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🎯 Week 18: New Year Goals

Lesson Overview
Grade Level Grades 3-4
Duration 40 minutes
Curriculum Year B
STREAM Focus M (Math - Planning), T (Technology), R (Religion)

Week 18: New Year Goals

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Reflect on first semester learning 2. Set SMART goals for second semester 3. Create goal-tracking systems 4. Plan steps to achieve goals

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Seek God's guidance in goal-setting 2. Connect goals to virtue growth 3. Commit to purposeful learning

Week 18: New Year Goals

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Purposeful Living — God calls us to live with intention and purpose. Setting goals isn't just about achievement — it's about becoming who God created us to be. We discern His will and work toward it!

Scripture Connection

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

Saint Connection

St. Ignatius of Loyola — Founder of the Jesuits who created the Examen — a daily reflection practice. He taught that reviewing our day helps us see God's presence and make better choices. Reflection leads to growth!

📚 Materials Needed

  • Semester 1 work samples/portfolios

  • Goal-setting worksheets

  • SMART goals template

  • Progress tracker templates

  • Journals

  • Calendar/planning tools

📝 Lesson Procedure (40 minutes)

Opening Prayer (2 min)

"Lord, You have plans for each of us! As we start a new semester, help us set goals that honor You. St. Ignatius, teach us to reflect and grow. Guide us toward becoming who God created us to be. Amen."

Semester 1 Review (8 min)

Look back to move forward:

Review activities:

  • Look through science journals

  • Remember major projects

  • Review skills learned

Year B First Semester highlights:

  • Flight and aerodynamics

  • Architecture and design

  • Marine science

Reflection questions:

  • What did you learn that surprised you?

  • What are you most proud of?

  • What was most challenging?

  • What would you do differently?

St. Ignatius' Examen adapted:

  • Where did I see God this semester?

  • When was I my best self?

  • When did I struggle?

  • What am I grateful for?

SMART Goals Introduction (8 min)

What makes a good goal?

S.M.A.R.T. framework:

  • S = Specific (clearly defined)

  • M = Measurable (can track progress)

  • A = Achievable (realistic)

  • R = Relevant (matters to you)

  • T = Time-bound (has deadline)

Examples:

Vague goal: "Get better at coding" SMART goal: "Complete 5 Scratch projects independently by Week 22"

Vague goal: "Be a better scientist" SMART goal: "Use all 7 steps of scientific method correctly in next experiment"

Practice together:

  • Take a vague goal

  • Make it SMART

  • Identify what makes it better

Personal Goal Setting (15 min)

Create your goals:

Categories: 1. Academic Goal — Learning or skills 2. Character Goal — Virtue or behavior 3. Faith Goal — Spiritual growth 4. Service Goal — Helping others

Worksheet for each goal:

  • My goal: (SMART version)

  • Why this matters to me:

  • Steps to achieve it:

  • How I'll track progress:

  • Who can help me:

  • Target date:

Example goals:

  • Academic: "Master one new Scratch coding block each week"

  • Character: "Practice patience by counting to 10 before reacting"

  • Faith: "Pray for one classmate each day"

  • Service: "Help one younger student each week"

Teacher guidance:

  • Help make goals specific

  • Ensure they're achievable

  • Connect to upcoming units

Goal Tracker Design (5 min)

Create tracking system:

Options:

  • Calendar chart

  • Progress bar graphic

  • Checklist format

  • Journal pages

Key elements:

  • Visual progress indicator

  • Space for notes

  • Weekly check-in spots

  • Celebration markers

Closing (2 min)

Commitment:

  • Share one goal with partner

  • Partner commits to checking in

  • Write goals in journal

Preview: "We'll check on these goals regularly! Next week we start GAME DESIGN!"

Closing Prayer: "Lord, You know the plans You have for us. Help us follow them faithfully. Give us perseverance when goals feel hard. Help us celebrate progress, not just perfection. St. Ignatius, teach us daily reflection. Bless our second semester! Amen."

📎 Home Connection

"We set SMART goals for second semester today! Ask your child: 'What are your goals?' 'Why did you choose them?' 'How can I help you achieve them?' Post their goals somewhere visible at home and check in regularly. Celebrate progress together!"

✅ Assessment

  • Reflected meaningfully on first semester

  • Set SMART goals in multiple categories

  • Created goal tracking system

  • Connected goals to faith growth

Lesson Version: 1.0 — Year B | **