Unit Plan 16 (Grade 1 PE): Throw, Run, Retrieve
Grade 1 PE unit featuring a fun throw-and-retrieve game where students build coordination, sequencing, and safe movement through running, throwing, and pathway awareness.
Focus: Help students combine throwing, running, and retrieving in a fun game that builds simple movement sequences, object-control skill, and awareness of pathways and safe space.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Object Control • Movement Sequences)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students begin connecting movement and object-control skills by learning how to throw, run, and retrieve in one playful sequence. In Grade 1 PE, this type of practice helps students understand that many games ask the body to do more than one thing in order. Through a simple light jogging and dynamic stretches warm-up and a fun Clean Up Your Backyard game, students practice throwing soft objects over a line, moving quickly to collect items, and returning safely to their space. The goal is to help students build control with a basic throw, move actively through pathways, and feel successful combining several actions in one game.
Essential Questions
- How can I combine throwing, running, and retrieving in a game?
- What helps me throw an object with more control?
- How can I move quickly and safely when I collect objects?
- How do pathways and safe space help a game work well?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform basic locomotor movement such as running and quick traveling with improving control.
- Demonstrate basic throwing skill with soft objects.
- Combine a simple sequence of throw → run/retrieve → return during game play.
- Apply movement concepts such as speed, direction, and pathways while staying aware of space and safety.
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: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:S1.1d Combine locomotor and object-control skills in simple movement sequences or games.
- Example: Students run to retrieve a ball, throw it toward a target, and return to a starting spot.
- 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.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can throw an object and then go get it safely.
- I can run and return using a safe pathway.
- I can do the steps of the game in order.
- I can stay active and keep my body under control.