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Empowering Kids Through Goal Setting: Fun Activities to Boost Motivation and Confidence

Goal Setting is an important life skill that can have a huge impact on a child's self-esteem, school performance, and overall happiness. But let's face it, getting kids excited about setting goals can be tricky. In this post, we'll dive into why goal setting is so important for kids and share a bunch of fun, hands-on goal setting for kids activities to help them dream big and achieve their goals.


The Psychology of Goal Setting for Kids:

Research shows that kids who set their own goals are more invested, motivated, and likely to stick with it, even when things get tough. It is widely accepted that writing down goals can make you far more likely to achieve them. Plus, psychology professor Gail Matthews discovered that sharing your goals with someone who believes in you makes you even more likely to succeed.


goal-setting activities for kids

Why? It all comes down to the brain's reward system. When kids think about achieving a goal, their brains release dopamine—a feel good chemical that boosts focus, motivation, and happiness. By getting kids involved in the goal setting process, we can tap into this natural motivation booster and help them develop a growth mindset.





Tips for Effective Goal Setting with Kids:


1. Encourage Ownership: Let kids choose their own goals. This makes them feel more invested and confident.

2. Use a Facilitative Approach: Ask questions to help kids figure out their interests and dreams, rather than telling them what to do.

3. Break It Down: Help kids break big goals into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the process less overwhelming and more doable.

4. Anticipate Obstacles: Talk about potential challenges and come up with backup plans. This builds problem solving skills and perseverance.

5. Celebrate Progress: Celebrate even the smallest wins. This keeps kids motivated and reinforces the brain's reward system.

6. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a safe space where kids feel comfortable sharing their goals and challenges without fear of judgment.


Fun Goal Setting for Kids Activities:


goal-setting activities for kids vision board free download

1. Vision Board Creation:

 A vision board is a collage of images, words, and symbols that represent a child's dreams and aspirations. This visual representation serves as a daily reminder of their goals and keeps them motivated.

   

How to Create:

     1. Give your child a large piece of poster board or a corkboard.

     2. Gather magazines, newspapers, printouts, stickers, and other craft supplies.

     3. Have your child cut out or draw images and words that represent their goals and dreams.

     4. Arrange and glue the images and words onto the board in a visually appealing way.

     5. Display the vision board where your child can see it every day.

    

Vision boards help kids visualize their goals and dreams, making them feel more real and achievable.


 Download the Vision Board Template Here.


2. Yearly Bucket List:


goal-setting activities for kids bucket list free download

A yearly bucket list is a list of accomplishments, experiences, or achievements that a child wants to have over the course of the year. This helps them stay motivated and track their progress.



How to Create:

     1. Give your child a notebook or a printable template.

     2. Ask them to brainstorm and write down a list of things they want to achieve or experience in the coming year.

     3. Encourage them to be specific and include a mix of short-term and long-term goals.

     4. Review the list periodically and celebrate the completion of each item.


Creating a yearly bucket list helps kids set both short-term and long-term goals, giving them a sense of accomplishment throughout the year.


 Download the Yearly Bucket List Template Here.


3. Wheel of Fortune:

The Wheel of Fortune is a visual tool divided into different segments, each representing a specific area of life. Kids set goals in each segment and celebrate the achievement of each goal.

    How to Create:

     1. Draw a large circle divided into segments on a piece of paper.

     2. Label each segment with a different area of life, such as school, sports, hobbies, friendships, etc.

     3. Have your child set a specific goal for each segment and write it down.

     4. As your child achieves each goal, celebrate the accomplishment and mark the segment as completed.


The Wheel of Fortune helps kids balance their goals across different areas of life, promoting a well rounded approach to personal growth.

    


4. 3 Stars and a Wish:

goal-setting activities for kids 3 stars and a wish free download

The 3 Stars and a Wish activity promotes self reflection and goal setting. Kids identify three things they did well and one thing they want to improve or achieve.







How to Create:

     1. Give your child the 3 Stars and a Wish worksheet or a blank piece of paper.

     2. Ask them to write down three things they did well in a specific area (e.g., school, sports, behavior) and one thing they want to improve or achieve.

     3. Discuss their responses and encourage them to think about how they can work on their "wish."

     4. Repeat this activity regularly to track progress and set new goals.


This activity encourages self reflection and positive reinforcement, helping kids recognize their strengths and identify areas for growth.


Download the 3 Stars and a Wish Worksheet Here.


5. Stair-Step Goals:

The Stair-Step Goals activity helps kids break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps using a visual "stair step" approach.

    How to Create:

     1. Draw a staircase with multiple steps on a piece of paper, use some chalk or whiteboard marker on the floor for a life-size version.

     2. Ask your child to write their larger goal at the top of the staircase.

     3. On each step, have them write down a smaller, actionable step that will help them achieve the larger goal.

     4. As they complete each step, mark it off and celebrate their progress.


Breaking down larger goals into smaller steps makes the goal setting process less daunting and more achievable, fostering a sense of progress and accomplishment.


Simple Goal Setting Worksheet:

goal-setting activities for kids goal sheet free download

To complement these activities, we've created a simple goal setting worksheet for kids. This worksheet provides a structured format for children to:

1. Write down their goal

2. Identify the steps needed to achieve the goal

3. Determine a timeline for completing each step

4. What will they tell themselves or what are the achievements they will remember when they feel like giving up?


Download the Simple Goal Setting Worksheet Here.


By incorporating fun, engaging goal setting for kids activities into the goal setting process, we can empower children to dream big, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a growth mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, the key is to make the experience enjoyable, supportive, and tailored to each child's unique interests and abilities. Let's start building a generation of confident, motivated, and goal oriented kids!


Or you could order your very own one-of-a-kind Little Hero Storybook, where your child is the hero of their own story.


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1 Comment


Gizelle Geyer
Gizelle Geyer
Sep 13, 2024

I have downloaded the templates and will share them with the children I teach. Love them.

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