Unit Plan 35 (Grade 5 PE): Field Day Prep & Leadership

Focus: Apply movement skills to Field Day event formats, build student leadership in organizing groups and stations, and reinforce safety and sportsmanship expectations for a successful Field Day experience.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Physical Education (Field Day Events • Leadership • Safety & 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 practicing the movement skills, event routines, and leadership behaviors needed for a fun, organized, and safe experience. In this unit, students begin with a whole-group dynamic warm-up that is designed to be led by students on Field Day itself, helping them practice following and leading common movement patterns. They then rotate through relay races, station events, and throwing/jumping activities while also taking on jobs such as event leader, line manager, and equipment helper. Throughout the unit, students learn that Field Day is not only about competing. It is also about helping others, following rules, showing sportsmanship, and making large-group activity run smoothly for everyone.

Essential Questions

• How can I use my movement skills effectively in different Field Day event formats?
• What does strong student leadership look like during relays, station events, and large-group activities?
• Why are safety rules and organized routines so important during Field Day?
• How can students help make Field Day fun, fair, and inclusive for everyone?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform locomotor movements with speed, control, and smooth transitions during relay races and station events.
2. Throw and catch accurately in Field Day throwing events and team challenges.
3. Stay active and engaged during event practice for significant portions of class.
4. Demonstrate consistent safety habits and rule-following during large-group event formats.
5. Show leadership by organizing lines, explaining event directions, helping classmates, and supporting fair participation.
6. Demonstrate responsibility by transitioning quickly, managing equipment carefully, and staying focused in assigned roles.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.5a – Locomotor Skills with Speed, Control, and Transitions Perform locomotor movements (run, hop, jump, leap, slide, gallop, skip) with control, using changes in speed and direction smoothly in game and activity settings.
  • Example: Students use quick accelerations, controlled stops, and sharp directional changes while playing tag, invasion games, or in relay events.
• PE:S1.5c – Throwing & Catching with Accuracy under Pressure Throw (overhand and underhand) and catch different objects accurately over a variety of distances while both the thrower and receiver may be moving or defended.
  • Example: In small-sided handball or basketball-style games, students lead teammates with accurate passes and catch under defensive pressure.
• PE:S3.5a – Sustained Participation in Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity Participate actively and continuously in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for significant portions of class without frequent off-task behavior.
  • Example: During fitness circuits or small-sided games, students remain engaged and moving, minimizing standing time between turns.
• PE:S4.5a – Consistent Rule-Following & Safety Leadership Consistently follow rules, class routines, and safety procedures and help others follow them without frequent reminders.
  • Example: Students use equipment correctly, respect boundaries, and remind peers to stop and listen when they hear the teacher’s whistle.
• PE:S4.5b – Cooperation, Leadership, and Inclusive Team Behavior Work cooperatively with classmates, take on and rotate leadership roles, and actively include others regardless of skill level or background.
  • Example: During group games, students volunteer as captains or equipment managers, ensure everyone has a role, and invite quieter classmates to join.
• PE:S4.5e – Responsibility, Effort, and Self-Directed Behavior Show responsibility by arriving prepared, using time efficiently, caring for equipment, and staying engaged without constant teacher direction.
  • Example: Students rotate through stations on their own, transition quickly when signaled, and clean up equipment at the end of class.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can move quickly and safely in relay races and Field Day events.
• I can throw or catch with control during station challenges.
• I can stay active and ready instead of waiting off-task.
• I can help lead a warm-up or event in a clear and safe way.
• I can follow rules, care for equipment, and help others participate fairly.