Unit Plan 16 (Grade K PE): Follow Directions
Kindergarten students build listening skills through fun Simon Says games that teach following directions, stop/go signals, safe movement, and quick response to cues in PE.
Focus: Help students strengthen listening and responding to movement cues by practicing simple directions, stop/go signals, and teacher-led actions in fun games.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Physical Education (Listening Skills • Movement Cues • Following Signals)
Total Unit Duration: 2 core sessions + 2 optional sessions (1–2 weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students continue building Kindergarten PE success by learning how to listen carefully and respond to directions with their bodies. In PE, this means students must notice words, signals, and movement cues, then act quickly and safely. This unit uses Simon Says stretching as a warm-up and then moves into a playful Simon Says Movement Edition game where students practice following directions such as freeze, hop, jump, march, balance, and move to a space. The goal is to help students connect listening with movement control so they can respond more confidently and safely during all PE activities.
Essential Questions
- How can I listen carefully in PE?
- What do I do when the teacher gives a signal or direction?
- How can I move safely and then stop quickly?
- Why does following directions help PE games work well?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Follow simple directions and signals during movement activities.
- Respond quickly and safely to teacher cues such as freeze, go, stretch, and balance.
- Practice listening before moving during teacher-led games.
- Participate actively in fun direction-following activities with growing confidence and control.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S2.Kc Follow simple directions and signals during movement activities.
- Example: Students freeze immediately when the teacher blows a whistle.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can listen for the teacher’s direction.
- I can move when it is time to move.
- I can freeze when it is time to stop.
- I can follow movement directions safely.