Unit Plan 2 (PreK PE): Walking & Running
PreK PE unit builds locomotor control and listening skills through fun start-and-stop games, helping children move safely, follow signals, and gain confidence in shared spaces.
Focus: Help children build control of locomotor movement through playful start-and-stop games while learning to listen, move safely, and explore simple movement with confidence.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Physical Education (Locomotor Skills • Listening & Signals • Safe Movement)
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 practicing one of the most important early PE skills: knowing when to start, when to stop, and how to move safely in shared space. At this age, children benefit from simple movement games that make listening and body control feel playful instead of stressful. This unit uses slow walking laps around the space as a warm-up and then moves into Red Light, Green Light variations that help children practice walking, running, freezing, and following simple cues. The goal is to strengthen locomotor control, improve listening skills, and help children feel successful moving in the gym.
Essential Questions
- How can I walk and run in PE?
- How do I know when to stop and when to go?
- How can I move safely around other children?
- Why is listening important during movement games?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic locomotor skills such as walking and running with growing control.
- Respond to simple teacher cues during movement games.
- Move safely in shared space while stopping and starting appropriately.
- Explore simple object-control actions during teacher-guided movement variations.
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.
- 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 walk and run in PE.
- I can stop when the teacher says stop.
- I can listen for go and freeze signals.
- I can move my body safely in the gym.