LADDER TO THE STARS

			Identify the steps to reach your goal

Choosing a goal is half the challenge; identifying the steps you need to take to achieve it is the other half. Encouraging children to set a goal and chart their path to success develops planning skills and a sense of empowerment.

Some popular goals for children and teens include…

Academic:

• Get homework done on time

• Be more organized

• Get higher grades

• Study more for tests

• Participate more in class

• Read more

Physical:

• Get involved in after-school athletic activities

• Exercise every day

• Eat more healthy food

• Have better hygiene (e.g. brushing teeth)

Personal:

• Work harder

• Seek out more new friends

• Be a better listener

• Be more respectful of others (e.g. friends, siblings)

• Be a positive leader

On the ladder sheet, write in an important goal you have in the large central star (or you can draw your own star and ladder on a larger sheet of paper).

The ladder reaching the star has five rungs. To reach your goal, you have to identify the steps you need to take to climb the ladder and reach the goal. There can be five or fewer steps.

For example, if you want to improve your basketball game, maybe the steps are 1 (lowest rung) get the coach to spend some extra time with you; 2 watch more games on TV to see how the pros do it; 3 practice at least half an hour every day; 4 put up a basketball hoop in your yard so you can practice at home; 5 try your best in every game you play.

If you want to get higher grades in Math, maybe the steps are 1 (lowest rung) get your Math homework done every night; 2 study more for tests; 3 ask your teacher for some extra help; 4 do extra credit work; 5 have your Mom or Dad quiz you.

Write the steps you identify for reaching your goal in the space above each rung on the ladder sheet.

Color the sheet using bright, positive colors.