|
Body
|
We often have big dreams for our childrens’ lives, but how do we teach them to make their own goals? Setting targets for those little everyday wins – finishing that tricky puzzle or learning to tie their shoelaces – as well as bigger ambitions are important to make them feel happier and more confident as they grow.
Knowing how to set goals makes children more independent and teaches them self-motivation (studies also show a significant positive link between goal-setting and student achievement). And kids also learn about commitment and time management – traits that will help them adapt to life as they grow older.
Goals work best when they are specific, realistic and time-bound. So, give your children the freedom to choose their own targets, and be there to give them a reality check about any challenges that may lie ahead, or how long they might need. Another important tip? Always encourage enthusiasm and applaud their effort, even if the outcome isn’t quite what they wished for!
These fun goal-setting ideas are perfect for children between the ages of one and seven – this is the crucial period in their development where they soak up new knowledge the best.
For toddlers (ages 1-3)
1. Organise their toys
Encourage your toddler to arrange blocks by color or complete a “stacking ring toy” by themselves. With an older toddler, set a timeframe: “When the big hand of this clock moves to six, build the tallest tower in the world!” This helps to instill confidence in their abilities.
2. Overcome playground fears
Your child might really want to play on the slide, but is scared to do so. Use the opportunity to guide them to solve the problem and teach some goal-setting so they can have fun. Try something like, “First, you’ve got to climb up the ladder. Next, sit at the top of the slide then come down. It’s so exciting!”
3. Step on shapes
Cut out some paper shapes and tape them to the ground. Challenge your two-year-old to get from one shape to another without stepping on the floor. This teaches them how to strategize (as you give lots of encouragement and praise).
4. Play puzzles
Working with puzzles helps children see how small goals (laying down the edges first or sorting the pieces by color and then piecing them together) lead to the successful achievement of a larger goal (a completed jigsaw puzzle!).
For pre-schoolers (ages 3-5)
5. Go get ready!
Turn self-care into a fun, goal-setting game by awarding points for how well your child brushes their teeth, combs their hair and puts on their clothes. Teach them how it’s done and then let them learn on their own.
6. Make a wish list
Ask your pre-schooler to list one thing they are proud of (for example, being a great friend, counting up to 20 or being able to spell their name). Then ask them what they wish they could do. Write the wish down and decide how they might be able to achieve it. Add a new wish to your list every week and draw a star next to each one achieved.
7. Get the family involved
Make a chart of fun goals and dreams you’d like to achieve as a family and stick it up on the wall. Set out tasks to achieve these goals and tick each one off as you do them. This is a great time to discuss the difference between short-term and long-term goals, and how you can all work as a team.
For primary school kids (ages 6-7)
8. Draw a pie chart
Draw a big circle and divide it into segments, like a pizza. List categories such as home, school or family in each slice. Ask your child what they would like to achieve in each category and talk about how they can make each of these goals happen.
9. Make a vision board
Get scissors and glue, and cut out pictures of things your child would like to learn, do or become. Stick them on a board and decorate it with stickers and more cut-outs. Then, list down the steps they could take to achieve those goals.
10. Reward them for chores
No one really likes cleaning up or tidying – but make chores into fun challenges for the kids and offer rewards and you might see a change in their attitude! Create a chore chart and incorporate stickers, treats or trips to their favorite restaurant for jobs well done.
Remember: Be open and share your own goals, too. Your children are influenced by your actions, so seeing that you have goals of your own helps them keep working to meet theirs. Share your personal targets, the steps you’re taking, and even the times that you’ve struggled to meet them. Doing this also teaches your kids the importance of perseverance, and can teach them a thing or two when it comes to planning.
UTM-EM-055-APR-21
Sources:Family Education - Goal-Setting Activities for Kids
Child Development Institute - Why Puzzles Are Good For Your Childs Development
Big Life Journal - 7 Fun Goal-Setting Activities for Children
Proud to be Primary - Goal Setting for Kids Made Simple!
Big Life Journal - 4 Steps for Helping Your Child Set Effective Goals (Plus a Bonus Tip)
585 Kids - 7 Ways To Teach Goal Setting
Zero To Three - Activities for Bonding and Learning from 24 to 36 Months
Zero To Three - Developing Thinking Skills from 12-24 Months
Activity Village - Goal Setting
|
