Unit Plan 22 (Grade 3 PE): Cooperative Team Relays

Focus: Build teamwork, reinforce shared roles and responsibilities, and help students stay active while encouraging peers during cooperative relay challenges.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Cooperative Relays • Teamwork & Roles • Active Participation)

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

I. Introduction

Students explore cooperative relays as a way to combine movement, teamwork, communication, and responsibility in an active game setting. In this unit, students begin with a light jog and dynamic stretches so they can warm up their bodies and prepare for safe running, carrying, balancing, and changing direction. They then participate in Cooperative Relays such as hoop carry, baton passes, and beanbag balance relays, where success depends on taking turns, staying organized, encouraging teammates, and completing tasks with control rather than rushing. Throughout the unit, students focus on locomotor movement, active participation, positive teamwork, and understanding that a relay works best when every team member does their part.

Essential Questions

• How can I help my team succeed during a relay?
• Why are encouragement and teamwork important in group activities?
• What does it mean to stay active and on task during a relay?
• How do roles and responsibilities help relays run more smoothly?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor skills with control while running, changing direction, and completing relay tasks.
2. Participate actively in relay activities for most of class time.
3. Cooperate with teammates by taking turns, sharing roles, and encouraging others.
4. Show effort, responsibility, and on-task behavior during movement, transitions, and cleanup.
5. Express enjoyment and a positive attitude during cooperative relay games.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3a – Locomotor Skills in Complex Pathways Perform locomotor skills (run, hop, jump, leap, slide, gallop, skip) with control, changing speed and direction in response to cues or game situations.
  • Example: Students navigate a cone course, adjusting speed and direction while avoiding others during a tag-style warm-up.
• PE:S3.3a – Participation in Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for most of the PE class time.
  • Example: Students remain engaged in continuous movement activities such as running games, circuits, or relays with minimal idle time.
• PE:S4.3b – Cooperation, Encouragement, and Teamwork Cooperate with partners and teams, share equipment, take turns, and encourage others.
  • Example: Students rotate through stations smoothly, give positive feedback to teammates, and help reset equipment.
• PE:S4.3e – Effort, Responsibility, and On-Task Behavior Show consistent effort, stay on task, and take responsibility for participation (e.g., being prepared, returning equipment, helping with cleanup).
  • Example: Students quickly transition to new activities, continue trying challenging skills, and help collect equipment at the end of class.
• PE:S5.3a – Enjoyment and Positive Attitude Express enjoyment and a positive attitude toward participating in a variety of physical activities and games.
  • Example: Students state which activities they enjoyed and show enthusiasm by actively participating.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can run and complete relay tasks with control.
• I can stay active and ready when it is my team’s turn.
• I can encourage teammates and help my group.
• I can stay on task and follow relay routines.
• I can show a positive attitude during team challenges.