Unit Plan 14 (PreK PE): Partner Play

Focus: Help children build cooperation and sharing skills through playful partner-ball activities that encourage turn-taking, kindness, and working together with shared equipment.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Physical Education (Cooperation & Kindness • Partner Skills • Shared Equipment)

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

I. Introduction

PreK students continue building social confidence in PE by learning that movement can be something they do with another person, not just by themselves. At this age, children benefit from simple partner activities that teach them how to take turns, share equipment, wait, and encourage one another in playful ways. This unit uses mirror movements with a partner as the warm-up and then moves into partner passing using large balls, where children gently pass, stop, and return a ball while practicing teamwork. The goal is to help children learn that being a good partner means sharing, listening, using kind words, and helping the activity work for both people.

Essential Questions

• How can I work with a partner in PE?
• How can I share a ball and take turns?
• What do kind partner actions look like?
• How can I help my partner during a game?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate cooperation and kindness during partner activities.
2. Practice sharing equipment and taking turns with a partner.
3. Participate in simple partner passing activities with growing confidence.
4. Use kind words and helpful actions during shared movement games.

Standards Alignment — PreK (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S4.PKb Demonstrate cooperation and kindness while participating in group activities.
  • Example: Children encourage classmates during a partner game.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can share the ball with my partner.
• I can take turns.
• I can use kind words.
• I can help my partner in PE.