Unit Plan 22 (Grade K PE): Helping Teammates
Kindergarten students build teamwork skills in PE by helping classmates, taking turns, and using kind, encouraging behavior during cooperative obstacle courses and group movement challenges.
Focus: Help students build teamwork by practicing how to help, encourage, and cooperate with classmates during simple movement challenges and a fun cooperative obstacle course.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Physical Education (Cooperation & Kindness • Teamwork • Partner/Group Problem-Solving)
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 that movement activities are more fun and more successful when classmates help one another. In PE, teamwork at this age means sharing space, waiting fairly, encouraging others, and working together to complete simple tasks. This unit uses partner stretching as a warm-up and then moves into a playful cooperative obstacle course where students help teammates move through challenges, take turns, and celebrate effort with kind words. The goal is to help students understand that being a good teammate means using both active bodies and caring behavior.
Essential Questions
- How can I help my teammates in PE?
- What does teamwork look like during movement games?
- How can I use kind words while working with others?
- Why is helping each other important in PE?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate cooperation and kindness during partner and group movement activities.
- Take turns fairly and help classmates during a cooperative obstacle course.
- Use encouraging words and respectful actions while completing movement challenges.
- Participate actively in teamwork games with growing confidence and responsibility.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S4.Kb Demonstrate cooperation and kindness during partner and group activities.
- Example: Students take turns and encourage classmates during stations.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can help my teammate.
- I can take turns fairly.
- I can use kind words during PE.
- I can work together to finish a challenge.