Unit Plan 14 (Grade 1 PE): Striking with Hands and Paddles
Grade 1 PE unit using fun balloon games to build striking skills, tracking, coordination, and safe movement while boosting student confidence and engagement.
Focus: Help students develop beginning striking skill and tracking by using fun balloon games that build control, confidence, and safe movement in personal and general space.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Space Awareness • Tracking & Control)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students begin exploring striking by learning how to tap and send an object with their hands and then with a paddle. In Grade 1 PE, balloons are a great starting tool because they move slowly, giving students time to watch, track, and react. This unit helps students build confidence by starting with self-taps and then moving into playful striking games that ask them to keep balloons up, send them to targets, and strike in shared space safely. The goal is to help students learn that striking is not about hitting hard. It is about watching the object, using control, and moving safely around others.
Essential Questions
- How can I strike a balloon with more control?
- What helps me keep my eyes on an object while it moves?
- How can I use my hands and paddles safely in PE?
- How do I move in space without bumping into others during a striking game?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate beginning striking skill using hands and paddles.
- Track a moving object with their eyes and respond with improving timing and control.
- Demonstrate awareness of personal and general space during balloon striking games.
- Participate actively in playful striking activities while following safety expectations.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.1c Demonstrate basic object-control skills such as rolling, throwing, catching, kicking, and striking with developing accuracy.
- Example: Students throw a ball toward a target or catch a ball tossed by a partner.
- 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 strike a balloon with my hand or a paddle.
- I can watch the balloon and try to keep it up.
- I can move safely without bumping into others.
- I can use striking tools in a safe way.