We want our students to be problem solvers. We want them to be able to set goals and achieve them! Giving them something to focus on and work towards will build their perseverance.
Using picture books allows them to see someone else go through this process. It gives them an outside perspective that they can then connect to their own lives. Here are my favorite goal setting picture books!
Want to watch or listen? Check out my Picture Books for Goal Setting video here:
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Goal Setting Picture Books
After the Fall by Dan Santat
One of the first steps of the goal setting process is to reflect. In After the Fall, Humpty looks back on what happened to him. He thinks about the choices he made. Then he gets back up, dusts himself off and tries again. He sets a goal, collects ideas and perseveres as he puts it into action.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
In Jabari Jumps, the young boy really wants to jump off the high dive. It’s a little scary for him, though. With the help of his father and trying a few different times, he is able to conquer his goal!
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
The family in A Chair for My Mother, loses their home to a fire. While their family and friends help them rebuild, the one thing that they want for their new home is a comfortable chair. A chair for mom to rest her tired feet, for the young girl to listen to stories and for the grandmother to relax in.
For months, the family saves every spare penny that they have until they have enough money to buy their new chair. This is a great book to show students that it can take time to reach a goal and that every step, no matter how small, will get them a little bit closer to that goal. And that finally accomplishing that goal feels wonderful!
Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
Michael wants to be a great basketball player just like his big brothers, but he’s not tall enough. He doesn’t believe in himself and becomes frustrated. With the help of his family, Michael sets up an action plan and gets to work practicing his skills. We now know him as Michael Jordan!
I love how this story shows that goals take a lot of patience, determination and hard work. It also gives students a peek into the dedication that is needed to achieve those goals.
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall
Another Jabari book! In Jabari Tries, he is trying to make a flying machine. It just doesn’t seem to work though. As a result, Jabari becomes frustrated. He learns that creating something new means you need to try different things and maybe even ask for help from others.
Because by Mo Willems
Another story that shows that determination and hard work is crucial to achieving your goals. Because works backwards to show how an orchestra conductor got her start and the steps that she needed to take to reach her dream. It’s a story that shows why setting and achieving goals is important.
Setting goals is an essential life skill that students need to succeed. By using picture books, we can guide them towards making their own goals.
I put together a freebie for you to use with your students after reading any of these books aloud. Just enter your info below to download it and start using right away!
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