Unit Plan 7 (Grade 2 PE): Effort — Fast, Slow, Soft, Strong
Help Grade 2 students learn when to move fast or slow and when to use soft or strong force through locomotor activities, target throws, and safe movement challenges that build control and decision-making.
Focus: Adjust effort and force to fit the task by helping students move fast or slow when needed and use soft or strong force in throwing and locomotor activities.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Movement Concepts • Locomotor Skills • Force & Control)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students learn that successful movement is not always about going as fast or as hard as possible. In this unit, students explore how their bodies can change speed, effort, and force depending on what the activity requires. Through rhythm-based warm-ups, target throws, and locomotor races, students practice moving fast when speed helps, slow when control matters, and using soft or strong force depending on how close or far a target is. The unit helps students connect body control to decision-making so they can move more safely, accurately, and successfully in games and challenges.
Essential Questions
- How do I know when to move fast and when to move slow?
- How can I use soft force or strong force depending on the task?
- Why is control important when I change speed or throwing force?
- How can I make smart movement choices so I am successful and safe?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Adjust locomotor speed to move fast or slow while staying balanced and in control.
- Demonstrate different amounts of force when throwing to near and far targets.
- Recognize when a task needs soft, careful movement and when it needs more strong, powerful effort.
- Apply speed and force choices in simple station activities and movement games.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S2.2c – Effort & Force (Fast/Slow, Hard/Soft) Adjust speed, effort, and force (fast/slow, hard/soft) to match the demands of different movement tasks and games.
- Example: Students throw soft foam balls gently to a nearby partner and more firmly toward a distant target.
- PE:S1.2a – Locomotor Skills with Control Perform locomotor skills (run, hop, jump, gallop, slide, leap, and skip) with control, coordination, and appropriate speed for the task.
- Example: Students complete a locomotor obstacle course using different movements at various points (run to the cone, hop through hoops, slide along a line).
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can move fast or slow when the activity asks me to.
- I can throw softly to a close target and stronger to a farther target.
- I can stay in control when I change my speed or force.
- I can tell why a task needs fast, slow, soft, or strong effort.