As a team focused in young development, we all want to see our kids succeed in school, but academic success isn’t just about grades, it’s about helping children develop the skills and mindset they need to set and achieve goals. Encouraging them to take ownership of their academic journey not only helps foster a growth mindset but also teaches them responsibility, perseverance, and time management. Setting academic goals together is a great way to build these skills and create a roadmap for success.

Here’s how you can set academic goals with your child in a way that’s meaningful, achievable, and motivating.

Step 1: Start with a Conversation

The first step in setting academic goals with your child is having an open and positive conversation about what they want to achieve. ask questions that help them reflect on their own academic experiences:

• “What subjects do you enjoy the most?”
• “Is there anything you’re finding tricky?”
• “What would you like to get better at this year?”

By focusing on their interests, strengths, and challenges, you’ll help them feel involved in the goal-setting process and more motivated to work towards their own goals rather than feeling like they’re simply meeting your expectations.

Step 2: Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Steps

Once you and your child have identified an academic goal, it’s time to break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This is where the magic happens. Big goals can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for younger kids, but by creating smaller “mini-goals,” they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.

For example, if the goal is to improve in math, it could be broken down like this:

• Week 1: Practice addition and subtraction flashcards for 10 minutes every day.
• Week 2: Complete one extra practice worksheet from school.
• Week 3: Review mistakes together from recent math tests and correct them.

By breaking things down, kids can see their progress as they go, and that sense of achievement will keep them motivated.

Step 3: Make Goals SMART

A great way to make sure the goals are clear and achievable is by using the SMART goal framework. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Let’s say your child wants to get better at reading comprehension. Instead of the vague goal “I want to be better at reading,” you can work together to create a SMART goal:

• Specific: Read a book each month and answer five comprehension questions after each chapter.
• Measurable: Check comprehension with a short quiz or conversation after each reading session.
• Achievable: Choose books that are at an appropriate reading level for your child.
• Relevant: Ensure the books are interesting and fun for your child so they stay engaged.
• Time-bound: Set a timeline, like finishing one book per month for the next three months.

With SMART goals, your child will have a clear sense of what they’re working towards, and you’ll both be able to track their progress in a meaningful way.

Step 4: Celebrate Progress (Not Just Results)

One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is that progress matters more than perfection. Academic goals are not just about getting an A on a test, they’re about the effort, persistence, and growth that comes with learning. Celebrate the small wins along the way. Did they try hard on their math homework this week? Awesome! Did they finish their reading assignment on time? Great job!

Positive reinforcement helps build a growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. 

Step 5: Stay Flexible

It’s important to remember that life happens, and sometimes goals will need to be adjusted. Maybe the workload at school changes, or your child discovers they need more time to focus on a different subject. That’s okay! The goal-setting process should be dynamic and flexible.

If your child is struggling with an objective, use it as an opportunity to talk about the challenges and brainstorm solutions together. Sometimes that means adjusting the goal itself to make it more achievable or shifting focus to a new priority.

About Failure: It’s Part of the Process

Lastly, don’t be afraid to talk about failure. Not every goal will be met perfectly, and that’s totally normal. In fact, setbacks are an important part of learning. By talking about what went wrong and how to improve next time, kids can develop resilience and a growth mindset. Show them that failure is not a dead-end, but rather a stepping stone towards success.

How Kids in the Game Helps

At Kids in the Game, we understand that achieving academic goals can be challenging, especially with all the distractions kids face today. That’s why we offer more than just a fun and active program. We provide after-school support, including help with homework. Our programs are designed to foster a love for learning while keeping kids active, engaged, and supported in and out of the classroom.

Whether your child is setting big academic goals or simply needs a bit of extra encouragement to stay motivated, Kids in the Game is here to help every step of the way! Visit our website and get in touch with us for more info! www.kidsinthegame.com 

After-school programs have become an essential part of the educational experience for many students, offering more than just a place to stay until their parents/guardians finish getting through their day. These programs provide structured environments where children can continue to learn, grow, and thrive outside of the traditional classroom setting. At Kids in the Game, our after-school programs are designed not only to keep kids engaged but also to reinforce academic concepts, provide homework assistance, and instill a lifelong love for learning. Here’s how after-school programs can support academic success, with a closer look at what KING offers.

Reinforcing Classroom Learning

One of the key ways after-school programs support academic success is by reinforcing what students learn during the school day. After-school activities allow children to apply and expand on what they’ve learned in a more relaxed and interactive environment. For instance, KING’s comprehensive after-school programs incorporate activities like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) projects, where students can dive deeper into subjects like science and technology through hands-on experiments and creative exploration. By providing a space where children can engage with educational content in different formats, after-school programs help solidify their understanding and retention of classroom material.

Homework Assistance

Homework can be a source of stress for both students and their families, but after-school programs can ease this burden by offering dedicated time and support for completing assignments. The availability of homework assistance allows students to tackle challenging subjects with confidence, knowing they have the support they need to succeed. Moreover, by completing homework in a structured environment, students can enjoy more quality time with their families at home after the school day has ended.

Fostering a Love for Learning

After-school programs are uniquely positioned to foster a love for learning by making education fun and engaging. Through a variety of enrichment activities, children can explore new interests and develop skills that may not be covered during the regular school day. Kids in the Game’s enrichment classes range from Warrior Fitness and Coding to Hip Hop and Ultimate Sports, allowing students to discover and pursue their passions in a supportive environment. These activities not only broaden students’ horizons but also encourage them to see learning as an enjoyable and lifelong process. When children associate learning with fun, they are more likely to stay motivated and curious, which can lead to greater academic success in the long run.

Building Essential Life Skills

Beyond academic support, after-school programs play a crucial role in developing essential life skills that contribute to overall academic success. The programs emphasize mentorship and the teaching of valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Through participation in group activities and sports, students learn how to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and manage their time efficiently—skills that are directly transferable to their academic pursuits. By cultivating these abilities in a structured and nurturing environment, after-school programs prepare students to face academic challenges with confidence and resilience.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

A positive and supportive learning environment is key to academic success, and this is a hallmark of our after-school programs. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, catering to the diverse needs and interests of all students. Whether through all-encompassing full programs or specialized enrichment classes, we ensure that each child has the opportunity to thrive. By creating an atmosphere where students feel valued and supported, after-school programs help build self-confidence and encourage a growth mindset, both of which are critical for academic achievement.

At Kids in the Game, we are committed to helping students reach their full potential! Are you a school interested in outsourcing your after-school programming? Visit Kids in the Game After-School Programs and get in touch with us to learn more about how we can support your students’ academic success!