Unit Plan 13 (Grade 2 PE): Catching with Control
Build Grade 2 catching skills with eye tracking, soft hands, and partner cooperation through scarf and ball toss activities that improve control, confidence, and teamwork.
Focus: Develop consistent catching technique and eye tracking while helping students work cooperatively with partners during tossing and catching activities.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Catching Skills • Cooperation & Respect)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build confidence as catchers by learning to watch an object carefully, move their hands into position, and receive the object with control instead of letting it bounce away. This unit begins with self-toss and catch using scarves and yarn balls so students can practice tracking an object with their eyes and preparing their hands to catch. Students then move into Partner Catch Challenge, where pairs begin close together and gradually increase distance as they show success. The unit also emphasizes cooperation, respect, and taking turns kindly, helping students understand that strong partner work makes skill practice safer, more fun, and more successful.
Essential Questions
- How can I use my eyes and hands together to catch with better control?
- What helps me catch different objects such as scarves, yarn balls, or soft balls?
- How can I work respectfully with a partner during catching games?
- When should partners move farther apart, and when should they stay closer together?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Track tossed objects with their eyes and position their hands to catch with increasing success.
- Catch scarves, yarn balls, and other soft objects with better control and confidence.
- Work cooperatively with partners by taking turns, sharing equipment, and encouraging one another.
- Adjust partner distance based on success so catching tasks stay safe and manageable.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.2c – Object Control: Throwing & Catching Throw objects (e.g., yarn balls, foam balls) underhand and overhand toward a target and catch objects thrown at an appropriate distance with increasing success.
- Example: Students throw a ball overhand toward a wall target and then catch a ball tossed by a partner from a short distance.
- PE:S4.2b – Cooperation & Respect Work cooperatively with partners and groups, taking turns, sharing equipment, and using kind words.
- Example: Students rotate through stations, share balls, and say “good job” to teammates.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can keep my eyes on the object and get my hands ready to catch.
- I can catch scarves or yarn balls with more control.
- I can take turns and use kind words with my partner.
- I can tell when my partner and I should stay close or move farther apart.