Bored Kids? How to Make Summer Exciting with SMART Goal Setting

Inside: Looking for ways to keep kids motivated and avoid the summer slump? Here's how using SMART goal setting can make summer fun, educational, and full of growth!

It's only a few days into summer break and I've already heard cries of "I'm boroored!" echoing though the house. I always look forward to summer, when the days are longer, everything slows down...but balancing relaxation with keeping kids engaged can feel impossible. Here's how to keep summer both entertaining and educational; try SMART summer goal setting with kids!

Why SMART Goals?

Setting SMART goals for kids during the summer can have numerous benefits, as it provides a structured framework for their personal growth and development. Let’s explore the specific advantages of each element in the SMART goal-setting process:

S - setting specific summer goals helps children gain clarity about what they want to achieve. When goals are clearly defined, children can focus their efforts and energy on a specific outcome. This specificity enables children to set clear intentions and direct their actions accordingly.

M - Measurable goals provide kids with a way to track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Measuring progress not only allows them to see their improvement but also provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

A - Action plans are essential for providing a path to achieving a summer goal. It teaches kids the importance of setting goals that challenge them but are within their reach. Helping kids create a plan for success will improve their self-esteem and encourage them to set and pursue more ambitious goals in the future.

R - Realistic goals that are closely tied to a child's interests, passions, and values. When goals are realistic and attainable, children learn that they have the ability to accomplish what they set out to do. They are more likely to stay motivated and committed to the process.

T - A timeframe provides a sense of structure and urgency. By setting a deadline for their summer goals, children develop important time management skills. They learn to prioritize tasks, allocate their time effectively, and work towards their objectives within a specific period.

Overall, utilizing the SMART goal-setting framework with children during the summer cultivates important life skills.

• It helps them develop focus, as they learn to direct their energy towards specific outcomes.

• It promotes planning and organization, as they break down their goals into actionable steps.

• It fosters time management skills, as they learn to allocate their time effectively.

• Additionally, it enhances their self-confidence, as they witness their progress and accomplishments along the way.

By engaging in the process of setting SMART goals, children gain valuable skills that will benefit them not only during the summer but also throughout their lives. Read more about the benefits of teaching goal setting and SMART goals and get your free SMART goal poster resource to get started today!

Summer Goal Setting Ideas For Kids

Summer is a time of adventure, relaxation, and endless possibilities for kids. It's a season that offers a break from the structured routines of school and allows children to explore their interests and passions in a more relaxed environment.

From keeping up on basic skills to embracing unstructured exploration of interests and passions, these summer goals provide a balanced approach to nurturing children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.

By setting goals and providing the necessary guidance and support, parents can create a meaningful and enriching summer experience that sets their children up for success!

Let's dive into summer goal ideas and discover the endless possibilities that lie ahead!

Summer SMART Goal Example 1

Read at least 10 books of varying genres and complete a reading log to track progress.

Specific: 10 books;

Measurable: completion of reading log;

Action Plan: go to the library over the summer break;

Realistic: enhances literacy skills at kids’ current reading level;

Timeframe: by the end of summer break

Summer SMART Goal Example 2

Learn a new skill, such as playing a musical instrument, cooking a simple meal, or drawing, by attending regular lessons or practicing independently.

Specific: learn a new skill;

Measurable: regular practice/lessons;

Action Plan: allocate a set time for practice;

Realistic: fosters personal growth from what kids currently can do;

Timeframe: 6 weeks

More Summer SMART Goals to Try with Kids!

Looking for more ways to make summer fun and meaningful? Try these fun and engaging SMART goal ideas help kids stay active, kind, curious, and confident—while still enjoying every bit of summer break!

Physical Ideas

• Get moving for 30 minutes every day by riding your bike, swimming, jumping rope, or playing tag with friends.

• Try a new fruit or veggie each week and help make a healthy snack or simple recipe with a grown-up.

• Start a mini garden or take care of a plant. Learn how to water it, check the sunlight, and watch it grow!

• Make a simple daily schedule that includes time to play, read, help at home, and go to bed at a good time.

Social Ideas

• Help a neighbor or family member with small jobs like watering plants, picking up toys, or organizing books.

• Plan a mini clean-up with friends or family—pick up trash at a park or tidy up your school playground.

• Try a small business idea! You could set up a lemonade stand, sell crafts, or help with dog walking.

• Learn about a different country or culture. Read a book, try a recipe, or draw something from that place, then share what you learned.

Academic Ideas

• Do a little practice each week with a fun math workbook, reading challenge, or online learning game.

• Try beginner coding activities using kid-friendly sites like Scratch or Code.org. Make a simple animation or game!

• Learn 5 new words or phrases in a different language using books or apps made for kids.

• Build something cool! Use recycled materials or craft supplies to make a game, a model, or a fun invention.

• Practice an instrument or sing for 15–20 minutes a day. Put on a “concert” for your family at the end of summer!

Emotional Ideas

• Write or draw in a journal each day. You can write about your day, your dreams, or how you're feeling.

• Try deep breathing or quiet time for 5–10 minutes a day. You can use a mindfulness app or just listen to calming music.

• Pick a new hobby to try—drawing, dancing, taking pictures, or building with LEGO are all great options!

• Save a little money from chores or gifts. Set a goal to buy something special or donate to a cause you care about.

• Make a fun budget for summer fun. Use play money or a printable tracker to plan and “save” for a special outing or treat.

What About R & R?

Of course, it's crucial to recognize when downtime is needed for both your kids (and yourself)!

After a long and potentially challenging year of school, it's essential to assess whether it would benefit everyone to have a period of relaxation and rejuvenation. Sometimes, a few days, weeks, or even months of downtime can work wonders in restoring energy and promoting overall well-being.

If kids have been feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, it may be time to prioritize downtime. This can involve engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as movie nights, outdoor picnics, or simply spending quality time together. Encouraging children to pursue hobbies and interests they enjoy can also contribute to their mental and emotional well-being.

Need Help Getting Started?

An Easy Way to Summer Success!

This Summer Goal Setting Kit will help your kids keep engaged and entertained this summer and develop a growth mindset!

This print and go resource will walk kids through learning about SMART goals include, and teach them how to develop, measure, and achieve their own individualized SMART goals!

Don't worry, this kit includes an easy to follow plan with everything you need (plus lots of summer extras like bucket lists, tracking logs, and more)!

Finally...

Setting summer goals with kids and supporting them in their pursuit is a powerful way to foster their growth and development. The benefits of goal setting extend far beyond the immediate results!

When children learn to set goals, they cultivate important qualities such as determination, resilience, and self-discipline. These skills not only serve them in the pursuit of their current interest but also become valuable tools they can carry throughout their lives.

By encouraging kids to dream big and take steps towards achieving their goals, we empower them to believe in their abilities and cultivate a growth mindset!

Take time to celebrate their successes, offer guidance during setbacks, and provide them with the tools and resources they need to achieve their aspirations. By nurturing a goal-oriented mindset in kids, we set them on a path of continuous growth, self-improvement, and personal fulfillment.

Be their cheerleaders, their sounding boards, and their sources of encouragement...so this summer inspire kids to dream big, pursue their passions, and achieve remarkable feats!

You've Got This!