Unit Plan 32 (Grade 2 PE): Fitness & Healthy Habits

Focus: Build understanding of fitness and healthy habits by helping students stay active in PE and connect movement choices at school to healthy choices at home and in daily life.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Fitness Concepts • Healthy Habits • Benefits of Activity)

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

I. Introduction

Students learn that physical activity is not something that only happens in PE class. Healthy movement choices can also happen at recess, at home, on the playground, while riding a bike, while walking, or while choosing active play instead of too much sitting. This unit helps students connect active participation in PE to simple healthy habits they can understand and use in everyday life. Through a fitness card warm-up and a Fit Choices Circuit, students practice moving through short active stations while also talking about healthy routines such as outdoor play, stretching, biking, walking, and limiting too much screen time. The goal is to help students understand that physical activity can help them feel strong, healthy, energetic, and happy.

Essential Questions

• How can I stay active during PE and also outside of school?
• What are some simple healthy habits that help my body?
• How can physical activity help me feel strong, healthy, energetic, or happy?
• What kinds of active choices can I make during the day?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Participate actively in fitness tasks and short movement circuits for much of class time.
2. Name simple healthy habits related to movement, active play, stretching, and reducing too much sitting time.
3. Describe simple benefits of physical activity, such as feeling stronger, healthier, happier, or more energetic.
4. Connect PE activities to healthy choices students can make outside of school.

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

• 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.
• PE:S3.2c – Basic Fitness Behaviors Name simple healthy habits related to physical activity such as regular movement, stretching, and being active during playtime.
  • Example: Students share examples like “I ride my bike,” “I play outside,” or “I stretch before running.”
• PE:S5.2b – Recognizing Benefits Describe simple benefits of physical activity, such as feeling strong, healthy, energetic, or happy.
  • Example: Students say, “Running makes my legs strong” or “Playing outside makes me feel happy.”

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can stay active during fitness stations and movement tasks.
• I can name healthy habits like playing outside, riding a bike, stretching, or taking movement breaks.
• I can explain how activity can help me feel strong, healthy, energetic, or happy.
• I can connect what we do in PE to healthy choices I can make outside school.