As a homeschool parent we always have goals that we set for our children. We also create goals for our school day, school week, school month and school year. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep kids on track with those goals. Why not let your kids set some goals for themselves?
Teaching our children to set goals is very important. Helping them set and complete goals is not only a valuable lesson, but will be an incredible self-esteem boost for them as well. It will also help them to be involved in their school goals. Make sure to teach them to set realistic goals, and both short term and long term. For instance, if your child sets a goal to finish a year’s worth of school work in three months, that’s too lofty. Encourage instead, for them to strive to finish their school work earlier in the day by waking up earlier.
By allowing them to be involved in some goal setting for themselves, it may be less of a fight for them to complete certain tasks or subjects. Because they know they are working toward a goal they set for themselves, it may make them more excited to complete a task. Give them a goal setting sheet, or calender, and allow and encourage them to mark of completions on the list as they accomplish their goals. You can go to this website for some great, free, goal-setting printables!
As your children begin to successfully complete the goals that they have set for themselves, consider having some small rewards available for them. You can even reward them for meeting multiple goals in a row. For example, if one of their goals was to read one book a week, and they did that successfully four weeks in a row, then you could reward them for that in a manner you feel acceptable. The more you encourage them as they set and complete goals, the more inclined they will be to want to continue to set and complete goals. Help them be successful by being consistent in your application of goals as well! The more they see you setting and completing goals, whether it be for them or for yourself, the more it will be reinforced in them.
Make sure you catch up on all of our posts in our 14 Days to Smoother Homeschooling Series.