Unit Plan 6 (Grade 4 PE): Track & Field Skills & Relays

Focus: Develop efficient running form, improve jumping takeoff and landing, and build teamwork through relay races and timed event practice.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Track & Field • Running & Jumping Skills • Relay Teamwork)

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

I. Introduction

Students explore track and field as a chance to move with speed, control, and purpose while learning how individual effort and team coordination can work together. In this unit, students begin with a dynamic leg warm-up that includes A-skips, lunges, butt kicks, and basic start mechanics so they can prepare for faster running and jumping tasks. They then rotate through sprint lanes, standing long jump, and relay races with baton handoffs, practicing how to run efficiently, jump with balance, and work together during exchanges. Throughout the unit, students focus on body control, effort, timing, and staying active while using safe and organized event routines.

Essential Questions

• How can I improve my running form and start more efficiently?
• What helps me jump farther and land more safely in a standing long jump?
• Why do timing and teamwork matter in relay races?
• How can I stay active, safe, and organized during track and field events?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor movements with control and efficiency during sprint starts, running lanes, and relay events.
2. Transfer or receive a baton/object accurately while moving in relay practice.
3. Apply pathways, body levels, and quick movement adjustments during starts, jumps, and relays.
4. Adjust speed, force, and timing to match the demands of sprinting, jumping, and baton handoffs.
5. Stay actively engaged in track and field stations and relay activities for most of class time.

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:S2.4b – Pathways, Levels, and Agility in Play Apply pathways (straight, curved, zigzag), levels (high, medium, low), and quick changes of direction to gain advantage in chasing, fleeing, and invasion games.
  • Example: Students use zigzag runs and quick stops/starts to evade defenders in flag games or tag activities.
• PE:S2.4c – Adjusting Effort, Force, and Timing Adjust speed, force, and timing of movements and skills to match the demands of the task (distance, target size, defender pressure).
  • Example: Students throw softly to a nearby teammate and more forcefully to a distant target, or time their jump to catch a thrown ball at its peak.
• 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.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can start, sprint, and stop with better control.
• I can jump with a strong takeoff and a safe landing.
• I can hand off or receive the baton at the right time in a relay.
• I can change my speed and effort to match the event.
• I can stay active and ready during stations and team races.