Setting Goals for a Great Year

It has been a joyful first few weeks back at school, and it is clear to see that both children and adults alike are happy to experience the long-awaited return to Montessori By The Sea.

To begin the year, some children set goals that they would like to achieve. Studies show that setting and achieving goals is a learned skill that results in satisfaction and happiness. Setting goals engenders self-confidence, self-esteem, positive emotions, motivation and independence.

Successful goal-setting involves a number of steps:

1. Allowing the child to choose their goal, ensuring it is specific and attainable
2. Discussing the purpose of their goal
3. Breaking the goal into smaller steps
4. Brainstorming potential obstacles and problem-solving how they might tackle them
5. If possible, place a time limit on it – this can be extended if life gets in the way and they did not get the time to put their goal-achieving into practice. Along the way it is important to celebrate effort, determination and persistence. Additionally, research demonstrates that if children write their goals down, they are more likely to achieve them.  

Some children chose not to set goals, and that was okay too. They may need more time to settle back into the routine of school, and some extra support with devising goals; it is always important to give children a choice. 

Goal-setting is an important tenet of Positive Psychology, or the “science of happiness”, more of which can be read about here: https://www.littleactivepeople.com/positive-psychology-and-childrens-wellbeing/