Unit Plan 34 (Grade 1 PE): Student Choice Activity Day
Grade 1 PE unit helps students identify favorite physical activities, stay actively engaged in rotating game choices, and explain why certain movement experiences feel the most fun and enjoyable.
Focus: Help students recognize and name their preferred physical activities while staying actively engaged through a fun rotation of favorite PE games.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Activity Preference • Active Participation • Choice & Enjoyment)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build confidence and ownership in PE when they have a chance to notice which activities they enjoy most. In Grade 1, this can mean recognizing that they like games for different reasons, such as moving fast, using equipment, working with friends, or following fun patterns. This unit uses a student-choice warm-up menu and then moves into a rotation of favorite class games such as tag, Scooter Highway, parachute activities, and other familiar options. The goal is to help students stay active, make simple choices, and begin explaining why certain physical activities feel especially fun and enjoyable to them.
Essential Questions
- Which physical activities do I enjoy the most in PE?
- Why do I like some movement games more than others?
- How can I stay active while rotating through choice activities?
- How can I make a good choice and still follow PE rules?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify physical activities they enjoy and begin explaining why they like them.
- Participate actively in favorite PE games and movement choices for much of class time.
- Make simple activity choices while following teacher directions and game routines.
- Reflect on personal preferences related to movement, equipment, and game play.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S5.1b Identify physical activities they enjoy and explain why they like them.
- Example: A student shares that they enjoy tag because it allows them to run fast.
- 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 choose activities I enjoy in PE.
- I can tell which games are my favorites.
- I can say why I like an activity.
- I can stay active during my choices and rotations.