Unit Plan 22 (Grade 4 PE): Cooperative Team Relays & Group Roles

Focus: Strengthen teamwork, improve efficient movement in relays, and help students practice accepting, rotating, and respecting group roles while working toward a shared goal.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Cooperative Relays • Team Roles • Group Responsibility)

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

I. Introduction

Students explore how relay activities can help build not only speed and coordination, but also teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. In this unit, students begin with a group jog that includes direction changes and a shared pace so they can practice moving together and responding as a group. They then apply those habits in cooperative relays using items such as hoops, beanbags, and balance objects, while taking on assigned roles like starter, runner, and equipment manager. Throughout the unit, students focus on supporting teammates, accepting different responsibilities, working efficiently, and learning that successful relays depend on the whole group rather than one fast person.

Essential Questions

• How can a team work together more effectively during a relay?
• Why is it important to accept and rotate different group roles?
• What does it look like to support teammates during a cooperative challenge?
• How can working efficiently and responsibly make the group more successful?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor skills with control while changing speed and direction during cooperative relay activities.
2. Stay actively engaged during warm-ups and relay games for most of class time.
3. Work cooperatively with classmates by accepting, rotating, and completing team roles responsibly.
4. Demonstrate self-direction by staying on task, using equipment correctly, and helping transitions happen smoothly.
5. Reflect on what makes cooperative relay activities enjoyable and satisfying.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.4a – Locomotor Skills in Dynamic Games Perform locomotor skills (run, hop, jump, leap, slide, gallop, skip) with control and efficiency while changing speed and direction in game situations.
  • Example: Students use controlled sprinting, stopping, and quick changes of direction during tag, invasion games, or chasing/fleeing activities.
• PE:S3.4a – Active Participation in MVPA Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for most of the class, minimizing off-task time.
  • Example: During fitness circuits, stations, or games, students remain engaged and moving rather than standing and watching others.
• PE:S4.4b – Cooperation, Leadership, and Team Roles Work cooperatively with classmates, accept and share roles (captain, scorekeeper, equipment manager), and demonstrate inclusive leadership.
  • Example: During small-sided games, students rotate roles fairly, encourage quieter peers to participate, and help organize teams.
• PE:S4.4e – Responsibility, Effort, and Self-Direction Take responsibility for effort, behavior, and equipment (setting up, cleaning up, staying on task) and work productively without constant teacher direction.
  • Example: Students transition quickly between stations, take care of equipment, and persist with challenging tasks without giving up.
• PE:S5.4a – Enjoyment & Preference for Activity Types Express enjoyment of various physical activities and identify personal favorites, explaining why they are fun or satisfying.
  • Example: Students share that they enjoy basketball because they like teamwork and fast-paced play, or dance because of music and expression.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can move with control during relay activities, even when I change direction.
• I can stay active and ready when it is my turn and when it is my team’s turn.
• I can do my team role responsibly and switch roles fairly.
• I can help my group by encouraging others and working efficiently.
• I can explain what makes cooperative relays fun or satisfying for me.