New Year’s Resolutions – Goals, Hopes & Promises
Early 20th-century New Year's resolution postcards - Wikipedia
Have you made a New Year’s Resolution and what is your promise for the New Year?
What does it mean to make a resolution?
How did this practice start and what are other New Year’s customs around the world?
Why is New Year’s on January 1st and has it always been celebrated on this day?
These links should help you answer these questions.
- New Year’s Resolutions – Wikipedia
- New Year’s Day History – Wikipedia
- New Year’s Webquest – by Kathie McDavid|Fulton County Schools, Georgia
- New Year’s Day – History, Traditions, and Customs
- New Year’s Lesson Plans: Resolutions & Other Lesson Plans
- Education World’s Going for the Goal
- Writing Bug’s Going for the Goal PDF
- Click here to download the lesson below
New Year’s Resolutions
Network Observations
Grade Levels: 3 -5
Name:__________________________________
PREWRITING
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What is a resolution? A resolution is a promise. It is a promise that you make to yourself! It is a tradition for people to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. There are different kinds of resolutions.
One sort of resolution has to do only with oneself. You might decide to lose weight, to stop eating candy, to exercise more, or to watch less TV. Other resolutions might involve family or friends. You could resolve to be more patient with your little brother, to be more helpful to your mom, or not to get into fights with your friends. Some resolutions are about school and the outside world, such as getting to class on time, trying for better grades, or not teasing the neighbor’s dog.
If you manage to keep these promises, it will make you feel better about yourself. So, it’s important not to make wild resolutions that are too difficult to follow.
Your promises to yourself should not be too hard to keep.
DIRECTIONS
The box below is divided into three sections.
1. In the first section, list at least two resolutions for your personal improvement.
2. In the second section, list at least two resolutions that have to do with
family and friends.
3. In the third section, list at least two resolutions about school and the
outside world.
| PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT: |
| FAMILY AND FRIENDS: |
| SCHOOL AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD: |
FIRST DRAFT
Nobody’s perfect! The beginning of a new year seems like a good time to think about changing. That’s why people make resolutions in January.
In this activity, you are going to write the first draft of an essay about your promises to yourself for the new year. The best resolutions are those that you can be pretty sure of keeping. Choose three of the resolutions you listed above – one about personal improvement, one about family and friends, and one about school and the outside world. Write a five-paragraph essay about these New Year’s resolutions.
Write your first paragraph here, introducing the topic.
Write your second paragraph here. It should describe your personal improvement promise and tell why you are making it.
Write your third paragraph here. It should describe your family and friends resolution and tell why you are making it.
Write your fourth paragraph here. It should describe your resolution about school and the outside world, and tell why you are making it.
Write your fifth paragraph here. It should restate the topic and sum it up.
REVISING AND WRITING A FINAL COPY
DIRECTIONS
1. Edit and revise the first draft of your essay about New Year’s resolutions.
Here are some suggestions:
| a. Does the first paragraph introduce the topic in an interesting way? Can you make it more exciting by beginning with a question or a startling statement?
b. Do the next three paragraphs describe each resolution? Do you clearly explain why you are making these resolutions? c. Do you restate and sum up the topic in the last paragraph? d. Are all sentences complete? Do subjects and verbs agree? e. Is all spelling correct? Consult a dictionary. |
2. Write the final copy of your essay below. Write a title on the first line. Indent at the beginning of paragraphs. Use the back of this worksheet if you need more room.
This activity is from Writing Activities for Every Month of the School Year.
Dave Coverly - Speed Bump
January 5th, 2009 at 8:23 am
That is a one interesting page that i just read! That little post of a joke was funny!! It shows the resolution,but at the same time its showing the mistake all over again!! About the rest of the page,i thought it was very detailed. It can tell a person thats confused a lot of things about resolutions. And thats a very good way to show how much we care!
LOVE:Alexandria l.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Hi! It’s Tehara from class 5-305. I as a matter of fact have made a resolutions. Wanna hear? I bet you do. Well if you may not know i have a band and we plan to be a big shot our name is the glam squad. Anyway we have a gig in the Rotunda Gallery in may. Our Rotunda Teacher Ms. Hawley scheduled my band to play in may. Well that’s my resolution. Bye!
-Tehara, class 5-305
January 5th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I liked how you put specific words discribing
peace how to make a change for the world
January 6th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I think new year resolution are good so you can make a goal to you’r self for the new year so you should keep that goal ok bye.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Our class 2-110 suggests that our new year resolutions should be to:
Listen more to the teacher.
Line up quiet when leaving the room.
Hang our coats in the closet neatly and properly.
Keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
Thank you,
The students of 2-110
January 12th, 2009 at 8:26 am
my goal is to start my designing group
First I have to talk to ms.f about it she said she will think about it.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:39 am
My New Year’s academic resolution is to learn more about Social Studies. I feel like I need some
help in social studies.
My plan is when I have extra time I’ ll bring my Social Studies note book and text book when I have time to learn more about historical time.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:34 am
My academic new year resolution is to not get mad. i plan to achieve my goal by listening to what everyone has to say instead of jumping to conclusions.
-Sparkle in class 4-210
January 12th, 2009 at 10:37 am
hey whats up am isaac from 4-210 and my proisem for this year is to do my work be honsty and be peacebulder in my life
A
January 12th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Hi my name is Beanca and my class is 4-210 and this is my goal for this year. My academic goal for 2009 is to save up $ 10.00 so I can have money ahead for my. Also to show my mother more love for coming home at 12:00 in the morning and for picking me up from the babysitter at 11:00 at night and I love her very much for doing that. Also showing her more love for being strong and doing that for me.
I plan to achieve this goal by- showing my mother more love by giving her more hugs and kisses. I will save up my money by not buying ice cream all the time.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:38 am
My academic goal for 2009 is to improve on my reading. I feel I need help with of reading.
I plan to achieve this goal by reading a little more each day. In addition I can start using my reading skills while I read. When I have free, I can take out my independent reading book and read.I can also pay more attention to my five w’s. Aylia 4-210
January 12th, 2009 at 10:39 am
My goal is to be the best I could be
I plan to do my goal is by …
. Be myself
. Do what I think is right
. Be a leader not a follower
by :Kimberly in class 4210
January 12th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Hi my name is Diandre from class 4-210E.My academic goal for 2009 is to be more focused in class to be the best I can be.To achieve my goal I will study and read more often.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Hey,it’s Ana from class 4-210E and my academic goal for 2009 is to do all of my work on time and to listen to my teacher more so that I can complete my work properly.
1.I plan to achieve this goal by timing myself on work so that I can finish my work on time
2. Stop what I’m doing and pay attention to my teacher
January 12th, 2009 at 10:41 am
dear sparkle l like resolution
January 12th, 2009 at 10:42 am
My academic goal for 2009 is to succeed this grade. [fourthgrade]. I plan to achieve this goal by doing all my homework and listening to the teacher.
BY;AMINAH
January 12th, 2009 at 10:43 am
My academic goal for 2009 is to focus on my work. I plan to acheive my goal is to listen to the teacher.
Camara in class 4-210
January 12th, 2009 at 10:43 am
My academic goal for 2009 is to do good in school and on the State Test. My name is Stefan and I am from 4-210E.I plan to achieve this goal by paying more attention in class.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:44 am
January 12th, 2009 at 10:28 am
My New Year’s academic resolution is to start my NATURE club or NATURE group.
I plan to achieve this goal by starting to look for people who would like to join the group.
This is my academic resolution for the New Year: 2009
January 12th, 2009 at 10:45 am
.MY name is Isbah Here are my resoulotion for the new year ; to avoid fights with my freinds. I would also live a happy new year.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:45 am
My academic goal for 2009 is to succeed this grade. [fourthgrade]. I plan to achieve this goal by doing all my homework and listening to the teacher. BY AMINAH
January 12th, 2009 at 10:46 am
My name is Devon i am in class 4-210 and my academic goal for 2009 is to be a better person like to do better things, to use different ways to solve things and also put some one up when there feeling bad so my point of view is to be a better peace builder. I plan to achieve this goal by staying out of trouble.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Hi my name is Regon and i am in the fourth grade. My academic goal is to pay more attention in school and do all my school work and home work. I plan to Achieve this goal by ignoring others and listening care fully to what the teacher says. i also can achieve this by doing all my homework dont matter what. 4210
January 12th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I am Nairan in class 4-210 and my academic goal is to pay more attention to my teacher.
I plan to accomplish this goal by listening more to the teacher and not to play around with the other students.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Hi my name is Christina; in class 4-210 and my academic goal for 2009 is to succeed in my reading comprehension and do better in reading.My plan to achieve this goal by making Judgements while I read .I can also make predictions while I read.In a addition I can also visaulise to achieve my goal.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:49 am
My name is Justin and this is my Goal – My goal is to succeed my work. also for this year to be a good one. I will finish my homework on time. I will add to this when I remember what else I have as a goal.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Hi I am Noor my goal is to start my nature grou.My plan is to start by asking people if they would like to join my group.
this is my academic goal for the new year
January 12th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Hi I’m Monica in 4-210. This is a great post on New Year’s Resolution even the postcard! My academic goal is to practice my long division. I will achieve this goal by practicing it every day of the year. I will be better by 2010!
January 12th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Hi my name is Regon and i am in the fourth grade. My academic goal is to pay more attention in school and do all my school work and home work. I plan to Achieve this goal by ignoring others and listening care fully to what the teacher says. i also can achieve this by doing all my homework not matter what.
January 12th, 2009 at 11:27 am
My name is Dane Pitter and my academic goal is to work more on 1 page story I will take chapter books home and make a story
January 12th, 2009 at 11:29 am
My name is Dane Pitter and my academic goal is to work more on 1 page story I will take chapter books home and make a 1 page story
January 12th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
My name is justin and my academic goal is to get a three or four on the ELA test to do that i need to practice looking back in the story for my answer
January 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
my academic goal is to study for my ELA test.my plan is to study when i get home.Also my plan is to achieve this goal. from darren from 4-310
January 12th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
My name is Jayden Smart and my academic goal is to practice art
January 12th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
whats up yo this is lliam from 4-310 my academic goal is to get a 4 or a 3 on the ELA test.The way i’m going to achieve this goal by practiceing ELA at home.When its the ELA test i will make sure i look back in the story and i’ll read the directions properly.Also i will check my work.see ya.peace in the world.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
hi my name is sarah and i am a fourth grader.My academic goal is to at least get a3 or 4 on my ela. Also one of my goals is to make sure i do all of my home work so i can have centers next week so bye.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! My academic goal is to get a 3 or a 4 on my ELA test. I plan to achieve my goal by rsstating,answering and putting details. By Zarif
January 12th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
My name is Ariel.My academic goal is to read more books on the weekends.4-310
January 12th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Happy New Year Tri-state area. I am madonna and my academic goal is to get a 4 on the ELA. I plan to achieve this goal by practicing.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
MY name is Tyrel class 4-310. My academic goal is to get a 4 or 3 on my ela test.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
hola , my name is Angeles from 4-310.My academic goal is to get a perfect 4 on my ELA TEST so I would go to 5th.
I can achieve this goal by reading the diractions carfully.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Happy new years.
hello my name is Chad my goal is to get a 4 on the Ela.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Hi,My name is Anthony from 5-302 my Goal for new years is to get better grades and try to become the top student in my class wish me luck!
January 12th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Happy new years.
hello my name is Chad my goal is to get a 4 on the Ela.
my other goal is to do my home work more often
January 12th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Hello my name is Christopher Davis.My new years academic resolution is to finish a biography on Nigel Marven.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
HI MY NAME IS DUTCHEN from 5-302 my goal for me to improve in class so i can impress my teacher and so i can get a good job
January 12th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
hey my name is ali from 5-302.I am trying to get a 4 in the ELA test so i could improve my parents.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
What’s up my people,how are u doing?I’m Paris from 5-302 my New Year’s resolution is to get good grades so I can get to my dream life.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
my name is cameron and my goal is to pass the ELA test and others.i hope i will impress my mom.I hope i go to the 6th grade.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I really want wish you a Happy New Year and best hopes and wishes. Also it can become true.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I will try to have more patience for the things that I cannot control. I will also work harder to spread peace wherever I go!!
January 12th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
To all of you who made resolutions- Good Luck!! I hope all of you are successful!! peace!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Hi my name is karel from class 5-303 my new years resoulution0 is to lose 19 pounds and to do it buy febuary2,2009.
January 12th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
darn i love theses coouments my school blog
January 12th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I like your resolution. My resolution is to pass the State exam. To acheive my goal i have to study more. Additionally, i have to be prepared.To acheive my goal i have to put my stuff into my bag from the night before.
Camara from class 4-210
January 13th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Hey it’s me Jess from class 4-310 and my academic goal is to do really well on my ELA test and i’m hopeing to get a four and make my parents proud. PEACE!
Jessica from class 4-310
January 16th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hello! My name is Adrien. My goal is to stop rushing. Peace Out
January 16th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Hello! My name is Adrien. My goal is to stop rushing. Peace Out !
January 16th, 2009 at 9:24 am
My educational goal for 2009 is to read more books. I will achieve this goal by going to the library more often and choosing books that I am interested in. Christopher 3-202
January 16th, 2009 at 9:32 am
My name is Adrien. My other goal is to pass the ELA.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Hey! My name is Ajene.My goal is to be kinder.Peace out my dudes.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:37 am
my goal is to get good grades in social studies.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:39 am
My name is Adrien. My other goal is to pass the ELA.PEACE OUT WITH CRUNCHBERRIES!
January 16th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Hi my name is Stephanie .My goal for this year is to do well in school and help others.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:35 am
hi my goal is to be succsesful in life
January 16th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Hi my name is Anish and my goal is to not talk in school and do good in school
January 16th, 2009 at 10:37 am
My name is Stephenson and my goal is to be nicer to people
January 16th, 2009 at 10:38 am
My name is Chass and my goal is to behave
January 16th, 2009 at 10:38 am
my goal this year is to pass the math state test
January 16th, 2009 at 10:39 am
my name is kailah from 5-303
my goal is to pass the ELA and the math exam
January 16th, 2009 at 10:40 am
My goal is to get a 4 in every subject
January 16th, 2009 at 10:40 am
hi,ahhhhhhhhhhhmmmmm,bye.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:42 am
My academic goal is to become a scientist to help the world of deadly diseases.I can achieve this goal by doing lots of of studying in my science and more experience in lots technological machines in science.I can also achieve this goal by studying microscopic germs and other things that are microscopic,from Jevron.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:42 am
My Academic goal is to pass my math test and get a 4.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:43 am
okkkkkkkkkkky.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:43 am
My name is Stephanie .My goal is to pass the math test.
.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:44 am
My name is Anish and i want to pass the math state exam
January 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am
My academic goal is to pass the math test.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am
my name is Shanique and my new years resolutions are to graduate and become a CSI (crime scene investigator). I want to go t John Jay College to persue my dream of becoming a CSI
your fellow peacebuilder, shanique
January 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Hi my name Jennifer from 5-303 and my goal is to go to middle school and past the ELA.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Hi, my name is karel my academic goal is to get more work done.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:46 am
My name is Shami. My academic goal is to is to get better in fractions. My plan is to practice everyday and ask for help.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:47 am
hi my name is lina and my goal is to be a ceo
January 16th, 2009 at 10:47 am
my name is shekera and im from 5-303 my goal is to pass my ELA and MATH EXAM peace
January 16th, 2009 at 10:48 am
hi my name is lina and my goal is to be a ceo
January 16th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Class 4-210 your goal were the goals I ever read.
Beanca in 4-210E
January 19th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
My academic goal for 2009 is to show my father more love because he took really good care of me for my whole life and he is the best father that I can have in my life. That why I have to show him more love each and everyday.
Beanca in class 4-210
January 31st, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I think new year resolutions are a great idea. I think this because new year resolutions are promises you set for you. In addition they are not only a one person thing. You can set them for people you care about.
Aylia in class 4-210
February 1st, 2009 at 1:40 pm
my goal is to stay a peacebulider
January 14th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
my name is Alyssa from 4-310 can’t wait for the fourth grade show. Good luck tomorrow.