Unit Plan 31 (Grade 2 PE): Effort & Persistence Challenge

Focus: Build effort, persistence, and a positive “try again” mindset through movement and skill stations that ask students to keep practicing, respond well to mistakes, and stay active while improving locomotor and object-control skills.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Effort & Persistence • Locomotor Skills • Object Control)

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

I. Introduction

Students learn that growth in PE does not happen only when something feels easy the first time. Sometimes students miss a throw, land short on a jump, or lose control in a dribble course. This unit helps students understand that those moments are part of learning, not a sign to quit. Through a light run and stretch, an effort check-in conversation, and a set of Skill Challenge Stations, students practice distance throws, long jumps, and dribble courses while focusing on trying again with a positive attitude. The unit is designed to help students connect physical effort with personal growth, confidence, and active participation.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to show effort in PE?
• How can I respond in a positive way when a skill feels hard?
• Why is trying again important when I am learning a new movement or challenge?
• How can staying active and practicing help me improve over time?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Show effort and persistence when practicing challenging movement and skill tasks.
2. Perform locomotor movements such as running and jumping with control during challenge stations.
3. Demonstrate object-control skills such as throwing and dribbling with improving success through repeated attempts.
4. Stay actively engaged during skill stations and reflect on how effort helps improvement.

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

• 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: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).
• 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:S3.2a – Active Participation in MVPA Participate consistently in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during class activities and games.
  • Example: Students remain active during a series of tag games, fitness challenges, or relay activities without sitting out unless instructed.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can keep trying even when a skill feels hard.
• I can use running and jumping with control during challenge stations.
• I can practice throwing and dribbling again after a mistake.
• I can stay active and show a positive attitude while I practice.
• I can explain how effort helped me improve.