At Dojo Tutor, we believe that great learning happens when kids have clear, achievable goals. Setting the right goals helps students stay motivated, build confidence, and celebrate progress along the way!
What makes a great goal?
A good goal is:
✔ Clear and specific – You should be able to tell exactly what needs to be done.
✔ Measurable – Either the goal is completed, or it isn’t—no gray areas!
✔ Achievable over time – Goals should take multiple classes to reach, not just one.
🚀 Good examples:
- Learn 10 new sight words.
- Solve 20 division problems correctly.
- Write a 5-sentence paragraph with correct punctuation.
🚫 Not-so-great examples:
- Get better at reading. (Too vague—what does "better" mean?)
- Try harder in math. (Not measurable—how do we know it happened?)
Getting Started with Goals
Trial class goals
Remember, the main purpose of the trial class is to connect with your learner and start building a positive relationship. This session is NOT about strict testing or rigorous assessments. These goals are preset for you in the premade assessments.
First time in a weekly class?
Take a few minutes to set three goals with your learner and their family. When kids help set their own goals, they feel more engaged and motivated. Plus, families stay involved and on the same page!
Ongoing classes
At the start of each session, review your student’s goals with a visual. Encourage them with praise and small rewards along the way.
👀 Example:
🗣 “Last week, we practiced 4 sight words. Let’s see if we can add 6 more today to complete our goal!”
Frequently asked questions
Q: How many goals should we set?
A: We recommend setting three long-term learning goals per student. These should be worked on over multiple classes.
Q: How do I help my student choose the right goals?
A: Ask guiding questions like:
- “What’s something you want to get better at?”
-
“What was tricky for you in school this week?”
Pick goals that are challenging but doable for your kid’s level.
Q: Can goals change over time?
A: Yes! If a goal is too easy or too hard, adjust it. The goal should always feel motivating and meaningful to the student.
Q: What if my student feels frustrated by their goal?
A: Break it into smaller steps so they feel a sense of progress. Instead of “Read a full book,” try:
- “Read 3 pages fluently.”
- “Learn 5 new words.”
Q: How do I track my student’s progress?
A: You can use a variety of trackers on google sheets, pen and paper, or anything that works best for you!
Q: What if the student wants to work on homework instead of what I have planned?
A: Homework is a great learning opportunity! If the student wants to focus on homework, use it as a way to build on their existing goals. For example:
- If their goal is reading fluency, have them read their homework aloud.
- If their goal is writing skills, check their written answers for clarity and grammar.
- If their goal is math, have them explain their problem-solving process to reinforce understanding.
More questions? Email our team at: tutoring-support@classdojo.com