Unit Plan 23 (Grade 2 PE): Cooperation Challenges

Focus: Build cooperation, shared responsibility, and encouragement through partner and small-group movement tasks that require students to communicate, take turns, and keep trying together.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Cooperation & Respect • Effort & Persistence • Enjoyment of Movement)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students learn that success in PE is not always about who is fastest or strongest. Sometimes success means listening, sharing, taking turns, solving a challenge together, and encouraging teammates when something feels hard. In this unit, students practice partner mirror movements and then work through Cooperation Challenges such as hoop transfers, group balance tasks, and “island” team challenges. These activities help students experience what it means to work respectfully with others, stay calm when a task is difficult, and keep trying even when the group needs to change its plan. The unit is designed to help students feel proud of teamwork, persistence, and joyful participation.

Essential Questions

• How can I work well with a partner or group during a challenge?
• What does it look like to use kind words and share roles fairly?
• How can I keep trying when a teamwork task feels hard?
• What makes cooperative movement activities fun and successful?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Work cooperatively with partners and groups by sharing space, taking turns, and using respectful communication.
2. Show effort and persistence by continuing to try during challenging teamwork tasks.
3. Participate in cooperative movement activities with a positive attitude and willingness to help others succeed.
4. Reflect on what teamwork behaviors helped a group complete a challenge.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• 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.
• PE:S4.2d – Effort & Persistence Show effort, persistence, and willingness to keep trying when learning new or challenging skills.
  • Example: Students continue practicing an overhand throw even after missed attempts, responding positively to feedback.
• PE:S5.2a – Enjoyment of Physical Activity Express enjoyment and positive feelings about participating in physical activity.
  • Example: Students smile, laugh, and eagerly join games, telling the teacher which activities they liked best.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can work with a partner or group and take turns fairly.
• I can use kind words and help my teammates.
• I can keep trying even when a challenge feels hard.
• I can tell what part of a cooperative challenge was fun or successful.