A guide for using our resources

Children will identify goals they can set for the new year.

Social Studies Focus: holidays

SEL Focus: self management

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This story helps children understand what a New Year’s resolution is and how to make one.
• Squirrel can’t think of a resolution to make. But as she helps her animal friends achieve their resolutions, she discovers her own.

• Have a pre-writing brainstorming session before doing the hands-on activity. Write “New Year’s Goals” at the top of a sheet of chart paper. Then brainstorm possibilities.
• To help spark ideas, ask kids what they might do at home (help dry the dishes), at school (get better at math), or at play (build a taller block tower)!

Skill: writing and drawing

Materials: party hat templates, crayons, scissors, pencils, tape

• Make copies of the party hat templates (each child gets two sheets—the outside of the hat, and the inside for writing and drawing).
• Let children color the outside of the hat. Have them write their name and cut it out. Then have kids cut out the inside. Have them write or dictate their goal and draw a picture.
• Finally, help kids fold and tape the tab of the brim of each hat so it covers their writing and drawing.
• Create an “Our New Year's Goals” display. Kids can fl ip up the hats to see each other’s goals!