Unit Plan 11 (PreK PE): Toss & Catch

Focus: Help children build hand-eye coordination through playful tossing and catching activities that feel colorful, gentle, and success-friendly.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Tossing & Catching • Hand-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 how to toss an object upward, watch it carefully, and try to catch it with their hands. At this age, children benefit from slow-moving equipment and playful cues that help them feel successful while practicing tracking and timing. This unit uses toss beanbags up and catch as the warm-up and then moves into Catch the Rainbow, where children toss scarves into the air and catch them as they float back down. The goal is to help children explore tossing and catching in a joyful way while strengthening hand-eye coordination, focus, and safe equipment use.

Essential Questions

• How can I toss something into the air?
• How can I watch it and catch it?
• How can I use my hands and eyes together?
• How can I use equipment safely in PE?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Explore basic object-control skills with emphasis on tossing and catching.
2. Practice tracking an object with their eyes as it moves upward and downward.
3. Use hands to catch or stop a tossed object with growing control.
4. Participate actively in playful tossing and catching activities with confidence.

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 toss up.
• I can watch the object come down.
• I can try to catch with my hands.
• I can use the equipment safely in PE.