Unit Plan 15 (PreK PE): Follow Directions

Focus: Help children build listening and direction-following skills through playful movement games that teach them how to start, stop, freeze, and change actions on cue.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Physical Education (Listening Skills • Movement Directions • Body Control)

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

I. Introduction

PreK students continue building movement confidence by learning that successful PE is not only about moving, but also about listening carefully and following simple directions. At this age, children benefit from games that make listening feel playful, active, and success-friendly. This unit uses Simon Says stretching as the warm-up and then moves into Simon Says Movement Edition, where children respond to simple cues such as freeze, jump, march, tiptoe, and stop. The goal is to help children strengthen attention, body control, and listening habits while enjoying movement in a safe and playful environment.

Essential Questions

• How can I listen with my body in PE?
• What do I do when the teacher gives a direction?
• How can I stop, start, and change movements safely?
• Why is following directions important during games?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Follow simple directions during movement activities.
2. Respond to cues such as go, stop, freeze, and specific movement words.
3. Practice body control while changing actions on teacher command.
4. Participate actively in listening-based movement games with confidence.

Standards Alignment — PreK (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S2.PKc Follow simple directions during movement activities.
  • Example: Children stop moving when the teacher says “freeze.”

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can listen to the teacher.
• I can follow movement directions.
• I can stop when I hear freeze.
• I can change my body when I hear a new direction.