7
Lesson 7:

SMART Goals Improve Impact and Help You Persevere

Learning Targets

Students will create SMART goals to improve the success of the project(s) and brainstorm ways to persevere despite obstacles.
Duration 20–30 MINS
Downloads Lesson Plan, Presentation & SMART Goals - Student Worksheet
Materials Student Worksheet, Flipchart (optional), Presentation Slides

Downloadable Materials

Lesson Plan: SMART Goals Improve Impact and Help You Persevere

Lesson Plan: SMART Goals Improve Impact and Help You Persevere

Action planning lesson that begins with brainstorming how to motivate others. Students explore common service project challenges and solutions, apply the SMART goal framework through a video and class discussion, and then pair-share their personal first steps and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Presentation: SMART Goals Improve Impact and Help You Persevere

Presentation: SMART Goals Improve Impact and Help You Persevere

Explains common project challenges and strategies to overcome each. SMART framework explained through an instructional video. Students set SMART goals for their projects.

Activity: SMART Goals - Student Worksheet

Activity: SMART Goals - Student Worksheet

Goal-setting worksheet with warm-up on motivating discouraged project members, a two-column SMART goals table (definitions and student responses), and Reflection for Action, where students identify their first step and list possible obstacles with strategies to overcome them.

Need Ideas? See What's Possible.

From aluminum foil cat toys to 3D-printed medical devices, students across the country are turning their passions into powerful community impact. The Project Ideas section showcases real student projects organized by cause—complete with book recommendations, downloadable activities, and partner connections. Whether your students care about animals, the environment, seniors, or social justice, you'll find concrete examples and practical resources to spark their next meaningful project.

Get Free Resources delivered to Your Inbox*