Unit Plan 5 (Grade K PE): Balance & Stretch

Focus: Help students develop non-locomotor stability through balance poses, stretching, and freeze-style movement games that build body control and confidence.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Physical Education (Non-Locomotor Skills • Balance • Body Control)

Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students continue building Kindergarten PE skills by learning how to control their bodies while staying mostly in one place. In these lessons, students explore balancing, stretching, bending, and twisting through playful poses and freeze challenges. This unit uses yoga-style balance poses as a warm-up and then moves into a Freeze Balance Challenge game where students practice holding shapes, stopping on signal, and showing body control. The goal is to help students strengthen stability, improve focus, and feel successful using non-locomotor movement in PE.

Essential Questions

• How can I hold my body still with control?
• What helps me balance without falling?
• How can I stretch and move safely in one spot?
• What do I do when the teacher says freeze?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform basic non-locomotor skills such as bending, twisting, stretching, and balancing with growing control.
2. Hold simple balance poses for short periods of time.
3. Respond to freeze cues by stopping the body and showing stability.
4. Participate actively in teacher-led balance and stretch games.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.Kb Perform basic non-locomotor skills (bend, twist, stretch, balance) with body control.
  • Example: Students hold a balance pose for 5 seconds without falling.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can balance my body and try not to fall.
• I can bend, twist, and stretch with control.
• I can freeze when the teacher gives the signal.
• I can hold a pose and keep trying.