Unit Plan 6 (Grade 2 PE): Personal Space Bubble
Teach Grade 2 students personal vs general space through fun PE games that build safe movement, spatial awareness, and collision avoidance using pathways, levels, and directions.
Focus: Build spatial awareness and safe movement habits by helping students understand personal space, general space, and how to move around others without bumping or crowding.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Physical Education (Space Awareness • Movement Concepts • Safety & Routines)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students learn that safe movement in PE depends on understanding where their own body is in space and how close they are to others. This unit introduces the idea of a personal space bubble—an invisible space around each student that should stay safe and clear during movement. Through small controlled movements on poly spots and tag-style games in general space, students practice moving with awareness, changing direction, adjusting pathways and levels, and responding quickly to teacher signals. The unit helps students build habits that will support every other PE activity during the year, especially games that involve chasing, fleeing, and shared movement areas.
Essential Questions
- What is the difference between personal space and general space?
- How can I move safely without bumping into others?
- How do pathways, levels, and directions help me protect my space bubble?
- Why are rules, boundaries, and stop signals important during movement games?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of personal space and general space during movement activities and games.
- Move safely around others by adjusting pathways, levels, and directions.
- Follow PE rules, signals, and safety routines during warm-ups and games.
- Use body control and awareness to avoid collisions and maintain a safe “bubble” during shared movement activities.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)
- 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: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.
- PE:S4.2a – Rules, Routines, and Safety Follow established rules, procedures, and safety expectations in physical education and game settings.
- Example: Students wait for a signal before starting a relay and stay behind boundary lines when required.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can keep a safe space bubble around my body.
- I can move in general space without bumping into others.
- I can change direction, pathway, or level to stay safe.
- I can stop, freeze, and follow PE signals right away.