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Dr. Alex Weigelt

As the new school year begins, it's the perfect time to focus on the importance of goal setting- especially for our students who are gifted. For students with high IQs, are super creative, and have unique interests, setting goals isn't just about academic achievement—it's a tool for personal growth and self-discovery! When gifted students set and pursue their goals, they gain a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation, helping them make the most of their exceptional abilities.

Identifying Goals

When helping your student set goals, it's important to consider both academic and personal development areas. Academic goals might involve mastering a particular subject, pursuing an advanced project, or exploring a niche interest. Personal development goals could focus on building social skills, enhancing emotional intelligence, or developing a new hobby. Balancing both types of goals ensures a well-rounded growth experience for your child. Both are important!

Creating a Goal-Setting Plan

A structured approach is key to successful goal setting. The SMART goals framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is an excellent tool for this purpose. Encourage your child to be actively involved in setting their own goals. This involvement fosters ownership and commitment, allowing them to feel more connected to their journey.

Tracking Progress

Monitoring progress is crucial! We track progress to maintain motivation and make necessary adjustments along the way. Consider using tools like journals, digital apps, or progress charts to track achievements. Regularly review goals together, discussing what's working and where adjustments might be needed.

Remember to celebrate milestones along the way, providing encouragement and motivation to keep moving forward! This is a great time to remind your student (and yourself) that sometimes our goals change, maybe we learned something new or found a different path to reach a former goal, we are still learning and growing! Need some inspiration to get started? Check out this goal setting plan directed toward upper elementary students who might want to learn more about coding using Scratch!

Have questions about enrichment and gifted education?

Email Dr. Weigelt at alexandria.weigelt@sequoiagrove.org!

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