Unit Plan 35 (Grade 3 PE): Field Day Prep & Multi-Event Skills
Prepare Grade 3 students for field day with engaging multi-event practice that builds movement skills, reinforces rules and safety, and boosts confidence through fun, low-pressure activities.
Focus: Review key movement skills, reinforce event rules and safety, and help students practice common field day events in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Physical Education (Field Day Preparation • Multi-Event Skills • Movement, Rules & Readiness)
Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students explore field day preparation as a way to revisit important movement skills, practice following event rules, and build confidence before larger schoolwide activity days. In this unit, students begin with a light jog and stretching so they can warm up their bodies and prepare for running, jumping, throwing, and relay-style movement. They then participate in practice events such as sack races, baton relays, beanbag toss, and long jump, where they learn the basic rules, safe procedures, and movement patterns connected to typical field day activities. Throughout the unit, students focus on locomotor control, throwing accuracy, staying active, and following event routines in a positive and supportive setting.
Essential Questions
- How can I move safely and successfully in different field day events?
- Why are rules and routines important during multi-event activities?
- What skills help me do well in races, jumps, and throwing events?
- How can I stay active and positive during field day practice?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform locomotor movements with control during races, relay events, and jumping activities.
- Throw accurately during simple field day target events.
- Participate actively in multi-event field day practice for most of class time.
- Follow event rules, safety procedures, and equipment routines consistently.
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:S1.3c – Throwing & Catching in Games Throw (underhand and overhand) and catch objects with increasing accuracy and consistency in partner, group, and small-sided game situations.
- Example: Students complete a sequence of accurate passes with a partner while moving in a small grid.
- 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:S4.3a – Rules, Routines, and Equipment Safety Consistently follow rules, procedures, and safety expectations, including proper use of equipment and respect for boundaries.
- Example: Students wait for the signal to begin, stay within play zones, and handle equipment appropriately.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can run, jump, and move with control during field day events.
- I can throw a beanbag or object toward a target with better aim.
- I can stay active during practice events.
- I can follow event rules and use equipment safely.