Unit Plan 19 (Grade 1 PE): Heart-Healthy Movement

Focus: Help students stay actively moving, notice simple body responses to exercise, and understand that heart-healthy activity can feel fun, energizing, and strong.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Physical Education (Active Participation • Fitness Awareness • Body Responses to Exercise)

Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students begin building fitness awareness by learning that physical activity makes the body work harder in healthy ways. In Grade 1 PE, students can start noticing simple body responses such as faster breathing, a quicker heartbeat, feeling warm, and needing a short rest after movement. This unit uses jog/walk intervals and playful Fitness Trail games to help students stay active while also paying attention to how their bodies feel before, during, and after exercise. The goal is to help students enjoy movement, participate actively, and recognize that exercise helps the heart and body grow stronger.

Essential Questions

• How does my body feel when I move and exercise?
• What are some signs that my heart and breathing are working harder?
• How can I stay active in fitness games and trails?
• Why is heart-healthy movement important for my body?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous movement during PE activities.
2. Identify simple body responses to exercise, such as faster breathing, feeling warm, and a quicker heartbeat.
3. Move through fitness activities with growing confidence and endurance.
4. Follow directions and stay engaged during fitness trail games and stations.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• 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:S3.1b Identify simple body responses to exercise such as increased heart rate, breathing, and warmth.
  • Example: Students discuss how their breathing changes after running.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can stay active during fitness games and trails.
• I can notice when my breathing gets faster.
• I can tell when my body feels warmer or my heart is beating faster.
• I can keep trying during movement activities.