Most of us have some idea of where we're going in life and what we want to accomplish, but not very many of us take the time to write it down. However, writing our goals down makes us significantly more likely to reach them. It's amazing how putting pen to paper can make a major difference in what we accomplish.

Writing our goals requires us to think about them in order to articulate them clearly. Further, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on them and revise them when necessary. Goals written down are usually more developed, more intentional, and more defined than those that merely float around in our heads. Plus, they serve as a reminder of what we set out to do. If our goals don't find a home in the written word, they are easily forgotten. In fact, they may not be goals at all, merely wishes.

As we kick off the school year, parents and students alike will benefit from taking some time to write down their goals. What do you hope to accomplish this year? What is the big picture your goals fit into? How will this year's goals move you toward future goals? As you consider these questions and write out your goals, you may want to use the SMART approach.

Experts on goal-setting often use the acronym SMART to identify aspects of effective goal writing.

     S - Specific: Define your goal using specific words so you know exactly what you are aiming for.

     M - Measurable: How will you know when you get there?

     A - Attainable: Make sure your goal is within reach.

     R - Relevant: Does your goal align with the big picture, vision, or God-given purpose for your life?

     T - Time-based: Set a realistic date to reach the goal. Every worthy endeavor needs a deadline!

Choose a few areas of your life and write down your goals. You may write them down in a journal or on notecard to keep in your purse or wallet. Review them regularly to stay focused. Finally, celebrate your achievement when you reach a goal and check it off the list!

Handwriting a note or a letter may seem old-fashioned to some, but there are benefits to handwritten letters that are lost in emails or text messages. First, a handwritten letter takes more effort. The fact that a person takes time to compose a letter by hand shows the recipient they are valued.

Second, a handwritten letter is more personal than the computer or cellphone-mediated methods. The writer touches the paper and shares a bit of him or herself in the message and the penmanship. When the recipient reads the letter, he or she may notice things like the smell, smudges on the page, or changes in the writing that show a personal touch.

Third, writing by hand affects the writer's cognitive processing differently than typing does. It encourages self-expression and a bit of artistry in the delivery. Some professional writers even write their manuscripts by hand first because it helps them think about the message in a deeper way.

It is true that technology has provided great opportunities for us to communicate with each other quickly and conveniently. However, let's not forget about the benefits of writing by hand. I urge you to brighten someone's day by taking time to write a handwritten letter.

"Active reading" refers to a process of digging deeper into what you are reading. Five strategies commonly associated with active reading are: question, visualize, predict, connect, and respond. Responding is the part where reading becomes personal. The reader responds in a variety of ways.

• Emotions - Passages of literature, scripture, news stories and more may evoke strong emotions ranging from compassion to anger.

• Appreciation - Skilled readers recognize and appreciate the beauty in a well-crafted piece.

• Analysis - The presentation of new facts or ideas should provoke the reader to think critically about the material or viewpoints.

• Action - Especially emotional or persuasive pieces may motivate a reader to act on a new idea or take action to right a wrong.

• Research - Fully engaging the mind when reading often sparks further study and research on a topic.

• Writing - Responsive readers are inspired to write about what they read.

In fact, writing is an excellent way to record and enhance responsive reading. Writing may be incorporated into the reading experience in a variety of ways. Taking notes while reading, setting aside time at the end to record thoughts, or choosing a more formal avenue such as a letter to the editor are all excellent ways of incorporating writing into the reading process. 

Developing responsive reading skills will make students better learners, better thinkers, and better writers. It is a life skill that will serve them well!

• Designate a place for journal entries in a notebook, binder, journal book, or even online in a place such as LiveJournal.

• Determine how often journaling will occur and when. Will the student journal daily? Or only after major lessons or projects? Is the best time morning, afternoon, or evening? Consistency enhances the journaling process.

• Set aside time for regular journal entries as part of the learning process. Students may journal daily about the lessons and events of the day, after field trips, during science projects, in response to literary readings, etc.

• A good journal entry should include a record of concepts learned, comments, reflections, and analysis, ideas or questions inspired by the concept being studied.

• Journal entries should not include complaining or gossip.

When students become familiar with the journaling process they will begin to see it as a useful tool helping them get the most out of their studies.