Unit Plan 27 (Grade 3 PE): Multi-Target & Castle Games

Focus: Develop throwing accuracy, introduce simple strategy and defensive thinking, and help students work successfully with teammates during target-based team games.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Target Games • Castle Ball • Team Strategy & Defense)

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

I. Introduction

Students explore multi-target and castle-style games as a way to practice throwing accuracy, teamwork, and simple strategy in an exciting game format. In this unit, students begin with underhand and overhand throws at wall spots so they can practice aiming at a target, adjusting force, and throwing with control before moving into team play. They then apply those skills in Castle Ball / Pin Knockdown games, where teams work together to build and defend cone “castles” while trying to knock down the other team’s targets. Throughout the unit, students focus on accurate throwing, defensive positioning, working with teammates, and staying positive while solving game problems together.

Essential Questions

• How can I throw more accurately at a target?
• What helps a team defend a target or “castle” successfully?
• How can strategy help a team decide when to throw and when to defend?
• How do teamwork and encouragement make target games more successful and more fun?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Throw with improving accuracy and control during target-based team games.
2. Combine throwing, catching, moving, and defending skills in modified small-sided games.
3. Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between the other team and a target area.
4. Cooperate with teammates by sharing roles, encouraging others, and helping the game run smoothly.
5. Show enjoyment and a positive attitude while participating in competitive but cooperative team games.

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

• 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:S1.3f – Combining Skills in Small-Sided Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills (run, dodge, throw, catch, strike, kick) in modified small-sided games.
  • Example: Students play 3v3 passing games where they must move to open space, receive a pass, and attempt to score in a goal zone.
• PE:S2.3e – Basic Defensive Strategies Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and a goal or target and attempting to intercept passes.
  • Example: In keep-away, students position themselves between the passer and target to block or intercept the ball.
• 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: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 throw at a target with more control.
• I can help defend my team’s castle or target area.
• I can work with teammates to decide when to throw and when to protect.
• I can encourage others and play fairly.
• I can show a positive attitude during team target games.