During the first part of January help your child set goals for the new year. Begin by explaining that a goal is something you want to achieve. Help your child think up a goal for different areas in their life…academic, social, behavior. Some examples may be…
* Turn in my homework on time
* Make a new friend
* Listen to my teacher
* Help my mom with the dishes
* Read 50 books
Write these goals down somewhere so you can revisit them throughout the remainder of the school year. During your mentoring hour teach your child HOW they can reach these goals.
The following activity is a great way to help children learn more about goals…..
You will need an empty bowl and a handful of coins.
Show your child the empty bowl and tell them it is like the new year. It is ready to be filled with new experiences and new learning. These new things are their GOALS that they shared with you earlier. Pretend that the coins are your student’s goals.
Ask your child to stand several feet away from the empty bowl and toss their coins into it. Some coins will make it, some will not. Encourage them to keep trying until all of their coins are in the bowl. Relate this to goals by teaching your child that some goals will be easy to achieve and some will require more work, but it is important to never give up.
Throughout the year when you see your child achieve one of their goals be sure to celebrate!
One last thought….this is a great idea for both children AND mentors! What are YOUR goals for the new year?