Unit Plan 29 (Grade K PE): Moving Safely
Kindergarten students build spatial awareness by learning to move safely in general space, maintain personal space, follow simple safety rules, and work cooperatively during fun movement challenges.
Focus: Help students build spatial awareness by learning how to move safely in general space, maintain personal space, and follow simple safety rules during fun cooperative movement challenges.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Physical Education (Spatial Awareness • Safety Rules • Movement 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 success by learning how to move safely when other people are moving nearby. In PE, this means noticing personal space, watching for open space, stopping on signal, and staying in the correct area while playing with classmates. This unit uses walking pathways as a warm-up and then moves into a playful cooperative movement challenge where students work together while practicing safe spacing, careful travel, and listening to rules. The goal is to help students understand that good movement is not only active, but also aware, controlled, and safe.
Essential Questions
- How can I move safely in PE?
- What is personal space and why is it important?
- How can I work with others without bumping into them?
- Why do rules help movement games stay safe and fun?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Move safely in general space while maintaining personal space.
- Follow simple rules and safety expectations during movement activities.
- Use spatial awareness to avoid bumping into classmates while traveling.
- Participate actively in cooperative movement tasks with control and attention.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S2.Ka Move safely in general space while maintaining personal space.
- Example: Students move around the gym without bumping into others during a locomotor activity.
- PE:S4.Ka Follow rules and safety expectations during physical activities.
- Example: Students stop safely when signaled and stay in designated areas.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can move in my own safe space.
- I can stop when the teacher gives the signal.
- I can look for open space when I move.
- I can follow the rules during movement games.