Fill Your Hopes and Wishes Jar With Goals & Aspirations! 

Start the school year or step into the New Year with positivity and purpose by introducing your students to the Hopes and Wishes Jar activity! This thoughtful goal-setting craft invites students to reflect on their dreams, goals, and aspirations for the year ahead—both inside and outside the classroom.

This simple but powerful Hopes and Wishes Jar Activity is an excellent way to open conversations about growth mindset, positivity and perseverance.

Using the My Hopes and Wishes Jar Template

This My Hopes and Wishes Jar Template is easily adapted to suit any grade level.

For students in lower grades, the Hopes and Wishes Jar Template can be used as a drawing exercise. Encourage them to draw pictures of their wishes—perhaps a new skill they’d like to learn or something special they want to happen during the year.

For older students, it’s an excellent opportunity for written reflection. Have them write complete sentences or short statements explaining their goals and why they’re meaningful.

After completing the writing or drawing portion, have students color, cut, and decorate their jars. They can then share them with the class or add them to a bulletin board. Put them in a file for safekeeping, and you can revisit the jars later in the school year to reflect on progress and celebrate growth.

No-Prep ‘My Goal Jar’ Template

Preparing this ‘My Goal Jar’ Template couldn’t be easier! Simply click the Download button to grab your PDF file, print copies for your class, and you’re ready to go.

Consider printing on thicker paper if you plan to display the jars on a display board or classroom wall.

Resources to Pair With This Wish Jar Template

This wish jar template serves as a great beginner goal-setting activity. However, if you’d like something a bit more advanced, make sure you check out these goal-setting printables before you go!

teaching resource

My Goal Tree - Goal Setting Worksheet

Encourage your class to set their intentions for the year ahead with our goal-setting worksheet for students.

teaching resource

Goal Grid - Goal Setting Template

Set goals for the new school year with a printable goal-setting template for kids.

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Have a Bright Year! Lightbulb Goal Setting Craft

Brighten up your first day of school with a fun Lightbulb-themed goal-setting craft activity.