Unit Plan 22 (Grade 1 PE): Pathway Tag

Focus: Help students apply pathways and direction concepts during fun tag games while using basic locomotor skills and staying actively engaged.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Movement Concepts • Active Participation)

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

I. Introduction

Students strengthen their understanding of pathways by using them in a playful tag game instead of only following them during isolated practice. In Grade 1 PE, students benefit from learning that movement concepts such as straight, curved, and zigzag pathways can shape how games are played and how bodies move safely through space. This unit begins with simple line and pathway walking/jogging and then applies those ideas in Pathways Tag, where runners must stay on designated routes while trying to avoid taggers. The goal is to help students move actively, use locomotor skills with better control, and understand how pathways and direction affect game play.

Essential Questions

• What are different pathways I can use in PE?
• How can I move on a pathway while playing a game?
• How do direction and pathways help me make safe movement choices?
• How can I stay active and in control during a tag game?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform basic locomotor skills such as walking, jogging, hopping, and galloping with improving control during pathway games.
2. Apply movement concepts such as pathways and direction while playing.
3. Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous movement during pathway tag activities.
4. Follow game directions and use safe movement on designated pathways.

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:S2.1a Apply movement concepts such as speed, direction, levels, and pathways during activities.
  • Example: Students move quickly in straight pathways and slowly in curved pathways during a game.
• 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.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can move on a straight, curved, or zigzag pathway.
• I can use walking, jogging, or other locomotor skills while staying on the path.
• I can stay active during pathway games.
• I can follow the path and change direction safely.