Unit Plan 3 (Grade 2 PE): Hops, Leaps, and Jumps
Develop hopping, jumping, and leaping skills in Grade 2 PE through engaging activities that build controlled takeoff, soft landings, and the ability to adjust force for different distances.
Focus: Develop controlled takeoff and landing and improve distance judgment through hopping, jumping, and leaping activities that require students to adjust their effort and force.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Movement Concepts • Force & Control)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build stronger movement control by practicing how to hop, jump, and leap safely and confidently. This unit helps students understand that successful jumping is not just about going as far as possible—it is about using the right amount of force, pushing off with control, landing safely, and judging distance. Through line jumps, side-to-side hops, leap challenges, and the River Rock Challenge, students learn how to bend their knees, swing their arms, and land with balance. As they move across different distances and pathways, they begin to notice how effort and force change depending on the task.
Essential Questions
- How can I take off and land with control when I hop, jump, or leap?
- How do I know how much force to use for a short jump or a long leap?
- What helps me stay balanced and safe when I land?
- How can I adjust my movement when distances get bigger or smaller?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform hops, jumps, and leaps with improving control, coordination, and safe landings.
- Demonstrate proper takeoff and landing mechanics by bending knees, using arms, and landing softly.
- Adjust effort and force depending on how far or how high they need to move.
- Show increasing ability to judge distance and choose the right movement for the task.
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:S2.2c – 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.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can hop, jump, and leap with control.
- I can take off strongly and land with soft knees and good balance.
- I can use more or less force depending on how far I need to go.
- I can notice when I need a short jump, a longer leap, or a single-leg hop.