Unit Plan 30 (Grade 4 PE): Four-Square & Wall Games

Focus: Develop hand striking control, improve anticipation and space awareness, and help students practice playground etiquette and fair conflict resolution during four-square and wall games.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Four-Square • Wall Games • Playground Skills & Fair Play)

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

I. Introduction

Students explore four-square and wall games as playground-style activities that build control, anticipation, movement, and social problem-solving. In this unit, students begin with striking soft balls against a wall using forehand and backhand patterns so they can practice sending a ball with control and moving into the next playable position. They then apply those skills in Four-Square Rotation Ladders and Wall Ball, where students must strike accurately, react quickly, respect boundaries, and use class-agreed methods to solve disagreements fairly. Throughout the unit, students focus on controlled hand striking, reading where the ball will go next, sharing space, and helping games stay fun and fair for everyone.

Essential Questions

• How can I strike a ball with better control using my hands?
• What helps me anticipate where the ball will go next?
• How can I share space safely and respectfully in a playground-style game?
• What should players do when there is a disagreement about a call or rule?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Strike a soft ball with better control using forehand and backhand hand-striking patterns.
2. Use personal and general space effectively during four-square and wall games.
3. Work cooperatively with classmates by rotating fairly, following playground etiquette, and helping games stay organized.
4. Use agreed conflict-resolution strategies to solve disagreements and restart games smoothly.
5. Reflect on what makes four-square and wall games enjoyable or satisfying.

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

• PE:S1.4e – Striking with Implements in Games Strike a moving or stationary object with a short- or long-handled implement (paddle, racket, bat, stick) with control of direction and force.
  • Example: Students strike a pitched or tossed ball in wiffle ball, or pass a ball along the floor with a hockey stick to a target or teammate.
• PE:S2.4a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use personal and general space effectively by moving to open areas, avoiding overcrowded zones, and maintaining safe distances in games.
  • Example: In small-sided games, students spread out instead of clustering around the ball, making it easier to receive passes.
• 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:S4.4d – Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving Use agreed-upon strategies (e.g., rock-paper-scissors, replaying a point, group discussion) to resolve conflicts and keep activities running smoothly.
  • Example: When players disagree about an out-of-bounds call, they use rock-paper-scissors to decide and immediately resume play.
• 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 strike the ball with better control using forehand or backhand patterns.
• I can move into a good spot and avoid crowding others.
• I can take turns, rotate fairly, and help the game stay organized.
• I can solve small disagreements using the class conflict rule instead of arguing.
• I can explain what makes wall games or four-square fun or satisfying for me.