Unit Plan 18 (Grade 2 PE): Mini-Target Games Day
Engage Grade 2 students in fun, simple target games that build throwing accuracy, teamwork, and confidence while promoting active participation and enjoyment of movement.
Focus: Use object-control skills in simple game forms by helping students throw toward targets, combine movement with throwing tasks, and experience success and enjoyment in small-group games.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Simple Game Play • Enjoyment of Movement)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students apply throwing and target skills in simple, highly structured game settings designed for success, movement, and fun. This unit takes familiar skills such as underhand throwing, overhand throwing, aiming, and retrieving and places them into small-group game formats like Pin Guard Lite and other Target Toss Games. Students learn that games can still be simple while helping them practice accuracy, teamwork, and decision-making. The unit is also designed to build confidence by using large targets, clear boundaries, short rounds, and repeated chances to try again so students can enjoy movement and celebrate progress.
Essential Questions
- How can I use my throwing skills in simple games?
- What helps me aim at targets with better control?
- How can I combine movement and object-control skills during a game?
- What makes a target game feel fun, successful, and fair for everyone?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Throw objects underhand and overhand toward targets with improving control and success.
- Combine movement and object-control skills in simple game tasks such as retrieving, resetting, and throwing again.
- Participate positively in small-group target games while following rules and taking turns fairly.
- Express enjoyment of physical activity by showing effort, excitement, and reflection about favorite game activities.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- 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:S1.2f – Combining Skills in Simple Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills in simple game situations and challenges.
- Example: Students run to pick up a ball, dribble it with their feet, and then kick it into a marked goal zone.
- 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 throw underhand and overhand toward a target.
- I can move, get my object, and get ready for another turn in a simple game.
- I can follow game rules and take turns fairly in my small group.
- I can tell which target game I enjoyed most and why.