As a new year begins, many parents may begin setting goals with their children and seek ways to achieve them. With your child now one level higher than before, the level of difficulty will increase.
In particular for primary school mathematics, where problem sums become longer and topics become harder. Parents with Primary 6 students may face added pressure as they prepare their kids for PSLE.
Why set goals?
Setting goals is a good start in giving your child direction and motivation as they take on the new academic challenges for the year. Goals can be set not only for academics but also for different aspects of the child’s life.
In this article we will be using our version of the S.M.A.R.T framework to show some examples that are simple and achievable. Get your pen and paper ready!
Setting goals using SMART
1. Specific
Be clear and precise on the goal you want to set and keep it simple. Think of why it is important to you.
2. Measurable
Ensure your goal can be measured clearly. For example, a score for a test/exam or the number of tasks completed.
3. Achievable
To make the goal less daunting, break it down into steps. More importantly, establish the first step to get you started. Ensure it is realistic based on your schedule and capabilities. Starting small can also foster a can-do attitude for greater endeavours.
4. Relevant
Think about why the goal is important to you. For example, achieving the goal will help you to graduate from school, promote to the next level or bring you a reward.
5. Time-bound
Giving a deadline to the goal creates a healthy sense of urgency. While it is good to have long term goals (e.g. final exams/desired secondary school), setting short term goals are equally important as well. This can refer to daily tasks, homework, assignments and revision deadlines.
Some examples of goals are as follows:
How to attain the goal set?
Now that your child has a goal, the next step would be how to work towards it.
Sharing the goal with you or a teacher can help to ensure that he/she stays on track. Setting goals with a friend can enable them to encourage each other as well.
Having a reward system is also crucial as well. It could be given at the end of the goal or even at the end of each conquered step. This can provide a sense of validation for their achievement and increase their self esteem.
At the same time, your child may face obstacles along the year that make them want to give up on their goal. Resilience, discipline and commitment are needed to overcome these hurdles and see the goal till the end. Provide an avenue for open communication for your child to share their worries with you or a school counselor.
Lastly, remember that priorities can change over time, hence be flexible and change goals when needed, or stick to shorter goals. The S.M.A.R.T framework is meant to be only a guide.
How we can help
Through our regular evaluations and assessments, we enable students to track their milestones and areas that require more practice. Discuss with us your goals for your child’s mathematics and learn how our step-by-step conceptual approach can help to reach them. Contact us to find out more.
Sources:
https://www.mindtools.com/page6.html
https://sg.theasianparent.com/reward-charts-why-how
https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/parent-kit/starting-school-right.pdf
https://thenewageparents.com/teaching-our-children-the-value-of-setting-goals/