Unit Plan 7 (Grade K PE): Run, Stop, Balance
Kindergarten students practice run-stop-balance movement sequences through Freeze Dance and playful PE games that build body control, listening, and confidence.
Focus: Help students combine locomotor and non-locomotor skills by practicing how to run, stop, freeze, and balance in simple movement sequences.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Physical Education (Movement Sequences • 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 early PE skills by learning that movement can happen in a sequence instead of as just one action at a time. In Kindergarten, this means students begin practicing combinations such as run, stop, balance, or jog, freeze, stretch in playful ways that feel active and manageable. This unit uses jogging and stretching as a warm-up and then moves into a fun Freeze Dance game where students travel, stop on signal, and hold balance shapes. The goal is to help students connect movement actions together while improving control, listening, and confidence.
Essential Questions
- How can I run and then stop safely?
- How can I balance my body after I stop?
- What happens when I put two or more movements together?
- How can I listen for the signal and show control?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Combine locomotor and non-locomotor skills in simple movement sequences.
- Practice running, stopping, balancing, stretching, and jumping with growing control.
- Respond to teacher or music signals by changing from traveling movement to still body shapes.
- Participate actively in movement games that require both motion and balance.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (SHAPE America-based custom)
- PE:S1.Kd Combine locomotor and non-locomotor skills in simple movement sequences.
- Example: Students run, stop, balance, and jump during a follow-the-leader routine.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can run and then stop safely.
- I can freeze and balance my body.
- I can put movement actions together in order.
- I can listen for the signal and follow it quickly.