuss a different goal, determine the goal. (Make sure it is a SMART goal!)

Presentation Suggestions: Ask the students to close their eyes and imagine themselves at their college or apprentice graduation. Guide them through what the event might look like and how it might feel to receive a diploma. Then ask them to back-up to the present and lead a discussion about planning to achieve the goal of graduating from college or apprenticeship. Explain that identifying goals helps lead us toward positive futures. Emphasize values and decision-making while you complete this exercise as a class.

Exercise #3: Imagine

Objective: Students will be able to describe a dream and will be able to identify goals required to achieve their dream. The goal of this exercise is to get the kids to dream big and then help them determine how to reach their dream.

Preparation: Identify a dream job that you had for yourself and the steps you did or did not take to reach that dream to share with the class. You may also want to prepare by choosing a job you think the students would be interested in having. Answer the questions before you get to class.

Presentation Suggestions:

Share a dream job with the class. Brainstorm ideas and answers with the students for each question and write them down on the board.
Ask questions like: "Who should they contact to learn more about their 'dream' job?" Emphasize the importance of basic communication skills, i.e., writing, reading listening, and speaking. Let bilingual students know that speaking two languages can really help them.
Once you have finished brainstorming, have the students complete the exercise. Be prepared for plenty of questions. Ask students to share their answers.

The Famous Me of The Future

Exercise Objective: Students will be able to describe a long-term goal and how it is achieved using a creative writing exercise.

Preparation: Make copies of the exercise so you can assign it for homework without asking the student to take their workbooks home.

Presentation Suggestions: This is a good exercise to assign for homework. Ask students to write a story about themselves achieving their dream. Share with them the importance of being able to visualize yourself achieving your goal and the steps you take to get there.

Visit Summary

Recap your visit by asking the students a few questions that reflect their understanding of the visit goals. For example: "Why are goals important?", "What is the difference between a short-term goal and a long-term goal?", and "How can goal setting help you achieve your dream?" Review your expectations of any assigned homework and end the visit by thanking students for their time. Let them know when you will see them again. Collect the books and give them to the teacher to keep in the classroom.