Goals, Goals, Goals....and Sam Bradford

--Goal setting is such an important aspect of elementary school. Goals can help students achieve things in their lives that they never thought possible. It can help lead them to become successful adults and become whomever they wish to become.

--Teaching students to set goals for themselves is something that, as a teacher, I want to be sure to incorporate into my daily lesson planning because I want my students to be successful. To help students with goal setting, I might have them keep a personal journal or dream book that they can write in that allows them to describe what they want to accomplish and how they want to accomplish it. I may incorporate this into a writing circle setting that will allow them to share (if they choose) their goals with their peers in the group. This will help the students hear what types of goals and aspirations other students in the class have and wish to accomplish.

--Having students keep personal dream books will help students keep track of their dreams and it will also give them something to look at when they feel as if they are not fulfilling certain 'standards' that are placed on them. This goal setting activity can be taught alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and how he had goals for how he wished the world would look and how he thought these goals could be accomplished. Students would really benefit from goal setting to ensure they are understanding that they can and will become anything they want to be if they just put there mind to it. A perfect quote for this: Shoot for the moon because if you miss you'll still land among the stars.

--Quarterback Sam Bradford is a perfect example of how goal setting helps students succeed in life. Sam Bradford has always been one to follow his heart and his dreams and this has payed off. Not only is he following his dream and goal of making it to the NFL, but he has also fulfilled his dream of graduating from college at the University of Oklahoma with a degree in finance. He didn't want to just go to college to play football in order to make a lot of money---he did something that would allow him success no matter where he goes. He also has a goal of being an active member of his community and has done this through volunteering with countless organizations such as the Special Olympics. And this is something for students to strive for.

--On a personal note, I just bought my bridesmaid's dress for my brother's wedding and I am so excited!!! June 20th can't come soon enough! :) I am also in the process of putting together a dvd slideshow consisting of pictures throughout their life as one of their gifts for their wedding :)