Unit Plan 20 (Grade 1 PE): Fitness Relays
Grade 1 PE unit using fun relay games to build running, hopping, and galloping skills while promoting teamwork, turn-taking, and active participation.
Focus: Help students stay in moderate-to-vigorous activity while using basic locomotor skills and practicing teamwork, turn-taking, and encouragement in fun relay games.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Fitness Participation • Cooperation & Respect)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build fitness, teamwork, and locomotor confidence through playful relay games that keep them moving and working together. In Grade 1 PE, relays can be a strong way to help students practice running, hopping, galloping, and other basic travel skills while also learning how to wait, cheer for others, and take turns respectfully. This unit uses a quick dynamic stretch warm-up and a fun Cone-to-Cone Fitness Relay format where students travel to a cone, complete a simple fitness task, and return to their team. The goal is to help students stay active, enjoy movement, and understand that teamwork means supporting classmates while everyone keeps trying.
Essential Questions
- How can I use running, hopping, and galloping in relay games?
- How can I stay active and keep trying during fitness relays?
- What does good teamwork look and sound like in PE?
- How do taking turns and encouraging others help games feel fun and fair?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform basic locomotor skills such as running, hopping, and galloping with improving control during relay games.
- Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous movement throughout fitness relay activities.
- Demonstrate cooperation and respect by taking turns, encouraging teammates, and following team routines.
- Follow relay directions and complete simple fitness tasks safely and in order.
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:S3.1a Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities during class.
- Example: Students engage in running, jumping, and movement games for sustained periods.
- PE:S4.1b Demonstrate cooperation and respect for others during partner and group activities.
- Example: Students take turns during skill stations and encourage teammates.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can run, hop, and gallop in relay games.
- I can stay active and keep trying during the relay.
- I can wait my turn and encourage my team.
- I can follow the relay steps in order.