New Years Activities for Kids 2021
Coming back after the New Year is always so fun! The kids are excited to share about their winter breaks, and I always set up some fun New Years activities for kids in 2021!
At the same time, it also takes a lot of work to get our classroom routine back into shape as we start the final stretch of the curriculum. This is the point where I like to have our class stop and evaluate our goals for the rest of the school year!
Setting New Year’s Goals With Students
I like to make sure that I have a clear vision from the start of the new year until summer vacation. I take some time every year to make new goals and get organized. I also have my students do the same thing by using this New Years Goal Setting Activity.
Why I Love this New Year Activity for Kids
Learning goal setting is a skill that’s super important for students. They need to learn how to make goals and work towards achieving them.
I also like this project because it doesn’t take weeks, it can be finished in just one day. Plus you only need one page printed front to back for each student!
Goal setting projects are a great way to encourage any 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders to make personal goals.
Getting Started with these New Years Activities for Kids 2021:
To get started, you simply need to print one page for each kid. I use neon paper to make it a bit more fun!
Teacher Tip: There are versions for boys and girls so count your students before you print.
Depending on your group of students, you can do this independently or assign it during center rotations for independent work!
It’s important to start by modeling. Start out by explaining why we set goals and then how you set your own goals for the school year.
You can use this kid-friendly YouTube video on how to set goals! I like that it teaches students WHY we set goals and then gives students 4 steps!
I helped the group get started by suggesting some examples for each section.
The sections included in the goal packet are:
- Goals for at home
- Goals at school
- Goals for health
- Goals for friendship
The students can work in groups to brainstorm their New Years goals.
Optional: Have students decorate their flip flaps if they finish early.
Something we often forget is to teach students to think about the action steps they will need to take to reach their goals. This can lead to great conversations!
I recommend having students share their goals with a partner and then also discussing HOW they plan on reaching those goals!
For example if their goal is to improve their reading, they might say they will read for 10 minutes every night before bed instead of playing video games.
Teacher Tip: If you decide to display the goal packets do a “Goal check-in” with students once a week.
Here’s what other teachers are saying about the New Years 2021 Activities for Kids:
You can find a copy of the New Years Flip Flap we used here in my shop.
Bonus: It can be used from year to year! You won’t need to repurchase each new year!
Many teachers requested a version for parent gifts, so I put together a cute snow globe craft and activity for holidays gifts. too!
What are some of the ways that you encourage your students to make goals? I would love to hear from you, comment below!