Developed by Tanya Harris

Level: K-2

Take Small Steps!


Standards


Learning

Expectations / This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standards:
8 Self Knowledge Applications
The student will:
8.3 Identify a goal and an action plan

General Approach

/ The children will learn the meaning of the word “goal” and understand the steps required to reach a goal. The children will color footprints that represent the “steps” in an action plan and a smiley face that represents the goal.

Activity Steps

/ Determine the number of steps for your goal. Have each student color either a footprint or a smiley face. Hand out an equal amount of each picture.
Gather the students in a circle. Discuss the meaning the word “goal”. Explain that people must take small steps to reach their goal. Give examples of goals and steps.
Choose one of the goals and complete the following activity.
Example:
1.  We’re going to pretend that our goal is to learn to swim. We have to take small steps in order to learn how to swim.
2.  Who has a footprint with a “1”on it? Pick a student to show their footprint. Tell the students that step one is to hold their breath under water. Lay the footprint on the ground.
3.  Who has a footprint with a “2” on it? Pick a student to show their footprint. Tell the students that step two is to float in the water. Lay the footprint on the ground to the top of the last step. (The footprints will fall in order, starting with a right step)
4.  Who has a footprint with a “3” on it? Pick a student to show their footprint. Tell the students that step three is to move their arms and legs while they float. Lay the footprint on the ground to the top of the last step.
5.  Who has a picture with a smiley face on it? Pick a student to show their face. Tell the students that the smiley face represents the goal of learning to swim. Lay the smiley face on the ground to the top of the last step.
6.  Review the steps by having a student walk on the footprints as you repeat the steps to the students.
7.  Have the children brainstorm goals for themselves and come up with their own steps. Repeat 1-6.

Time Required

/ The activity will require two 15-20 minute sessions. The coloring may be done during the first session and the discussion during the second. If you have another example, you may want to conduct a third session.

Resources Needed

/ 1.  Pictures of footprints and smiley face.
2.  Crayons

Performance Indicators / Students will be able to:
Define the word “goal”.
Give examples of goals.
Identify an action plan by recognizing that it takes small steps to reach your goals.