Unit Plan 7 (Grade 1 PE): Pathways Adventure

Focus: Help students explore pathways and direction by moving through straight, curved, and zigzag routes while using safe body control and strong space awareness.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Movement Concepts • Space Awareness)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 3 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students continue building movement confidence by exploring how their bodies can travel in different pathways. In Grade 1 PE, it is important for students to understand that movement is not only about going from one place to another. It is also about how they travel. This unit introduces straight, curved, and zigzag pathways through playful floor routes and a fun Pathway Maze activity. Students practice walking, jogging, hopping, galloping, and other familiar locomotor skills while staying aware of their own space and the people around them. The goal is to help students understand that movement can follow many patterns and that safe pathway choices help PE feel organized, fun, and successful.

Essential Questions

• What are different pathways I can use in PE?
• How can I move in a straight, curved, or zigzag pathway?
• How do pathways help me move safely around others?
• How can I use pathways and direction while doing locomotor skills?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform basic locomotor skills while traveling in different pathways.
2. Apply movement concepts such as pathways and direction during PE activities.
3. Demonstrate awareness of personal and general space while moving through shared activity areas.
4. Participate actively in pathway-based movement games while following class safety routines.

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:S2.1b Demonstrate awareness of personal and general space while moving.
  • Example: Students avoid collisions while moving around classmates during locomotor games.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can move in a straight, curved, or zigzag pathway.
• I can use walking, jogging, hopping, or other locomotor skills while following a path.
• I can look where I am going and stay safe around others.
• I can follow directions and move in the pathway the teacher names.