Self-Management
Family Resources on Rewarding Hard Work
Lesson Topic
Setting and reaching goals
Essential Question
What are some long-term goals that are worth working hard for?
Rewarding Hard Work – Isaiah
If this lesson was used in the classroom: Students analyzed the process of setting reasonable goals and the work ethic required to reach those goals. In class students discussed specific steps in setting and reaching goals. In groups students were given scenarios about reaching goals and developed plans for how the student in the scenario would best reach their goals, then groups compared their ideas
Getting Ready for the Conversation
The video for this module features a youth named Isaiah who made his high school academic honor roll, played football and earned a college scholarship. Isaiah talks about how he works hard to reach his goals and how his family support makes his success possible.
Conversation notes:
Remaining engaged with long-term goals and staying motivated is often a struggle for high school aged students. With the support of his family Isaiah has been able to stay motivated in school and in athletics resulting in Isaiah earning a college scholarship.
For more on reaching goals listen to Episode 103 of The Science of Happiness Podcast on goal setting: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/why_you_should_make_small_goals
Dr. Christine Carter’s article at Greater Good Magazine on how to achieve goals:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_get_better_at_achieving_your_goals
Constructive Conversation Starters
The first item is for follow-up after viewing the lesson video and participating in class activities.
Share the most interesting goal setting problem discussed in class. Why did you find this one interesting? Do you think the plan for this situation would have worked? Why or why not?
Do you think that you can set an important goal and reach it without the help and support of others? Why or why not? How can you best involve other people (family, friends, mentors) in working to reach your goals?
Who is someone in the community who you think works hard to achieve? What are some of the things that this person does? Can you learn something from this person? Describe why or why not.
School to Home Resources on Rewarding Hard Work
Lesson Plan
Interactive Reflection > Open/Download Complete PDF Lesson
Never Knew This Could Happen
Isaiah says, “my love for the game of football is something that I just can’t explain…I never thought I’d see the day where I’m going to school for free”. While football is clearly important to Isaiah, do you think that is the only thing he is focused on? Why or why not?
Value of Hard Work
Isaiah says, “I believe when you work hard for something it has more value to it”. Explain what you think Isaiah means by this. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Being Hungry
Isaiah comments, “you had to be hungry…you can go to Dorsey High School and get the things that they get at private schools”. What do you think Isaiah means about the reputation of his school? Describe what advice you think Isaiah would offer to someone who told him about attending a school that did not have a great reputation.
Being Humble
Isaiah says, “you have to be humble with it as well, cause as quick as it comes-as fast as it can get taken away”. Why do you think that Isaiah says this? Do you think he has considered other career options besides football? Why or why not?
Additional Reflection Questions > Open/Download PDF
