Wellness Goals Intro

Grade Level

10th Grade

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

17 students

Unit Overview

Unit: Wellness Goals & Nutrition
Lesson: 1 of 10
Topic: Introduction to Wellness Goals
Lesson Description:
Students will explore the concept of wellness and the importance of setting personal goals. They will be introduced to SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—and learn how to apply these principles to their health and nutrition objectives.

Common Core Alignment

While the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) do not directly cover Health Education, this lesson aligns with key English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics standards that support health literacy and critical thinking:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.2 - Determine the central ideas of a text and analyze their development.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 - Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.1 - Use units to understand and solve problems (measurable goals).

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 - Model with mathematics (applying SMART criteria to goal planning).

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Define "wellness" and identify its major components (emotional, physical, social, mental, and nutritional).
Explain why setting personal wellness goals is important.
Describe and break down each element of a SMART goal.
Draft their own personal wellness goal using the SMART framework with relevance to nutrition or health.
Collaboratively discuss and provide peer feedback on wellness goals using effective communication skills.

Materials Needed

Whiteboard and markers
Projector and screen (for SMART goals visual)
Chart paper or SMART goal handouts for each student
Index cards
Pens or pencils
Sticky notes

Lesson Activities & Timing

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 min	Hook & Context Setting	Start with an open question: “What does wellness mean to you?” Encourage quick sharing, note keywords on board. Briefly introduce wellness dimensions.
5-15 min	Mini Lecture: Wellness & Goal Setting	Present a concise explanation of wellness components. Introduce SMART goals visually, explaining each element with relatable health/nutrition examples.
15-25 min	Think-Pair-Share: Drafting Goals	Students take 5-7 minutes to draft their own SMART wellness goal related to nutrition or health. Then pair up and share their goals, providing constructive feedback based on SMART criteria.
25-35 min	Group Discussion & Refinement	Groups of 4-5 share refined goals. Teacher moderates discussion to reinforce SMART elements and clarifies misconceptions. Emphasize measurable and time-bound features.
35-42 min	Individual Reflection & Writing	Students write a brief paragraph explaining the importance of wellness goals and the steps they will take to achieve theirs—aligns with CCSS.WHST.9-10.2.
42-45 min	Exit Ticket & Preview	On index cards, students write one challenge they anticipate in reaching their goal and one strategy to overcome it. Collect cards for formative assessment. Preview next lesson topic.

Differentiation Strategies

Support: Provide sentence starters or a SMART goal template for ELL or struggling students.
Extension: Challenge advanced students to incorporate measurable data sources or tracking methods for their goals.
Engagement: Use real-life examples or stories relevant to teen nutrition to heighten interest.

Assessment & Evidence of Learning

Formative:
- Observations during partner and group discussions.
- Quality and relevance of drafted SMART goals.
- Exit tickets showing reflective thinking.
Summative:
- Final wellness goal and reflective paragraph submitted at lesson end, graded on meeting SMART criteria and clarity.

Teacher Reflection Prompts (Post-Lesson)

Were students able to internalize the SMART framework effectively?
Did the pairing and group work provide enough peer engagement?
Which wellness dimensions did students seem most interested in? How to expand?
What modifications can improve clarity or engagement next time?

Notes to Teacher

This lesson uses social and collaborative learning strategies aligned with CCSS speaking and listening standards, promoting both health literacy and communication skills essential for lifelong wellness. Encourage students to view goal setting as an ongoing, dynamic process rather than a one-time event. Throughout the unit, return frequently to the SMART framework, so students become confident applying it independently.

This detailed, standard-aligned lesson should impress educators with its rigor, relevance, and student-centered approach.

Teaching Instructions