Let’s be honest: classroom management can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Just when you get one thing under control, another pops up to steal your peace. That’s where class goals come in.
By working together on specific, manageable goals, you can foster teamwork, build accountability, and make your classroom run a little smoother. Bonus? Your students will start to see themselves as active contributors to the classroom community and be super motivated to achieve those common goals.
If you want your students to be even more motivated, consider using class incentives they can earn as they meet class goals.
Not sure where to start setting class goals? I’ve got you covered! Below is a list of simple, practical class goals that you can use as reference as you craft class goals with your students. Each goal is designed to tackle common classroom challenges while keeping things clear, achievable, and, most importantly, stress-free for you.
Classroom Management Tool: Track Your Class Goals
Make class goals more than just words on a whiteboard! These class goals trackers are designed to help you and your students track progress and stay motivated. Choose from templates that include built-in incentives, or keep it simple with no rewards attached.
Want to add a little friendly competition? There are fun options for group tracking or even a teacher vs. students showdown. Grab these Whole Class Incentive Charts and get ready to celebrate your class’s progress.
Class Goals Ideas
1. Quick Transitions
Students transition to the next subject or task within a specific time frame (like one minute). Add a fun timer or music to keep it engaging!
2. A Clean Classroom at the End of the Day
Set the expectation that the classroom will be spotless before dismissal. Consider adding criteria like “without reminders,” “to Mrs. E.’s satisfaction,” or “in under five minutes.”
3. Raise Hands Before Speaking
Whether it’s during discussions, asking questions, or sharing ideas, students will consistently raise their hands instead of calling out.
4. Using Kind Words & Showing Respect
Students make progress toward this goal by being “caught” by the teacher or by nominating each other, your choice!
5. Be Ready to Learn by the Bell
Set the goal for students to be seated with materials ready when the bell rings (or when class starts). Keep it fun by rewarding streaks of success with small celebrations.
6. Complete Morning Tasks Independently
Students will complete all their morning routine i.e. hanging up coats, sharpening pencils, and turning in homework, without reminders.
7. Follow Directions the First Time
Make it a goal for the whole class to follow your directions immediately after they’re given. As in… here are the directions and 1, 2, 3, GO!
8. Respect Shared Supplies
Students will use shared materials properly and return them to their designated spots. Bonus: no more missing pencils!
9. Line Up Quietly and Quickly
Getting from Point A to Point B doesn’t need to feel like herding cats. Make it a goal to line up quickly, quietly, and in straight lines, ready to move.
10. Keep Desks Organized
Set the expectation that students will keep their desks or workspaces neat and tidy. Maybe even add a weekly “desk inspection” to keep them motivated. Make it extra fun by hiring student desk inspectors.
11. Work Block Volume Under Control
Students will stay at an appropriate noise level during work time without needing reminders. You can even assign a “volume monitor” as a class job to help or use a fun tool like Classroom Screen!
12. Class Jobs Are Completed Daily
Students will finish their assigned classroom jobs without being reminded. This keeps things running smoothly and teaches responsibility.
13. Be Ready for Specials on Time
Whether it’s art, gym, or music, make it a goal to have students prepared and out the door for specials without delay.
14. Keep Personal Belongings Organized
Students will keep their coats, backpacks, and cubbies neat and tidy. No more mystery lunch smells two weeks later!
15. Use Technology Responsibly
Set the expectation that students will only use devices for assigned tasks and treat them with care.
16. Turn in Assignments on Time
The class will work together to ensure all assignments are submitted by the deadline. Offer a collective reward for meeting this goal consistently.
17. Resolve Conflicts Peacefully
Students will practice solving disagreements respectfully, using strategies you’ve taught (like “I feel” statements or asking from coaching from an adult. if needed).
18. Keep the Floor Free of Clutter
Set a goal to have no pencils, papers, or other materials left on the floor by the end of each day.
19. Respond to the Signal Immediately
Whether you use a bell, clap, or call-and-response, make it a goal for the class to stop and focus the first time you use your signal.
20. Write Names on Assignments
Students will consistently remember to write their names on their work, saving you from playing detective later.
21. Active Participation During Lessons
Encourage students to ask questions, share ideas, and actively engage during lessons. This keeps the classroom environment vibrant and helps students stay focused during lessons.
22. Walk in the Hallways
Set the goal for students to walk—not run—quietly in the hallways to avoid disrupting others.
23. Show Respect for Others’ Ideas
During discussions or group work, students will practice listening without interrupting and showing respect for all opinions.
24. Keep Whiteboards Clean
Whether it’s the teacher’s board or student mini whiteboards, make it a goal to erase them properly after use.
25. End the Day Calmly
Students will end the day quietly and calmly, ready to head home without chaos. A soothing routine can help!
26. Bring Necessary Materials to Class
Students will come prepared with pencils, books, and other supplies for every lesson. No more “I forgot my pencil” interruptions.
27. Follow Homework Routines
Students will remember to bring their homework back to school completed, signed (if needed), and ready to turn in.
28. Stay in Seats Unless Given Permission
Students will remain in their seats during work time or lessons unless they have a specific reason to move. This helps to cut down on aimless wandering!
29. Follow Morning Routine Without Reminders
Students will come in, unpack, and get started on morning work or tasks without needing prompting from you. Using a morning message can help students know the expectations are upon entering the classroom.
30. Be On Time After Breaks
Whether it’s recess, lunch, or a brain break, the class will transition back to learning on time and ready to focus.
Try Class Goals Trackers
Want a visual to support your students in meeting those class goals? Check out the class incentives charts! These whole class incentives charts make it simple (and fun) to track progress together.
Whether you want to set incentives for the whole class, track group efforts toward a common goal, or even challenge your students to a friendly teacher vs. students competition, there’s a template for you. And if incentives aren’t your thing, no problem—there are plenty of options to keep it all about teamwork.
Class goals don’t have to be complicated to be effective. The key is to choose goals that are specific, achievable, and relevant to your classroom’s current needs. Work together to set expectations, celebrate progress, and revisit goals as needed.
By focusing on shared goals, you’ll not only improve classroom management but also strengthen your class community. And honestly? It’s a win-win for everyone!
