The beginning of the year is the perfect time to encourage New Year’s student reflections and goal setting. Our students need regular reminders about not only our expectations of them, but the expectations they have for themselves. Here are 3 strategies that work for my students:
Video Journals & Prompts
After returning from the holiday break, I have my students begin each class by watching a short video. Then they respond to a journal prompt based on the video. The videos are all based on topics surrounding New Year’s resolutions, positivity, goal setting, and similar topics. It’s a great way to start class after being out of school for close to 2 weeks. The videos and journal prompts get them back into a growth mindset as well as back into the daily routine of school. To check out the video journal prompts I use, click here.
New Year’s Student Reflection & Goal Setting
After students complete their video journal responses, I have students reflect on what they thought they did well during the 1st semester and what they would like to improve on. Then they create SMART goals (this is one of videos they watch for the journal prompts) based on their reflections. In order to keep their goals top of mind, I hang these up on the bulletin board. Each quarter we have meet briefly to make sure they’re accomplishing the goals they set for themselves. If they aren’t where they would like to be, we discuss what they can do to get there.
Model Your Own Goals
In addition to having my students create goals, I also do this as well. I give them examples of some of the things I want to accomplish, and then we decide which would be SMART goals. This allows me to walk them through the steps of setting SMART goals and show that we all have room to grow. Here’s an example of the infographic students complete that go up on the bulletin board. The video journal prompts and infographic come in digital and printable format.
How do you get students focused after the holiday break? I’d love to hear in the comments.
