Unit Plan 12 (PreK PE): Kicking Fun

Focus: Help children build foot-eye coordination through playful kicking activities that introduce how to approach, tap, and send a ball toward a large target with control.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Kicking Skills • Foot-Eye Coordination)

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

I. Introduction

PreK students continue building object-control confidence by learning that balls can be moved not only with hands, but also with feet. At this age, kicking works best when children use stationary balls, large targets, and simple teacher cues that make success feel possible right away. This unit uses marching and toe taps on balls as the warm-up and then moves into kicking stationary balls toward large targets, where children practice gentle kicks, watching the ball, and aiming toward open spaces. The goal is to help children explore kicking in a safe, exciting, and success-friendly way while strengthening foot-eye coordination and confidence with equipment.

Essential Questions

• How can I kick a ball in PE?
• How can I use my foot to move the ball?
• How can I aim the ball toward a big target?
• How can I use the ball safely with my feet?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Explore basic object-control skills with emphasis on kicking.
2. Practice tapping and kicking a stationary ball with growing control.
3. Aim a ball toward a large target area.
4. Participate actively in kicking activities with safe feet and positive effort.

Standards Alignment — PreK (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.PKc Explore basic object-control skills such as rolling, tossing, catching, and kicking.
  • Example: Children roll a ball to a partner or kick a stationary ball.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can kick a ball with my foot.
• I can look at the ball before I kick.
• I can kick toward a big target.
• I can use safe feet in PE.