Unit Plan 9 (Grade 2 PE): Favorite Locomotor Games
Help Grade 2 students build locomotor skills through fun movement games, improving space awareness, safety, and confidence while staying active and engaged.
Focus: Build enjoyment of movement while reinforcing locomotor skills and safe space awareness through simple, active games.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Games & Space Awareness • Enjoyment of Movement)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students strengthen locomotor skills by using them in fun, familiar game settings that encourage movement, smiles, and active participation. This unit gives students chances to review running, skipping, galloping, hopping, leaping, and sliding while playing Sharks & Minnows and other movement-based variations. Students also practice making safe decisions in general space by watching where others are moving, changing direction when needed, and protecting their own body during chase-and-flee games. The unit is designed to help students feel successful, energetic, and excited about physical activity while continuing to build control and confidence.
Essential Questions
- How can I use locomotor skills in games in a safe and fun way?
- What helps me move safely when many people are moving at the same time?
- How can games help me practice running, skipping, galloping, hopping, and other locomotor skills?
- What makes movement games fun for me and my classmates?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform locomotor skills such as run, hop, jump, gallop, slide, leap, and skip with control during game play.
- Demonstrate space awareness by moving safely around others in chasing and fleeing games.
- Adjust movement choices to avoid collisions and stay inside boundaries during active play.
- Express enjoyment of physical activity through positive participation, effort, and reflection about favorite games and movements.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- 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:S2.2a – Space Awareness in Games Demonstrate understanding of personal and general space by moving safely during tag, chasing, and fleeing games.
- Example: Students avoid collisions while moving quickly during a tag game by staying aware of others and changing direction.
- 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 use locomotor skills like run, skip, gallop, and hop during games.
- I can move safely in general space without bumping into others.
- I can follow game rules and stay inside boundaries.
- I can show a positive attitude and tell which movement games I enjoy.