Duration 20–30 minutes
Grouping Individual + class sharing
Strategy Purpose
Materials
- Writing project brief or task sheet
- Paper or planner for goal-setting
Teacher Instructions
- Ask students to think of the writing project they are currently working on (essay, oral, creative or personal response).
- Have them consider specific, achievable goals for their writing project. Encourage them beyond "get a high mark" towards things like "write 200 words by the end of this lesson" or "a first draft by the end of the week". Have them create a to-do list of tickable goals.
- Once they have identified their goals, have them write them down. Encourage them to keep this list with them as they are writing.
- Harness the power of supportive peers. Have students share their writing goals with the class. Students can discuss goals with one another and build out their lists.
Teaching Tips
- Have students reflect on how setting specific, achievable goals helped them complete their task.
- This activity could be extended by having students create checklists for projects in other subjects.
- Students could create generic checkpoints for future projects.
Student Handout
Create a roadmap of achievable goals for your writing project. Think beyond "getting a good score" and move towards things you can tick off.