Unit Plan 9 (Grade 1 PE): Favorite Locomotor Games
Reinforce Grade 1 locomotor skills through favorite games while building enjoyment, participation, and student voice about preferred physical activities.
Focus: Reinforce locomotor skills through favorite movement games while helping students enjoy physical activity and talk about which activities they like best.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Enjoyment of Movement • Activity Preference)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students revisit and strengthen important locomotor skills by playing a favorite game format in a fun, active, and age-appropriate way. In this unit, students use familiar movements such as running, hopping, galloping, sliding, leaping, and jumping during a playful Sharks and Minnows: Locomotor Edition game. The unit is designed to help students not only practice moving with better control, but also notice which movement activities they enjoy most and why. By combining fun game play with short reflection moments, students begin connecting skill practice to personal preference and joyful participation.
Essential Questions
- Which locomotor skills can I use in movement games?
- How can I show enjoyment and excitement while being active in PE?
- What kinds of movement games do I like best, and why?
- How can I use favorite games to get better at moving?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform basic locomotor skills such as running, hopping, galloping, sliding, leaping, and jumping with improving control.
- Participate actively and enthusiastically in movement games.
- Identify favorite physical activities or locomotor movements and explain why they enjoy them.
- Follow game directions and use safe movement during whole-group play.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.1a Perform basic locomotor skills (run, hop, gallop, slide, leap, and jump) with improved control and coordination.
- Example: Students travel across the gym using different locomotor movements in response to teacher cues.
- PE:S5.1a Show enjoyment and enthusiasm when participating in physical activities.
- Example: Students actively participate and express excitement during movement games.
- PE:S5.1b Identify physical activities they enjoy and explain why they like them.
- Example: A student shares that they enjoy tag because it allows them to run fast.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use running, hopping, galloping, sliding, leaping, and jumping in games.
- I can show excitement and try my best in PE.
- I can tell which movement game or locomotor skill I like best.
- I can say why I enjoy a certain activity.