Unit Plan 35 (Grade 4 PE): Field Day Skills & Event Practice

Focus: Apply previously learned movement and game skills to Field Day-style events, strengthen rule-following and safety, and build leadership and sportsmanship through event practice and student support roles.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Field Day Preparation • Event Skills • Leadership & Sportsmanship)

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

I. Introduction

Students prepare for Field Day by revisiting skills they have practiced throughout the year and applying them in fun, organized event formats. In this unit, students begin with a full-body dynamic warm-up so they can prepare for running, jumping, throwing, and moving safely through activity stations. They then practice relay races, long jump, beanbag toss, and obstacle courses, while some students also take on simple leadership jobs to help organize lines, explain routines, and manage equipment with teacher support. Throughout the unit, students focus on effort, safe participation, event procedures, leadership, and encouraging classmates in a way that makes Field Day feel exciting, organized, and respectful for everyone.

Essential Questions

• How can I use PE skills I already know in Field Day events?
• Why is it important to follow event rules and safety procedures carefully?
• What does good leadership look like during activity stations and relays?
• How can students show sportsmanship while practicing competitive or cooperative events?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor skills with control and efficiency during relay races, obstacle courses, and event transitions.
2. Throw with improving accuracy during target-style Field Day events such as beanbag toss.
3. Stay actively engaged in Field Day practice activities for most of class time.
4. Follow event directions, safety rules, and station procedures consistently.
5. Demonstrate cooperation and leadership by helping organize lines, equipment, and transitions while encouraging others positively.

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:S1.4c – Throwing & Catching with Accuracy Throw (overhand and underhand) and catch objects with accuracy and consistency while both partners or players are moving.
  • Example: Students complete passing patterns in small-sided games, leading a moving teammate with an accurate throw.
• 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:S4.4a – Consistent Rule-Following & Safety Consistently follow game rules, class procedures, and equipment safety guidelines without frequent reminders.
  • Example: Students wait for the teacher’s signal to begin, respect boundaries, and use sticks, balls, and scooters safely.
• 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.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can run, jump, and move safely during Field Day events.
• I can throw with control toward a target.
• I can stay active and ready during each event.
• I can follow station rules and safety directions without many reminders.
• I can help my class by leading, organizing, or encouraging others respectfully.