As we kick off 2025, there's no better time to refresh our approach to classroom learning objectives. We all know January can bring that fresh-start feeling, but instead of getting caught up in the "new year, new me" pressure, let's focus on something more exciting: creating achievable, happiness-filled goals that will keep both you and your pupils bouncing into school with enthusiasm all year long!  

A change in perspective

It's the mid-90s, and I'm quite silent at the back of my Year 5 science class, trying to be invisible as Mrs Almond starts talking about the solar system. Space was just... well, space. Big and impossible to understand. But then, Mrs Almond did something that changed everything.  
 
Instead of diving straight into textbooks, she revealed our class mission: Planet Explorers.  
 
"In six weeks," she announced, pulling out a massive roll of black paper, "We're going to transform our classroom ceiling into a solar system. But here's the catch – every star and planet needs to be scientifically accurate. Your mission? Become space experts, one planet at a time!"  
  
Suddenly, space wasn't just an overwhelming topic – it was an exciting challenge broken down into bite-sized goals. We'd tackle a different planet each week, earning 'Space Expert' badges for learning about their atmospheres, temperatures and special features.  
 
It was simply a change in perspective for us as learners.

Positive objectives matter!  

Not to mention being more fun. I’m not talking about box ticking either, but rather creating the right environment where success feels like a natural part of the learning process. Here’s how you can build this into your classroom practice.  
  
Make objectives and goals student-friendly  

When children have input into their own goals and objectives, they are more likely to enjoy that feeling of success.

Start with the "I Can" mindset - instead of "I will understand a half and a quarter as fractions," why not try "I can use fractions to split a pizza fairly with my friends. Learning + Real Life = (Delicious) Goal-Setting Gold!  
Break it down. Big objectives are great, but baby steps are where the magic happens. Help children truly get involved in their success by breaking down major objectives into daily "mini-wins."  
 
Track Progress with Resources  
 
Visual progress trackers (who doesn’t love computer game-style levelling-up chart)  
Success journals - where they can actively reflect on their learning and progress  
Goal-setting worksheets - but make them fun – add doodle spaces and celebration sections.  

Make lessons shout success and achievement  

• Start strong - begin each lesson by sharing the day's ‘mission’ in a way that gets students excited. "Today, we're going to become history detectives” sounds way more fun than "Today's objective is..."  
• Celebrate everything - did someone remember their times tables? High five! Did another student help explain a concept to their friend? Round of applause! Creating a culture of celebration makes achieving goals feel natural and fun.  
• Reflect with a smile - reflection doesn't have to feel like a heavy philosophical moment. Try these light-hearted approaches:  
  "What made you feel like a learning superhero today?"  
  "If today's lesson was a movie, what would be its title?"  
  "Rate your understanding with emoji power!"  

Progress, not perfection 
 
Remember, setting positive goals isn't about perfection – it's about progress, celebration, and creating an atmosphere where learning feels less like work and more like an adventure.  

Changing our approach can mean that objectives aren't just met – they're celebrated, shared, and achieved with style!  

And if something doesn't work out exactly as planned? That's just another opportunity for learning with a touch of laughter! After all, the best teachers know that sometimes the wobbliest paths lead to the most wonderful outcomes.

If you’d like to learn more about how to use laughter and humour in your classroom, check out our Laughter Matters workshop for teachers or get in touch to see how we can help - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victoria Maitland has a background in performing arts and brings a wealth of experience working with children and young people in education and community organisations. She’s written and delivered sessions on literacy, STEM, history, and politics with some of the country’s leading education workshop providers. She can also touch her elbow with her tongue.