Class: Primary 6
Term: Second Term
Week: 1
Age: 11 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: GOAL SETTING
Subject Matter: Meaning of goal setting, guides for achieving one’s plan, pressing on towards a goal (Phil 3:13–14)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define goal setting.
- Identify at least three guides for achieving one’s goals.
- Explain the message of Philippians 3:13-14 in relation to goal setting.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of setting goals in life.
- Show determination and perseverance in pursuing their personal goals.
Psychomotor Domain:
- List personal goals they wish to achieve.
- Write down simple steps to work towards a chosen goal.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in discussions about setting and achieving goals.
- Encourage their peers to set and work towards positive goals.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Christian Religious Knowledge for Primary Schools 6
- The Holy Bible (New International Version)
- https://www.education.gov.ng/basic-education-curriculum/
- https://www.biblesociety-nigeria.org/
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- The Holy Bible
- Whiteboard or chalkboard
- Markers or chalk
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the importance of setting clear objectives for their lives and how to work towards achieving them. It enables them to develop a sense of purpose and teaches them perseverance, which are important values for their personal growth and future success.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of making plans and the importance of working hard to achieve desired outcomes.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
GOAL SETTING
Meaning of Goal Setting
Goal setting is the process of identifying something you want to achieve and establishing a plan to reach that desired outcome. It involves deciding what you want to do, where you want to go, and how you will get there.
Guides for Achieving One’s Plan (Goals)
Achieving goals requires effort and a clear approach. The following are guides for achieving one’s goals:
- Prayer: Seeking God’s guidance and strength.
- Clear Planning: Breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
- Hard Work: Putting in the necessary effort and time.
- Focus: Staying concentrated on the goal and avoiding distractions.
- Discipline: Sticking to the plan even when it is difficult.
- Perseverance: Not giving up when faced with challenges or setbacks.
- Self-Belief: Having confidence in one’s ability to achieve the goal.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly checking progress and making changes to the plan if needed.
Pressing on Towards a Goal (Philippians 3:13–14)
The Bible passage Philippians 3:13–14 teaches us about determination and moving forward. It states: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Lessons from this passage for goal setting include:
- Forgetting Past Failures: Do not dwell on past mistakes or setbacks, but learn from them and move on.
- Focusing on the Future: Look forward to what you want to achieve and work towards it with determination.
- Straining Towards What is Ahead: This means putting in maximum effort and commitment.
- Pressing On: Continuing to work towards the goal despite difficulties or temptations to quit.
- Aiming for the Prize: Having a clear understanding of the reward or outcome of achieving the goal, which motivates perseverance.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they want to be when they grow up. The teacher then asks if they have thought about how they will achieve these aspirations. This leads to the introduction of the topic: Goal Setting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and the lesson topic is introduced.
Step 2: Meaning of Goal Setting
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of goal setting, defining it as deciding what one wants to achieve and planning how to get there. The teacher encourages pupils to give examples of goals they might have.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute to the discussion by giving examples of goals, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and concept of goal setting.
Step 3: Guides for Achieving Goals
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains various guides for achieving one’s goals, such as prayer, planning, hard work, focus, discipline, and perseverance. The teacher provides simple examples for each guide.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and copy the points into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the practical steps for achieving goals.
Step 4: Pressing on Towards a Goal (Philippians 3:13–14)
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Bible Reading/Interpretation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to open their Bibles to Philippians 3:13–14. The teacher guides pupils to read the passage aloud, then leads a discussion on what the passage means in the context of setting and achieving goals, emphasizing forgetting past failures and pressing forward.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, and state lessons learned from the passage.
Learning Point: Pupils connect biblical teachings with the concept of perseverance in goal setting.
Step 5: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is goal setting?
- Mention three guides that can help you achieve your goals.
- What is the main message of Philippians 3:13-14 regarding achieving goals?
- Why is it important not to give up when pursuing a goal?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 6: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of setting clear goals and working diligently with God’s help to achieve them. The teacher assigns homework: “Write down one personal goal you have and three steps you will take to achieve it, remembering the lessons from today.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced and pupils are given an opportunity for personal application.
Home Task: Write three lessons learned about GOAL SETTING and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.
Lesson Keywords
- Goal – An aim or desired result.
- Setting – The act of establishing or deciding.
- Plan – A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
- Perseverance – Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
- Discipline – The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. In this context, it refers to self-control and consistent effort.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to think of long-term goals and more detailed plans. For pupils who require more support, the teacher can provide simpler goal examples and assist them in breaking down steps into very small, achievable actions. Peer support can also be encouraged, with stronger pupils helping weaker ones.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage pupils to share their goals in a supportive environment, but do not force those who are shy. Emphasize that goals can be academic, personal, or spiritual. Always connect the lesson back to Christian values and the importance of prayer and faith in achieving one’s aspirations. Ensure the Bible passage is read clearly and understood by all pupils.

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