Unit Plan 3 (PreK PE): Jumping & Landing

Focus: Help children practice safe jumping and landing mechanics through playful jumping games that build body control, balance, and confidence.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Jumping Control • Body Awareness)

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 how to jump safely and land with control. At this age, children benefit from simple, playful jumping experiences that help them use two feet, bend their knees, and stop their bodies safely after takeoff. This unit uses jumping over floor lines and small markers as a warm-up and then moves into Lily Pad Jump, where children jump between hoops placed on the floor like frogs moving across a pond. The goal is to help children explore jumping in a fun way while developing safe landings, balance, and confidence with locomotor movement.

Essential Questions

• How can I jump in PE?
• How can I land safely after a jump?
• What helps my body stay balanced when I jump?
• How can I use space safely while jumping?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic locomotor skills with emphasis on jumping.
2. Practice taking off and landing with growing body control.
3. Move through simple jumping pathways with safe spacing.
4. Participate actively in playful jumping activities with confidence.

Standards Alignment — PreK (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.PKa Demonstrate basic locomotor skills such as walking, running, jumping, hopping, and galloping.
  • Example: Children practice moving across the gym using different locomotor movements.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can jump with my body.
• I can land with safe feet.
• I can bend my knees when I land.
• I can jump in my own safe space.