New Year’s Resolutions Writing Activity for Goal-Setting in January

A New Year’s resolutions writing prompt is the perfect way to kick off the new semester and help students reflect on their goals.

After winter break, students are eager to share their experiences and get back into the routine, making this a great opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about goal-setting.

In my classroom, I love using this New Year’s resolutions writing activity to guide students towards goal setting in the classroom.

The New Year brings a natural chance to pause and ask, “What do I want to accomplish, and how can I get there?”

This New Year’s resolution writing activity isn’t just about writing; it’s about teaching students to make plans, break them into steps, and feel proud of their progress.

In this post, I’ll share how to use a simple, engaging New Year’s resolutions writing prompt to motivate your students and help them set actionable goals for the year ahead.

Why Goal-Setting Matters in the Classroom

As teachers, we know that goal-setting builds focus and motivation.

When students articulate their aspirations, they take ownership of their learning.

This New Year’s resolutions writing activity helps students practice writing and gives them a framework for thinking critically about their goals.

Getting Started with the New Year’s Resolutions Writing Prompt

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the New Year’s resolutions writing prompt in your classroom.

Whether you’re starting the year fresh or coming back after winter break, this activity is easy to implement and requires minimal prep.

Step 1: Set the Stage with a Discussion

Begin by asking students to reflect on their past achievements and areas where they’d like to improve.

This conversation helps them start thinking about goals that are meaningful to them.

Ask questions like:

• What’s one thing you’re proud of from last year?
• What’s something new you’d like to try this year?
• How can you make this semester your best yet?

Use these prompts to spark ideas and engage students in thinking about their personal and academic growth.

Step 2: Brainstorm Goals Together

Distribute the goal-setting template included in the New Year’s Writing Prompt resource.

Have students jot down ideas for goals they’d like to achieve, focusing on both personal growth and academic success.

Break the brainstorming process into categories:

• Personal Goals: e.g., being kinder to classmates, trying a new hobby.
• Academic Goals: e.g., reading more books, improving in math or writing.

Step 3: Guide Students in Planning Action Steps

Once students have identified their goals, show them how to break these down into actionable steps.

Use the graphic organizer in the writing prompt resource to help them think through their “how.”

For example:

• Goal: Improve reading comprehension.
• Action Steps: Read for 20 minutes each day, use sticky notes to jot down questions, and discuss books with a partner.

By mapping out steps, students see their goals as achievable, which helps build confidence.

Step 4: Write and Share

Now, it’s time for students to turn their ideas into a written draft. Guide them to include:

1. An introduction explaining why their goal is important.
2. A body paragraph with their action steps.
3. A conclusion sharing how they’ll stay motivated or overcome challenges.

Encourage students to revise and polish their writing with a friend.

For a fun twist, let them write their final drafts with a pen.

Step 5: Celebrate Goals with a Bulletin Board

Create a “New Year, New Goals” display using the final drafts.

Post the resolutions on a bulletin board or wall to celebrate your students’ ambitions.

This display serves as a daily reminder of their goals and what they want to achieve.

Making Resolutions More Than a One-Time Activity

This activity doesn’t have to end with writing.

Revisit the goals throughout the semester, encouraging students to reflect on their progress.

Small check-ins can help them stay on track and remind them of their commitment.

Ready to Get Started?

This New Year’s resolution writing activity is an easy, low-prep way to kick off the year with purpose. It’s designed to help students reflect, plan, and take actionable steps toward success.

Click here to grab the New Year’s Resolutions Writing Prompt from my TPT store.

It’s ready to use and includes everything you need to guide your students through this meaningful activity.

Save This Idea for Later

Pin this post to your classroom writing ideas board on Pinterest so you can quickly come back to it next year!

Check Other New Year’s Activities

• Simple New Year’s Resolutions Classroom Activities
• Winter Break Activities to Beat the Winter Blues From the Holidays
• Help Students Write Better Narratives by Teaching Small Moments
• Winter Writing Prompts Kids Love Writing About