Quick Tips: Goals Focus Attention on Achievement

While it's still early in the year, ask your mentee to set some learning goals. These goals can be a great way to keep her focused on achievement throughout the year. For example, here are some goals one teen developed:

• I want to earn a varsity letter in at least one sport this year.
• I want to get at least a B in chemistry.
• I want to improve my writing skills before I apply for colleges next year.

Encourage your mentee to post her goals where she can see them—on the refrigerator, above her desk or on the wall in her bedroom.

Each month, ask her what she needs to do to accomplish her goals. Help her make a plan of steps she can take. For example, if she wants to earn a varsity letter, she needs to set aside time to practice her sport throughout the year. If she wants a good chemistry grade, she needs to set aside regular time to review and study the subject.

Then ask your mentee how you can help her achieve her own goals. She may say, “I’m going to need a little reminding to run at least three times a week.” Or, she may say, “I don’t want you to interfere—these are my goals.”

By respecting these requests, and her efforts, you go a long way toward developing your mentee's sense of self-motivation.

Adapted from Virginia Beach Public School's Parent Connection.