Unit Plan 2 (Grade 2 PE): Pathways & Levels
Develop pathways, levels, and directional movement in Grade 2 PE with engaging locomotor activities that build control, coordination, and safe spatial awareness.
Focus: Apply pathways, levels, and directions in movement while continuing to build locomotor control and safe spatial awareness.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Movement Concepts • Locomotor Skills • Space & Direction)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students build on basic locomotor skills by learning how movement can change depending on the pathway they take, the level they use, and the direction they travel. Instead of simply moving from one place to another, students begin to notice how they move—straight, zigzag, or curved; high, medium, or low; forward, backward, or sideways. Through taped-line travel, cone mazes, and movement challenges, students practice controlling their bodies while staying aware of personal and general space. This unit helps students connect locomotor skills to movement concepts so they can move more purposefully, safely, and creatively.
Essential Questions
- How can I move in different pathways such as straight, zigzag, and curved?
- What does it mean to move at a high, medium, or low level?
- How can I change direction while still staying balanced and in control?
- How do pathways, levels, and directions help me move safely and successfully in PE?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform locomotor movements such as walking, jogging, skipping, hopping, galloping, and sliding with improving control and coordination.
- Travel using different pathways (straight, curved, zigzag) while keeping their body under control.
- Move at different levels (high, medium, low) and in different directions (forward, backward, sideways) during movement tasks.
- Apply pathways, levels, and directions in simple activity settings while maintaining safe space and following class routines.
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:S2.2b – Pathways, Levels, Direction Apply movement concepts such as levels (high/medium/low), pathways (straight/curved/zigzag), and directions (forward/backward/sideways) while performing skills.
- Example: Students travel through cone courses using assigned pathways and levels, such as low-level zigzag pathways.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can move using a straight, zigzag, or curved pathway.
- I can travel at a high, medium, or low level.
- I can move forward, backward, or sideways when asked.
- I can stay in control and use safe space while moving through lines and mazes.