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P.E. Lessons

Physical education prepares children for an active and healthy life while improving self discipline and reducing stress. This section includes PE lessons from kindergarten through high school spanning different skill levels and objectives. Lessons are categorized by grade for easy retrieval. These lessons were created by real teachers working in schools across the United States. The section will continue to grow as more teachers like you share your lesson plans. We encourage you! Share your lessons plans Teacher.org, contact us .

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P.e. environmental lesson plans, food chain tag.

Students will learn a brief background about energy transfer between the sun, producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers. ½ of the students are primary consumers (plants) and ¼ of the students are primary consumers (rabbits) and ¼ of the students are secondary consumers (hawks).

P.E. P.E. Lesson Plans

Aces and exercise.

Using a deck of playing cards, the students will pick the number of reps for various exercises.  

And Freeze!

Students will practice listening skills and basic physical concepts as required in physical education class. Students will also work on balance and coordination.

Animal Laps

Combining information about the speed of animals, the students will run laps in the gym or outdoors.

Basketball Relay

Students will practice teamwork, dribbling, and shooting a basketball.

Bear Hunt Obstacle Course

This plan will combine reading with balance and coordination skills to allow students to navigate a simple obstacle course.

Boom Over Movement Game

Students will play a game in which they need to change direction quickly. Students are to pretend that they are on a sailboat that is in the middle of a storm. They will have to run and change direction based on verbal commands and duck quickly to avoid being hit by the imaginary boom.

Butterfly Stretches

This lesson is designed to help students learn the importance and reasons for exercise through multiple activities and discussions.

Coordination Course

This plan will allow students to practice coordination while staying physical.

Multi-Ball Basketball

The student will participate in a game of basketball using various sizes of available balls.

Music Movement

The students will move to the music based on its beat, words, tune, and other variables.

On Top of Spaghetti

Pe immigration.

The students will research games and activities from other countries to share during a PE class.

Pass It Off

This lesson will allow students to practice passing, dribbling, and bouncing skills using basketballs

Plate Aerobics

Students will practice basic aerobics moves while trying to stay positioned on paper plates, this aids in coordination.

Race to the Answer

This lesson will allow students to practice teamwork, basic math skills, and get exercise through a relay race. Note: Problems/difficulty level can be altered by grade

Ride ‘Em Cowboy/girl

This lesson will allow students to practice gross motor skills.  

Students will practice listening skills and basic physical concepts as required in physical education class.

Ski to the Finish Line

This plan will allow students to practice coordination while staying physical. Students will demonstrate moving straight, backwards, and in a zig-zag pattern.

The New PE Class

The students will create a PE activity to share and demonstrate to peers.

This lesson will allow students to practice teamwork and trust building, as well as working on directionality for younger students.

What Time is it FOX?

The students play a game where they practice different movements including jumping, galloping, skipping, running, jogging, leaping, and walking. Based on National Physical Education Standards, students should have been learning these skills for the last 4 years.

P.E. Science Lesson Plans

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How To Make a Physical Education Unit Plan in 30 Minutes Or Less

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  • Phys Ed Planning

This post may contain affiliate links. You pay the same and I get a small commission. Yay! (Please see my/our full disclosure for further information.)

We all know that we should make a Physical Education unit plan for each unit we teach, but unit planning can take a lot of time. My goal for you is to create a detailed PE unit plan in 30 minutes or less!

You may have heard, “Failing to plan is planning to fail” and I can tell you that, at least for me, is true.

This is the process that I use to map out and create all of my Phys Ed unit plans!

Are you looking for a new setup for your unit plan? Click here to get a free unit plan template . Ready to purchase pre-made, detailed, unit plans? Click here to go to my Teachers Pay Teachers Store

Why Do You Need to Make PE Unit Plans?

Making unit plans in Phys Ed can be a lot of work, but it is well worth the effort.

PE unit plans allow you to maintain a focused direction throughout your unit. They keep you organized and help you create a good flow for your classes.

They also keep you on track, so that you can teach all of the standards to your students. Overall, unit plans help provide the best learning experience for your students.

How to Make a Physical Education Unit Plan?

There are probably 101 different ways to make PE unit plans. I have been making physical education unit plans for a little over 10 years now, and I want to share my process with you in the hopes that you will find it useful for you.

Here are the 5 steps I use to create my Phys Ed Unit Plans.

How to make a physical education unit plan in 30 minutes or less

1. Pick the Unit You Want to Plan

Depending on your school, your Phys Ed department may delegate which teachers teach specific units. Sometimes you have a choice in what you’re teaching, but sometimes you don’t. 

If you do have a choice, then take a look at which dimension/activity category you would like to focus on. Are you creating a unit plan for outdoor pursuits/alternative environments, dance, types of gymnastics, or something else entirely?

Once you have chosen the unit, you’re ready to get started!

2. Start With the Standards

Now that you’ve picked a unit, you’ll need to look at your Standards. 

Go through all of the Standards for the grade level that you are teaching and highlight any Standard that you would like to teach in the unit. 

For example, if I am making a physical education unit plan for Lacrosse , I’ll go through the standards and highlight anything related to shooting with long-handled implements, passing and receiving with an implement, switching between offense and defense, applying offensive strategies, etc.

I highlight these standards so that I can come back to them when writing up the unit plan and when I later write my lesson plans.

How to make a physical education unit plan in 30 minutes or less

3. Which Skill to Teach Each Day

After you’ve decided which standards you want to cover in the unit, begin sorting out the skill progressions you want to teach. 

Make sure that you pick the skills that have to be taught first at the beginning of the unit. For example, in volleyball , some teachers choose to teach serving first. It makes sense.

Volleyball games start with serving, so why not teach it first?

Well, in my opinion, you can play a volleyball game without serving. Students can throw the ball over the net to begin the game. However, you can’t play volleyball if you don’t know how to use a forehand or overhead pass.

Because of this, I always choose to begin my volleyball units with passing. 

Look at the unit you’re planning and figure out which skills have to be taught first for the students to get the most out of the unit.

Don’t forget to add days into your physical education unit plan for teaching offense and defense. Also, students love having tournaments at the end of the unit. Try to squeeze one in, so they can apply their skills to gameplay.

How to make a physical education unit plan in 30 minutes or less

4. How Do You Want to Teach the Skills?

After you’ve decided which skills you want to teach on each day of the unit, write down how you want to teach these skills. 

Do you want to use drills? Modified games ? Relays?

Think about what already works best for your students, but don’t be afraid to try new teaching approaches. You may be surprised by how much you and your students like a new strategy.

Don’t worry too much about the specifics. Remember that our unit plan begins as an outline. After we have the outline, then we can begin planning our specific lessons.

5. Other Important Things to Remember In Your Phys Ed Unit Plans

You may also want to include the assessment strategies and safety considerations for each day of the unit. Remember that these can be changed once you flesh out your lesson plans.

What do you plan to assess on each specific day?

Are you looking at skill development or application? Or do you want to focus on teamwork and cooperation? Will you use teacher observation? Student self-assessment? A combination of both?

Whatever you choose is up to you, but it is a good idea to write down what your focus will be to ensure you assess everything you need to in the unit

Safety Considerations

Look back at what activities you will use each day. What specific safety considerations should you look for and remind students of for each particular lesson? Again, as you’re writing your lesson plans out, you can modify these points.

Free Physical Education Unit Plan Template

What is your process for unit planning? I would love to hear about it. Send me a message on Instagram @teachingpak .

Have fun out there!

Teaching Pak

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Christmas PE Activities for Middle and High School

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how to write lesson plan for physical education

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how to write lesson plan for physical education

How to Create a Yearly PE Lesson Plan

Jessica Shawley

Learn how I plan and organize my yearly PE lesson plan in a webinar that I hosted for the Gopher Solutions Webinar series.

Tips for Creating a Yearly PE Lesson Plan

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Identify Learning Targets

In my school district, we have identified the essential learning targets (also called Power Standards) and developed a competency map for each grade level that serves as a progression of the learning targets. From here, we had to develop proficiency scales for each competency. What does it look like to demonstrate proficiency in this competency? Currently, our district uses four levels of proficiency: below, approaching, meeting, or exceeding. These levels of learning are a good way to communicate to students (and for students to self-reflect upon) where they are at a specific point in time for a specific learning target.

Planning Assessments

The proficiency scales also help me plan assessments. Since I have identified what I want students to know and be able to do and what that looks like, I can now plan assessments (formative and summative) for student learning. All of this planning helps me outline my year. I update my “ at-a-glance ” yearly schedule and use this to begin lesson planning. All of these items are living documents; they are not set in stone. I am always reflecting upon how I can improve my teaching and student learning. It’s a continuous cycle of teaching, reflecting, and planning.

FREE PE Lesson Plan Curriculum Resource

If you do not have a curriculum or are looking for new curriculum ideas, there is a 100% FREE and complete resource in the Dynamic P.E. ASAP curriculum! Dr. Robert Pangrazi’s textbook, Dynamic Physical Education, has been brought to life online and offers all of his lesson and yearly plans. You can filter for what you need by grade level, standards, equipment available, etc. Customize your yearly plan with a wide variety of elementary and middle school activities.

Organizing My Yearly PE Lesson Plan

Now that I have planned the school year, I need to organize for it. An important document that guides my preparation is my Start-of-the-Year-Checklist – linked below. It helps me wrap my mind around what needs to be done before Day 1 with students.

Whether you have a district team, department, or online professional learning community to support you, I recommend having a way to save and share resources, so you are not constantly reinventing the wheel. Our department uses Google Drive to share all planning resources, checklists, policy forms, assessments, and lesson plans with each other in our Physical Education Department drive. Each teacher has their own drive as well that is linked to this team drive so that we can share, edit, and collaborate on items and still have our own items. Now, Google even has an official Team Drive shared space system you can check out to see if this will work for you to share, organize, and collaborate.

In the ‘ year-at-a-glance ’ template shared above, each of the headers (Warm-ups, Fitness, Motor Skills, and Physical Activity) link to that particular planning folder in our shared drive. For example, when viewing my planning sheet, I notice that it is time to switch to a new warm-up. I click on the “Warm-up” header, and it takes me to the warm-ups shared folder where I can view the activity instructions, edit, and print the new warm-up signs.

Thanks for reading! I hope you can view the webinar as well to help put this all together. I look forward to sharing more on learning targets, attendance, warm-ups, lesson closure, and technology tips in future blogs. Thank you for teaching!

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how to write lesson plan for physical education

The leader in quality Physical Education, Athletics, and Fitness equipment.

Featured Resources

5 ways small sided games make a big impact, author: jessica shawley, a brand new tool for pe you didn’t know you needed, author: brett fuller, 5 skill-based floor hockey games, author: michael beringer, 16 parachute team building activities, author: tim mueller, we're social, motivating unmotivated students​, author: dr. robert pangrazi, jessica shawley, and tim mueller, promoting activity and success through adapted pe, author: dr. robert pangrazi, marci pope and maria corte, author: randy spring.

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PE Lesson Plans: The Ultimate Guide

Physical education is an essential part of the school curriculum that promotes lifelong healthy habits and well-being. Creating engaging and effective PE lesson plans can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make a significant impact on your students' physical and mental development. This ultimate guide to PE lesson plans will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key components, tips, and strategies to create the best PE experience for your students.

Table of Contents

The role of a well-structured pe lesson plan.

Physical education plays a pivotal role in the overall development of students, helping them build a strong foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. Well-structured PE lesson plans are essential in achieving this goal, as they lay the groundwork for a positive and engaging learning environment. 

In this section, we will discuss the importance of well-structured PE lesson plans and how they can enhance student engagement, promote skill development, and ensure inclusivity.

Enhancing Student Engagement and Participation

One of the primary objectives of a PE lesson plan is to capture the interest of students and motivate them to participate actively in the activities. 

A well-crafted lesson plan includes a variety of age-appropriate games, exercises, and sports that cater to students' diverse interests and learning styles. 

By incorporating a mix of individual, pair, and team activities, PE teachers can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, while maintaining their enthusiasm for physical education.

Promoting Skill Development and Mastery

Effective PE lesson plans are designed to help students progressively develop physical, cognitive, and social skills. This can be achieved by breaking down complex skills into smaller components and gradually increasing the level of difficulty. 

For example, a teacher might start by teaching basic throwing and catching techniques before introducing more advanced skills like dribbling and passing in a team sport setting. By providing students with a structured and incremental approach to skill development, teachers can ensure that they are consistently challenged and motivated to improve.

Ensuring Lessons are Inclusive and Differentiated

A well-structured PE lesson plan should cater to the diverse needs and abilities of all students, promoting an inclusive learning environment. This can be achieved by incorporating differentiation strategies, such as offering modified activities, providing additional support, or adjusting the pace of the lesson. For instance, a teacher might allow students with limited mobility to use lighter or adapted equipment, or offer alternative tasks that still contribute to the overall objectives of the lesson. By being flexible and responsive to students' individual needs, teachers can create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate.

Key Components of Successful PE Lesson Plans

Developing successful PE lesson plans requires careful consideration of various components that contribute to an engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experience. 

In this section, we will explore the key components that can make your PE lesson plans truly stand out and provide students with the best possible foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle.

Clear Objectives and Goals

Establishing clear objectives and goals at the outset of your lesson plan ensures that both you and your students are working towards a common purpose. 

Objectives can range from developing specific physical skills or improving fitness levels to fostering social skills, such as teamwork and communication. Clearly defined objectives and goals not only help maintain focus during the lesson but also enable you to measure progress and assess the effectiveness of your teaching strategies.

SHAPE America's National Physical Education Standards  are a good starting point. They define what a student should know and be able to do in an effective PE program.

Age-Appropriate Activities

Selecting age-appropriate activities is crucial to keeping students engaged, motivated, and challenged. Activities should be relevant to the developmental stage of your students and consider their physical, cognitive, and social abilities. 

For example, younger students may benefit from activities that emphasize basic movement skills and creativity, while older students may require more complex tasks that involve strategy, coordination, and teamwork.

Progressive Skill Development

An effective PE lesson plan incorporates progressive skill development, which helps students build upon their existing abilities and gradually master new skills. This can be achieved by introducing new concepts in a logical sequence, increasing the level of difficulty over time, and offering opportunities for practice and reinforcement. 

By adopting a structured approach to skill development, you can ensure that your students are constantly challenged and motivated to improve.

Variety and Creativity

Incorporating a mix of activities and games in your PE lesson plans keeps students engaged and prevents boredom. By introducing new challenges, varying the pace, and allowing students to explore different sports and disciplines, you can stimulate their curiosity and interest in physical activity.

Furthermore, incorporating creative and unconventional exercises can encourage students to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and adapt to new situations.

Opportunities for Assessment and Feedback

Regular assessment and feedback are essential components of a successful PE lesson plan. Monitoring students' progress enables you to tailor your teaching strategies to their needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and guidance. 

In addition, providing constructive feedback helps students recognize their strengths and areas for improvement, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Flexibility and Adaptability

A well-designed PE lesson plan should be flexible and adaptable, allowing you to respond to unexpected circumstances or changes in students' needs. This might involve adjusting the pace of the lesson, modifying activities, or offering alternative tasks to cater to individual abilities. By being responsive and adaptable, you can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs and preferences of your students.

Download 30 Print and Go PE Lesson Plans for Kindergarten to 8th Grade!

Each lesson plan comes on a printable 1-page template. Including learning objectives, equipment lists, safety considerations, academic standards, modifications and review questions. 

No stress. No prep. Just print and head right to class!

FREE LIMITED TIME BONUS : 101 "Copy & Paste" PE Report Card Comments for Teachers

how to write lesson plan for physical education

Planning a PE Lesson

A step by step guide.

Designing an effective and engaging PE lesson plan can be a complex process, but by following a step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your lessons cater to the diverse needs of your students and achieve the desired learning outcomes. 

In this section, we will walk you through a practical approach to planning a PE lesson, from identifying objectives to integrating assessment and feedback opportunities.

Identify Lesson Objectives

The first step in planning a PE lesson is to determine the specific objectives you want your students to achieve. These objectives should align with the curriculum standards and focus on various aspects of physical education, such as skill development, physical fitness, teamwork, or sportsmanship. 

Clearly defined objectives provide a roadmap for your lesson plan and enable you to design activities that are purposeful and relevant to your students' needs.

Select Activities Based on Objectives and Student Abilities

Once you have identified the objectives for your lesson, the next step is to select appropriate activities that will help your students achieve these goals. Choose activities that are relevant to the lesson objectives and consider your students' age, abilities, and interests. For example, if your objective is to improve throwing and catching skills, you might select activities that involve different types of throws, catches, and equipment, such as beanbags, softballs, or Frisbees. Keep in mind that it is essential to provide a variety of activities to maintain student engagement and cater to diverse learning styles.

Structure the Lesson

A well-structured PE lesson typically consists of four main stages: warm-up, skill development, practice, and cool-down. By following this structure, you can ensure that your students are adequately prepared for the activities, have opportunities to learn and practice new skills, and can safely transition out of the lesson.

Warm-up: Begin your lesson with a 5-10 minute warm-up that gradually increases your students' heart rate and prepares their muscles for the upcoming activities. Warm-ups can include dynamic stretching, light aerobic exercises, or sport-specific drills. Skill development: The skill development phase is the core of your PE lesson, where you introduce new skills or concepts, demonstrate techniques, and provide guided practice. Break down complex skills into smaller components and use clear, concise instructions to help students understand and master the skills. Activity : Following the skill development phase, allocate time for students to practice the skills they have learned in a more independent setting. This can involve small-sided games, drills, or challenges that require students to apply the new skills in various contexts. Cool-down: Conclude your lesson with a 5-10 minute cool-down that allows students to gradually lower their heart rate and stretch their muscles. Cool-down activities can include static stretching, deep breathing exercises, or guided relaxation techniques.

Create an Inclusive and Supportive Environment

An essential aspect of planning a PE lesson is ensuring that all students feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to participate. Be mindful of your students' diverse abilities and needs and incorporate differentiation strategies, such as offering modified activities, providing additional support, or adjusting the pace of the lesson. 

Encourage students to work together, respect each other's abilities, and celebrate their achievements, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

Integrate Assessment and Feedback Opportunities

Monitoring student progress and providing constructive feedback are crucial components of a successful PE lesson plan. Regularly assess students' performance during the lesson, using both formal and informal assessment methods, such as observations, self-assessments, or peer assessments. 

Offer specific, timely feedback that helps students recognize their strengths and areas for improvement, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Plan for Contingencies

Unexpected circumstances, such as inclement weather, equipment issues, or student absences, can disrupt your PE lesson plans. Therefore, it is essential to plan for contingencies and have alternative activities or strategies in place. 

For example, if outdoor activities are not possible due to weather conditions, have a list of indoor games or exercises that can still help achieve the lesson objectives. By being prepared for unexpected situations, you can ensure that your lessons continue smoothly and maintain student engagement.

Evaluate and Reflect on the Lesson

After completing your PE lesson, take the time to evaluate its effectiveness and reflect on your teaching strategies. Consider factors such as student engagement, skill development, and the achievement of lesson objectives. 

Identify areas where the lesson was successful, as well as areas that require improvement or adjustment. This ongoing process of reflection and evaluation will enable you to refine your lesson plans and continually enhance your teaching practice.

Sample PE Lesson Plans for Early Elementary 

Designing engaging and age-appropriate elementary PE lesson plans is crucial to ensure that young students have a positive introduction to physical education. 

In this section, we will explore sample PE lesson plans for early elementary students (Grades K-2) that focus on fundamental movement skills, cooperative games, and creative activities.

These lesson plans will help you create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages participation and fosters a love for physical activity.

Early Elementary PE Lesson 1

Exploring locomotor skills.

Objective : Introduce and practice various locomotor skills, such as walking, running, hopping, jumping, and skipping. Materials : Cones or markers, music (optional) Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as arm circles, leg swings, and marching in place. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce each locomotor skill and demonstrate the proper technique. Have students practice each skill individually, moving from one cone to another. Activity: Locomotor Skills Relay (15 minutes) Divide students into small groups or teams. Set up a relay course with cones or markers, designating a specific locomotor skill for each section of the course. Have each team complete the relay course, with students taking turns performing the designated locomotor skill for each section. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

>> Recommended Resource: PE Locomotor Stations

Early Elementary PE Lesson 2

Cooperative parachute play.

Objective : Develop teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills through parachute play activities. Materials : Parachute, lightweight balls (optional) Warm-up (5 minutes) Engage students in a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as high knees, jumping jacks, and side-to-side steps. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce the parachute and explain the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Teach students basic parachute handling techniques, such as gripping the edge, shaking the parachute, and lifting it up and down. Activity: Parachute Games (15 minutes) Divide students into small groups and have them stand around the parachute. Lead students through a series of cooperative games, such as:

  • - Parachute Waves: Students shake the parachute to create waves.
  • - Parachute Mushroom: Students lift the parachute and then quickly duck underneath, creating a mushroom-like shape.
  • - Ball Bounce: Place lightweight balls on the parachute and have students work together to bounce the balls without letting them fall off.

Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

Early Elementary PE Lesson 3

Creative movement and dance.

Objective : Encourage creativity and self-expression through movement and dance activities. Materials : Music, scarves or ribbons (optional) Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as toe touches, ankle rolls, and shoulder shrugs. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce the concept of creative movement and explain how students can express themselves through dance. Teach basic dance steps or movements, such as grapevine, step-touch, or twirls. Activity: Dance Exploration (15 minutes) Play age-appropriate music and encourage students to move and dance freely, exploring different movements and rhythms. Provide scarves or ribbons for students to incorporate into their dance, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

Sample PE Lesson Plans for Upper Elementary 

As students progress through their elementary years, PE lesson plans should evolve to accommodate their growing physical, cognitive, and social abilities. 

In this section, we will explore sample PE lesson plans for upper elementary students (Grades 3-5) that focus on skill development, teamwork, and fitness. 

These lesson plans will help you create engaging and challenging activities that promote a lifelong love of physical activity.

Upper Elementary PE Lesson Plan 1

Ball skills and teamwork.

Objective : Develop ball-handling skills and promote teamwork through a variety of activities and games. Materials : Cones or markers, various types of balls (e.g., soccer balls, basketballs, or playground balls) 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as jogging in place, lateral shuffles, and arm swings. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce and demonstrate various ball-handling skills, such as dribbling, passing, and catching. Have students practice each skill individually or in pairs, using the appropriate type of ball. 3. Activity: Ball Skills Circuit (15 minutes) Set up a circuit with different stations, each focusing on a specific ball-handling skill. Divide students into small groups and have them rotate through the stations, spending a few minutes at each one.Encourage teamwork and communication among students as they complete the circuit. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

>> Recommended: Throwing, Catching & Kicking Stations

Upper Elementary PE Lesson 2

Fitness stations.

Objective : Improve overall fitness levels and promote a healthy lifestyle through a variety of exercise stations. Materials : Cones or markers, exercise mats, jump ropes, stopwatch or timer 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Engage students in a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks, high knees, and butt kicks. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce the concept of fitness stations and explain the importance of regular exercise for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Teach proper technique for various exercises, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. 3. Activity: Fitness Circuit (15 minutes) Set up a circuit with different stations, each focusing on a specific exercise or fitness component (e.g., strength, flexibility, or endurance). Divide students into small groups and have them rotate through the stations, spending a few minutes at each one. Encourage students to challenge themselves and strive for personal improvement. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

Upper Elementary PE Lesson 3

Introduction to track and field.

Objective : Introduce students to various track and field events and develop basic skills in running, jumping, and throwing. Materials : Cones or markers, measuring tape, batons (for relay races), foam or rubber balls (for throwing events) 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as leg swings, ankle rolls, and side-to-side steps. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce various track and field events, such as sprints, relays, long jump, and shot put. Demonstrate proper technique for each event and provide guided practice opportunities. 3. Activity: Mini Track and Field Meet (15 minutes) Set up a mini track and field meet with various events, such as 50-meter sprint, 4x50-meter relay, standing long jump, and softball throw. Divide students into small groups and have them rotate through the events, competing against themselves and striving for personal improvement. Encourage students to cheer on their classmates and demonstrate good sportsmanship throughout the meet. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

Sample PE Lesson Plans for Middle School 

As students transition into middle school, their physical, cognitive, and social abilities continue to evolve. Consequently, PE lesson plans should adapt to meet their changing needs and interests. 

In this section, we will explore sample PE lesson plans for middle school students (Grades 6-8) that focus on skill development, fitness, and teamwork. 

Middle School PE Lesson Plan 1

Basketball skills and drills.

Objective : Develop basketball skills and promote teamwork through various drills and small-sided games.

Materials : Basketballs, cones or markers, basketball court or designated playing area

1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as jogging, lateral shuffles, and high knees.

2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce and demonstrate various basketball skills, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense. Have students practice each skill individually or in pairs.

3. Activity: Basketball Drills Circuit (15 minutes) Set up a circuit with different stations, each focusing on a specific basketball skill. Divide students into small groups and have them rotate through the stations, spending a few minutes at each one. Encourage teamwork and communication among students as they complete the circuit.

4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

>> Recommended: PE Basketball Games

Middle School  PE Lesson 2

Cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Objective : Improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance through various aerobic exercises and activities. Materials : Cones or markers, stopwatch or timer, music (optional) 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Engage students in a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks, butt kicks, and side-to-side hops. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce the concept of cardiovascular fitness and discuss the importance of regular aerobic exercise for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Teach proper technique for various exercises, such as running, skipping, or jumping. 3. Activity: Interval Training (15 minutes) Set up a designated area for interval training, with cones or markers to indicate different stations. Lead students through a series of high-intensity exercises (e.g., sprinting, burpees, or mountain climbers), followed by periods of active recovery (e.g., walking or light jogging). Monitor students' progress and provide encouragement and feedback throughout the activity. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

Middle School  PE Lesson 3

Team building and cooperative games.

Objective : Foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through a variety of team-building activities and cooperative games. Materials : Various props and equipment (e.g., ropes, hula hoops, or blindfolds), depending on the chosen activities 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as arm circles, leg swings, and side lunges. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce the concept of team building and discuss the importance of effective communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Teach students basic strategies for working together and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner. 3. Activity: Team Building Games (15 minutes) Divide students into small groups and have them participate in a variety of team-building activities and cooperative games, such as:

  • - Human Knot: Students stand in a circle and grab hands with other group members, then work together to untangle themselves without letting go of hands
  • - Blindfold Maze: One student is blindfolded, while the others guide them through a maze of cones or markers using only verbal instructions
  • - Hula Hoop Pass: Students stand in a circle, holding hands, and must pass a hula hoop around the circle without breaking their grip.

Encourage students to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve as they work through each activity.

Sample PE Lesson Plans for High School 

Grades 9-12.

As students enter high school, they continue to develop their physical, cognitive, and social abilities. PE lesson plans should be tailored to meet their diverse needs and interests while promoting skill development, fitness, and teamwork. In this section, we will explore sample PE lesson plans for high school students (Grades 9-12) that focus on various sports, fitness activities, and cooperative games. 

These lesson plans will help you create engaging and challenging activities that foster a lifelong love of physical activity.

High School PE Lesson Plan 1

Volleyball skills and tactics.

Objective : Develop volleyball skills and promote tactical understanding through drills and small-sided games. Materials : Volleyballs, net, court or designated playing area 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as jogging, leg swings, and shoulder rolls. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce and demonstrate various volleyball skills, such as serving, passing, setting, and attacking. Have students practice each skill individually or in pairs. 3. Activity: Volleyball Drills and Scrimmages (15 minutes) Set up a series of drills focused on specific volleyball skills and tactics, such as serve receive, blocking, or court positioning. Divide students into small teams and have them participate in a round-robin scrimmage, with each team playing multiple short games. Encourage teamwork, communication, and tactical thinking throughout the activity. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

>> Recommended: Volleyball Skill Stations

High School  PE Lesson 2

Strength training and conditioning.

Objective : Improve overall strength and conditioning through various resistance training exercises and activities. Materials : Resistance bands, dumbbells, medicine balls, exercise mats, or other strength training equipment 1. Warm-up (5 minutes) Engage students in a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks, high knees, and arm circles. 2. Skill Development (10 minutes) Introduce the concept of strength training and discuss the importance of regular resistance exercise for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improving athletic performance. Teach proper technique for various strength exercises, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and rows. 3. Activity: Strength Training Circuit (15 minutes) Set up a circuit with different stations, each focusing on a specific strength exercise or muscle group. Divide students into small groups and have them rotate through the stations, spending a few minutes at each one. Encourage students to challenge themselves and strive for personal improvement while maintaining proper form. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes) Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

High School  PE Lesson 3

Ultimate frisbee skills and games.

Objective : Develop ultimate frisbee skills and promote teamwork through various drills and small-sided games. Materials : Frisbees, cones or markers, field or designated playing area

1. Warm-up (5 minutes)

Lead students through a series of dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises, such as leg swings, ankle rolls, and side-to-side steps.

2. Skill Development (10 minutes)

Introduce and demonstrate various ultimate frisbee skills, such as throwing, catching, and cutting. Have students practice each skill individually or in pairs. 3. Activity: Ultimate Frisbee Drills and Games (15 minutes)

Set up a series of drills focused on specific ultimate frisbee skills and tactics, such as handler movement, defensive positioning, or end zone plays. Divide students into small teams and have them participate in a round-robin tournament, with each team playing multiple short games. Encourage teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking throughout the activity. 4. Cool-down (5 minutes)

Guide students through a series of static stretches and deep breathing exercises.

Try our "Print & Go" PE Lesson Plans Risk Free!

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In conclusion, well-structured PE lesson plans play a vital role in promoting the development of students' physical, cognitive, and social skills. By creating engaging, age-appropriate, and inclusive lesson plans for students in early elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school, you can foster a lifelong love of physical activity and help students develop the skills and confidence they need to lead healthy, active lives. This ultimate guide to PE lesson plans has provided you with essential components to consider when creating effective lesson plans, as well as step-by-step guidance for planning a PE lesson. Additionally, we've shared sample lesson plans for various age groups, covering a wide range of sports, fitness activities, and cooperative games. By incorporating these ideas into your curriculum, you can create a diverse and enjoyable physical education experience for your students. Remember, the key to successful PE lesson plans is to keep students engaged, challenged, and motivated while focusing on skill development, teamwork, and fitness. With careful planning and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, you can make a significant impact on your students' overall well-being and inspire them to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.

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The PE Specialist

The PE Specialist

Awesome Resources for Physical Education Teachers

How to Plan a Whole Year of PE in 15 minutes

How to Plan a Whole Year of PE in 15 minutes

1

Have you ever gotten to the end of the year and realized that you didn’t get around to teaching some really important areas of content?  I find that one of my biggest struggles as a teacher is prioritizing the content I need to include and trying to fit everything that I need to teach my students into the time that I am given with them (only 50 minutes once a week).

This strategy has helped me become more organized and planned out as I teach different units throughout the year.

Hopefully, through seeing my process you can take a few ideas and use them for yourself to plan the BEST YEAR EVER!   Here’s my process…

1.) Do a basic overview of the entire year on one page, this is what is commonly called your “Long Range Plan”

  • This includes all the Units of Instruction that you hope to get in throughout the year
  • I plan mine by grade and by month, but super generic as you can see, think “Big Picture”

Long Range Plan Template-page-001

2.)  Print or Buy a Monthly Calendar (or use a monthly planner)

  • It’s great if you can print a school calendar that already has important dates on it like early release days, student holidays, professional development ect. to save you some time.  

3.) Write in Important Dates -Mark or highlight days when your classes aren’t on a normal schedule, you won’t have your teaching space or when school isn’t in session

  • School Assemblies
  • Jump Rope For Heart
  • School-Wide Testing Days
  • Professional Development Days

4.) Plan your Units of Instruction

  • Get a PENCIL – you will probably have to make some changes throughout the year and begin to plan your units of instruction.  
  • Work backwards from the holidays and important dates so your units don’t have big gaps in them and so you can culminate your units on important events.   
  • Also I like to try and plan the unit at a relevant time (Basketball around March Madness or during Basketball Season… Soccer around the World Cup or during soccer season)

You can see a video of my entire process below.

It’s a bit long, but I did plan the whole year in under 15 minutes, so I’d call it a win.  Just for reference, I teach my kids once a week for 50 minutes, so your schedule and yearly plan might look different depending on the amount of time that you see your kids each week.

Getting your yearly schedule down on paper is great to give you a big picture vision of what your year will look like.  After I finish this up I can focus more of my attention planning great lessons for my kids and not stress about whether or not I will be able to fit it all in.

Making a Digital Copy

Another thing I like to do after getting the rough draft on paper is to reorganize my digital long range plan, which I use Google Sheets for.

You can see an example below:

how to write lesson plan for physical education

If you’d like to make a copy of my Long Range Plan Template download the resource below for a link to make a copy in Google Sheets.  ( If your a member with our program, check out the Membership Version of this template in the Resources Area of the Membership )

And that pretty much sums up my yearly planning process!

If you do things differently, I’d love to hear about it – leave some advice in the comments.  

P.S. – Interested in my process for planning each week or each unit of instruction?  Check out an overview of what my first 9 weeks might look like below:

  • Week 1 – First Week of School Lesson Plan
  • Week 2 – Team Building Game – Hula Hut Relays or Cross the River
  • Week 3 – Four Square Training (for recess)
  • Week 4 – 6 – Fitness Testing Unit
  • Week 7 – 9 – Any other units that fit with the calendar as described in the video – for an example of my unit planning process, check out my Throwing and Catching Unit Overview , Gymnastics Unit Overview or my Jumprope Unit Overview . 

Phys Ed Q & A Show: How to Plan Your Scope and Sequence

We recently recorded an entire episode of our Phys Ed Q & A Show dedicated to this one topic, so if you want to take a deep dive into planning your scope and sequence head over to our SHOW NOTES PAGE  to download the show notes, check out the podcast or you can just watch the video below:

Have a good one!

Have Fun and Teach On!

how to write lesson plan for physical education

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Reader Interactions

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August 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm

Hello, I’m from Belarus Anastasia the first year I will work for primary school physical education teachers. Our education system gives us approximate annual plans (this is how the sections and the hours allocated to them are indicated) example: fundamentals of safety in the classroom, the Olympic movement – 4 hours are allocated for the year. Then there is an invariant component that cannot be changed: athletics (jumping, running, throwing) – 20 hours for all quarters. The question has finally reached him: do you make annual plans and overtime for each quarter? I will be glad of any answer, your colleague (I’m not afraid of this word) hah

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August 29, 2023 at 4:39 pm

Hey Anastasia,

Thanks for reaching out!

We try to make annual plans when we can. Check out our Podcast: How to Fit it All In it will give you tips on how we structure our activities.

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August 24, 2023 at 5:11 pm

Hello! I love receiving your emails full of ideas and games. I would love to see more high school games. Do you have teambuilding games for high school students. Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

August 24, 2023 at 8:51 pm

Hey Kristi,

You could always modify the games for high school students. Check out the message for Ben on Secondary recommends:

Secondary Teacher Recommends

There are some great folks out there in Secondary, but I’m not as connected to all the best resources, but I know that Physedagogy is a great resource to check out and find other teachers doing similar things to you – you can find them at: https://physedagogy.com/

Check out https://thephysicaleducator.com – Joey teaches elementary, but also up through secondary

Also Nathan Hornes website https://www.iphys-ed.com/ is great and he’s taught all levels.

Jarrod Robinson (The PE Geek) has a great technology integration site that applies to all levels.

Also of course social media will be a great resource for you to get connected with Secondary Folks, here’s a few secondary teachers I know are awesome, they might have some good resources or at least advice for where to look if you message or tag them on social with a question:

* Dave Senecal https://twitter.com/pepalooza * Matt Pomeroy https://twitter.com/Physed_Pomeroy * Sarah Gietschier-Hartman https://twitter.com/GHSaysRockChalk * Stephanie Sandino https://twitter.com/smsandino * Jerry Honeycutt: https://twitter.com/honeycutt_pe * Lisa Smith: https://twitter.com/lisasmithpe

OPEN Physed from US Games also has some Secondary resources you might want to check out: https://openphysed.org/

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August 9, 2023 at 1:02 pm

Hello, How are you doing today.i would like to buy complete k-5 physical education 1 year long term plan as well as the weekly lesson plan for the same one year plan. I would like to have your email and maybe your phone number to call you.

August 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm

Hey Yakubu,

You can find out all the details of the PE Specialist Membership at the link below:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/info

Email: [email protected]

Let us know if you need anything else!

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July 15, 2023 at 2:27 pm

Was wondering if i could get the rules to your Star Wars game you referenced. Starting out with the first year of PE at our small private school and I appreciate your information so far.

July 17, 2023 at 8:57 am

We are working to get the lesson plan on the site for Star Wars, but check out the link below to a video on a similar style of Star Wars we play:

https://youtu.be/YGiYUsC0jSI

Hope this helps!

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July 13, 2023 at 7:08 pm

I’ll give this a shot. It’s a lot more boxes than I’m used to but I think I can make it work. Thanks!

July 14, 2023 at 1:11 pm

Of course Nathalie!

Let us know if you have any questions! Great way to plan your school year!

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February 15, 2023 at 1:06 pm

You really do a fantastic job. I and many other PE teachers I know come to your website for new ideas and/or improvements to activities already used. Thanks!!!

February 15, 2023 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for reaching out Thomas!

Glad you’re enjoying the resources!

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October 11, 2022 at 9:46 pm

You are a lifesaver for me as a first year PE teacher. Thank you so so so much for all the work you’ve put into helping others.

October 12, 2022 at 4:07 pm

You’re welcome Ms. H!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions along the way!

You got this!

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August 19, 2022 at 1:22 pm

Great job! I’m trying to use some of your links and it puts the items into a cart. How do I access the items? Thanks!

August 19, 2022 at 3:45 pm

Once you complete the checkout the resources will be linked to you on the site and sent via email.

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August 17, 2022 at 7:47 pm

Hi Ben, thanks a lot for your pointers on making a year plan for PE classes. Do you teach one specific grade, or more than one each year? I used to teach one grade(e.g., G2 in 2022), but moving to a new school this year, I’m supposed to teach G3 – 6. I’m wondering if you would teach the same contents for these 4 graders.

Ideas so far: 1. Teach the same units & contents, but level up or down according to each and every grade. 2. Teach different units for each grade. Rotate units. e.g., G3: Striking > Invasion games > Net games > Gymnastics G4: Invasion games > Net games > Gymnastics > Striking G5: Net games > Gymnastics > Striking > Invasion games

I’m leaning towards #1, but I’d love to hear some comments from you. Once again, thanks tons for your ideas. I get a lot of takeaways from your site and channel. As a token of gratitude, I’m sharing one of my virtual PE class videos with you.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

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August 17, 2022 at 7:51 pm

Hey man! yep, #1 is correct – if you watch our Scope and Sequence Video on the Podcast Page (or listen to the episode we go into depth on this)

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August 16, 2022 at 5:51 pm

I just wanted to say, thank you for all your emails and posts. This is my 7th year teaching PE and I get most of my ideas from you. I teach K-8th grade PE and I modify some of my activities for all the grade levels. I just wanted to Thank you though showing me how a field day works. I read your idea and used it. Field Day this year is going to be better. I know what worked and what didn’t. Thank you for what you post and send out. I really appreciate it. Mostly, I feel I don’t know what I am doing and with your encouragement, I feel better about teaching PE!

August 17, 2022 at 3:57 pm

Thank you SO much for the kind words!

So glad you’re enjoying the resources!

I will be sure to pass your message over to Ben! This is the reason why we have the site!

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August 16, 2022 at 4:12 pm

Is this for elementary students only? How would you apply this to middle school students?

August 17, 2022 at 3:56 pm

Hey Patricia,

The blog post was designed for Elementary teachers, but the concept and theme can be applied to middle school students.

We just trying to find what students find interesting, that cover and address the standards, and organize it to fit in the school year.

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February 9, 2022 at 1:57 pm

coach ben, hi i was wondering if we can receive a certificate for the training you had. it was great and i enjoyed it every much. i learn alot in the training. thanks

February 9, 2022 at 3:28 pm

Hey Marsha,

We have an E-Learning system within our membership that provides certificates after trainings are completed, but for free trainings on Youtube we don’t have any way to provide these certificates or verify that teachers have completed the trainings, sorry about that.

If you’d like to check out the membership and see if your school might be able to support you with a membership you can see the info page below:

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January 7, 2022 at 2:07 pm

My name is Brenda Wilcox and I will be a fill in Sub PE teacher for grades K -4 for the remainder of the school year. I am not an althlete but do enjoy being around this age group and helping them with PE. I have reseached some inside games for them as we are in a very cold climate and moat activities are in the gym for a while. I was referred to your web site for ideas and plans. Any information of advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Brenda Wilcox

January 7, 2022 at 3:10 pm

Hey Brenda!

We have tons of indoor activities on our site. I encourage you to check out the resource page! I will link it below:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/home/

Hope the helps!

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October 31, 2021 at 11:17 am

Hello I am a 1-5 PE teacher in Montana. I am wondering if you teach any Heath topics/units to your students throughout the year.

November 1, 2021 at 3:21 pm

We don’t teach health specifically, although we do try to incorporate Health concepts into all of the activities that we do – especially our Fitness Unit, which you can check out below:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/fitnessgram/ Sometimes the schedule works out to give me a random class coming twice a week for an extra PE class, if that’s the case I do a little health integration with them, which I’ve blogged about at the link below:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/health/ If you want more content, I haven’t used the resource below personally, but have seen it recommended by other PE teachers, so it might be worth checking out:

https://3rs.org/3rs-curriculum/3rs-curric-search Hope that’s helpful!

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September 22, 2021 at 8:36 pm

I’m sure I received this already but I didn’t save it properly when I was working on it. Many thanks for sharing your awesome resources!

September 23, 2021 at 3:19 pm

You’re welcome Sara! Glad you’re enjoying the resources!

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August 26, 2021 at 1:07 pm

hi. Awesome stuff AS ALWAYS!!!!

I downloaded the digital copy and was hoping to use it on Google Sheets, unfortunately if only saved as a PDF.

Is there a way to convert PDF to Sheets??

August 26, 2021 at 3:26 pm

We’ve included a link with instructions to convert to Sheets:

https://productivityspot.com/convert-pdf-to-google-sheets/

August 27, 2021 at 8:04 pm

hello. thanks for the response, I appreciate it. Sadly, I could not figure it out. I got to the ‘open in Google Docs’ part, but when I do, it is a bunch of text that is a mess of letters.

I am at [email protected] if it isn’t too much to ask, may you share with me? I will make a copy and then delete.

August 30, 2021 at 4:32 pm

We sent you a copy via email!

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August 13, 2021 at 2:35 pm

I keep trying to checkout both of the long range lesson plan templates and it just saying “cart it empty”. Do I need to have a membership?

August 13, 2021 at 3:45 pm

Hey Dustin,

Sorry about the issue!

Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.

As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

Just search “Yearly Plan” in the search box.

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August 13, 2021 at 10:46 am

Thank you all the resources you provide!

-A fan and second year teacher!

August 13, 2021 at 3:42 pm

You’re welcome Amanda! Glad you’re enjoying the resources! Good luck in year two!

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August 13, 2021 at 10:07 am

Hi Ben, any way to get a copy of your google sheet of your long range plan for the year? It’s not working off your site. Would love a copy! Thanks so much!

Hey Danielle,

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August 10, 2021 at 4:39 pm

Hey Ben. I’ve your idea of ninja warriors unit if you didn’t have to do fitness testing. Do you have any good resources on a warrior unit? Thanks

August 11, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Don’t have any warrior unit resources yet but we do have exercise posters you can use from prepping students I will link down below:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/exerciseposters/

Here a video of back yard warrior activities to give you some ideas as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXer2Oxu37Y

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August 6, 2021 at 9:52 am

Hi! My name is Laura and this is my first year being a P.E teacher. I was super nervous but thanks to your amazing help, my head stopped spinning and I was able to have a good idea at to how my first week should go. You’re awesome man!

August 9, 2021 at 6:59 am

Welcome to the profession! We are excited you found some helpful tips when trying to plan a whole school year! We also have a podcast where we discuss some first year tips to get you started, check it out, along with others, at the link below:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/podcast/

Have a great day!

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May 21, 2021 at 5:12 am

How do you come up with exactly what the Units will be about or called. Do u just look at outcomes or standards, group similar ones together and then make a ‘theme’? For example, if the outcome is about teamwork, you would link it to a Unit called teamwork and then do teamwork activities?

May 21, 2021 at 3:05 pm

Great question Timothy!

We take into account lots of factors when determine units. We look at grade level outcomes, standards, student interest, what’s available around the community, and what they can do for a lifetime away from PE class.

The naming of them is arbitrary but it helps to encapsulate what we are trying to teach them. We also try to name units based on what they may hear outside of class like “teambuilding or soccer”.

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May 19, 2021 at 10:39 am

Awesome ideas, kangaroo club /bracelets and obviously you could apply to a lot of other activities. thanks

May 19, 2021 at 3:55 pm

Sure can Debra! Glad you’re enjoying the resources!

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April 22, 2021 at 3:50 pm

This information was really helpful

April 23, 2021 at 3:19 pm

Thanks Kenneth! Glad you found the resources helpful!

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August 18, 2020 at 6:44 am

we could expect a PE yearly plan for middle and High school

August 19, 2020 at 12:37 pm

Also of course social media will be a great resource for you to get connected with Secondary Folks, here’s a few secondary teachers I know are awesome, they might have some good resources or at least advice for where to look:

Dave Senecal https://twitter.com/pepalooza Matt Pomeroy https://twitter.com/Physed_Pomeroy Sarah Gietschier-Hartman https://twitter.com/GHSaysRockChalk Stephanie Sandino https://twitter.com/smsandino Jerry Honeycutt: https://twitter.com/honeycutt_pe Lisa Smith: https://twitter.com/lisasmithpe OPEN Physed from US Games also has some Secondary resources you might want to check out: https://openphysed.org/

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July 29, 2020 at 6:53 pm

Is the format readable only are editable. I want to insert some ideas please. Thank you!

July 31, 2020 at 8:06 am

Hey Jennifer,

The format is set for readable or view only. You can also “make a copy” of the resource, that way you can make edits and insert ideas.

July 29, 2020 at 6:43 pm

May I use and modify this template in a power point then invert to a video? Coach Jones

July 31, 2020 at 8:04 am

Yes feel free to modify this template for personal use.

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April 27, 2020 at 9:17 am

LOVE this, I’ve been following a similar vein. I’ve been keeping a list of all activities that were well-received and once the overview calendar is set I then start plugging in the activities. As a fitnessgram alternative we switched to http://www.kidsninjafitness.com for elective-based fitness testing (for elementary PE) and it’s been fantastic! It’s also free which is fabulous for my budget 🙂

April 28, 2020 at 10:41 am

That’s awesome! Would love to do something like this, unfortunately fitness testing is mandatory in our state. I can see kids being way more excited about a program like this.

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February 25, 2020 at 11:36 am

Would you recommend the same suggestion, to just add in more activities or would you make the units less weeks, if seeing classes 3x a week all year.

March 2, 2020 at 6:47 pm

If I saw kids 3x a week (assuming also for 50 minute periods) I would probably switch to 2 week units, go a little deeper into content and cover more units.

For example, I don’t have enough time to cover Baseball/Softball and Tennis/Paddles, so normally we end up rotating every other year.

I would love to get to cover all the subjects I think are relevant to my kids and also have some time to play a few fun games in between units (that can act as a review of previous learning, or just an opportunity to practice teamwork and cooperation)

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February 3, 2020 at 10:49 am

thank you that was really helpful

February 3, 2020 at 4:58 pm

Sure thing, glad to hear that!

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January 5, 2020 at 5:04 pm

We just changed our specials schedule, as we added Project Lead The Way as a special, therefore our grade levels that have 4 sections won’t have to divide a class (30-35 students in K-2 per each special) and have adapted to an A, B, C, D rotation calendar in place of our Red, White, Blue rotation. So in any given week I will only see one of my groups twice. Any suggestions on how to plan for how to adapt lesson plans for those groups that I might see more often?

January 6, 2020 at 6:23 pm

I would just plan additional activities around the “core” unit that you’re teaching. I’ve had a couple classes that I got to see 2x a week and just planned extra activities around the same content that the rest of the school was working on. I viewed it as an “enrichment” day and got to dive a little deeper with those classes into the unit that we were working on.

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August 20, 2019 at 3:02 pm

How often do you see your students?

August 20, 2019 at 8:16 pm

50 minutes – once a week

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July 16, 2019 at 2:40 pm

What is Body Mangement?

July 30, 2019 at 12:30 pm

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June 15, 2019 at 3:28 pm

Great ideas! I am looking forward to using your strategy and being more organzied.

June 20, 2019 at 9:19 pm

Hope it helps!

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May 12, 2019 at 1:21 pm

Great resources for a European PE teacher like me that will soon start to teach in the U.S ????????????

May 16, 2019 at 6:55 am

Awesome! Glad it’s helpful

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February 17, 2019 at 11:10 pm

Hi Ben! Thank you for posting this article. I will be starting my first year teaching soon. I think your article provides many great tips that will help me become organized with my teaching. Thank you for sharing and thank you for everything you do for physical education.

February 19, 2019 at 7:59 pm

Sure thing – glad it was helpful!

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January 5, 2019 at 12:04 am

Can’t afford to be a member but fixing to purchase the Jump Rope Unit…. I was wondering if you have a Field Day unit available for purchase? Thanks!

January 9, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Sure thing, check out our Field Day Resource Pack here: https://www.thepespecialist.com/fieldday/

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November 10, 2018 at 8:00 pm

Great Video! Much appreciated! I teach a curriculum models class and the models we cover are Adventure Ed/Team Building; Frisbee skills mixed with Social Responsibility; TGFU; Sport Ed; Cultural Competence. It is based on Lund and Tannehill’s book about Standards Based PE. The part we are adding in is Block Planning so this is very helpful since we really don’t have enough time to cover everything adequately in one semester. Cheers!

November 15, 2018 at 3:25 pm

Sure thing – definitely a struggle to fit everything in.

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November 27, 2017 at 2:08 pm

Hey quick question- I am in a similar situation where i only see my classes once a week for 45 minutes.. How long are your units at that point? and do you do a lot of station work or different skill each week and a mini game about that skill?

Thank you!! Stephanie

November 28, 2017 at 9:10 pm

I usually do 3-4 week units and do majority station work with K-1 and majority modified games with 2-5. That’s an over generalization, but it’s kind of my formula.

You can see my Gymnastics and Jump Rope unit overviews in the links above to get an idea of what a unit might look like

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November 5, 2017 at 6:29 pm

Hello 🙂 This is a great video on Units but how do you organize PE lessons?

November 7, 2017 at 7:17 pm

Check out the links at the bottom of the post to the Jumprope and Gymnastics Unit

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October 10, 2017 at 1:59 pm

This is so great! I was wondering what your “Body Management” section is?

October 18, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Gymnastics/Parkour – more info here: https://www.thepespecialist.com/gymnastics/

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August 30, 2017 at 1:24 am

In one of your posts, you mentioned that when planning units you use the SHAPE outcomes. Could you briefly describe the process? As I understand, you use a specific outcome as a starting point; and then you pick and choose activities to teach the concept/skill? If so, how would you teach your students that an overhand-throw movement pattern is used in many sports/activities, such as baseball, dodgeball, volleyball, etc? Would you play all the activities in one unit?

September 4, 2017 at 8:34 pm

Yep, you’re right on. Throwing is a little different for me since it’s not a sport itself, I usually just play throwing games for about 4 weeks and then we review it throughout the year during other units (baseball/striking with implements) or other throwing games that we might play in between units.

Most of the other units I do are more content/sport specific – although almost every skill transfers across plenty of different sports and applications

September 4, 2017 at 9:07 pm

Thank you for your help.

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August 21, 2017 at 3:52 am

Great job….

August 21, 2017 at 3:43 am

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August 20, 2017 at 1:59 pm

Hi Ben. Your content is really helpful for me, a first year (P.E.) teacher. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into this blog to help others.

I was wondering if you have state standards you keep in mind when lesson planning. For instance, I’m in Texas and we must teach according to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). If you do have state standards, how do you incorporate that into planning out your year?

August 23, 2017 at 8:53 pm

I use the SHAPE America Grade Level Outcomes when planning units and they just give me a basic starting point.

It’s impossible to fit everything in (at least for most people who see kids once a week), so you just have to choose what you think is most relevant to your students and do the best you can.

Here are the SHAPE GLO’s if you want to check them out: http://www.shapeamerica.org/standards/pe/upload/Grade-Level-Outcomes-for-K-12-Physical-Education.pdf

August 24, 2017 at 12:36 pm

Thanks, Ben! I truly appreciate the help.

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August 9, 2017 at 5:58 pm

Thank you for all and any info you are sharing. I know my students will benefit from me becoming more organized and your sharing of material. Thank you from my heart. (Down here by the border in AZ).

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August 8, 2017 at 3:10 am

Hello Ben Landers! Your work is so inspiring and positive! I love what you offer your students and appreciate what you share! You are amazing, truly! Best wishes for a smooth beginning of the school year! Sincerely, LBell

August 14, 2017 at 3:58 pm

Hope you have a good one as well – thanks for the words of encouragement!

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July 24, 2017 at 5:29 am

Events for national sports day,parents sports day…?

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July 4, 2017 at 11:35 pm

Any suggestions on where to even begin I am a first year PE teacher, thanks!

July 8, 2017 at 11:08 am

Nice – Congrats on your first PhysEd Job!

Management is going to be first priority – I would check out THIS LINK for an overview of my management and philosophy for my PE Program.

Also, you could ask your school to purchase a PE Specialist Membership to get some great resources that I think would be helpful for any first year teacher.

Get on Twitter and connect with people when you have questions using #physed and start to bookmark PE blogs and sites that you find helpful.

Lastly – remember that “It’s a Marathon not a Sprint” – you are at the beginning of a long journey of learning and getting better at your craft. Don’t get discouraged when you teach a crap lesson, that’s part of getting better – just figure out why it sucked and make it better next time. Have Fun and Teach On! 🙂

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January 10, 2017 at 7:24 am

Hi I want to know, if you teach Physical Education to a school which doesn’t participate in any sport. How would you draft your yearly plan and also your lesson plans. In terms of fitness activities which can one carry-out to keep learners interest in your lessons. Thank you!

January 10, 2017 at 4:06 pm

I assume that you mean you guys don’t play team sports? I would just develop my Units around whatever concepts you are trying to teach. Maybe you want to do skill theme approach, so kicking, throwing, catching, locomotors, invasion games etc. A good strategy is to work backwards, what outcome do you want to accomplish? What activities can you do to accomplish that outcome? How can those activities fit together in units?

I don’t do a lot of strictly fitness activities, other than some quick interval training workouts, most of the activities I do are games with fitness built into them – in my experience, my students have responded better to that method.

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September 2, 2016 at 2:25 am

What is “fitnessgram”? I have been looking for some kind of fitness program of fitness tracking reward plan to implement with my kids but I haven’t found any good ones. Just wondering if that is what “fitnessgram” is.

September 2, 2016 at 2:10 pm

Fitnessgram is a common Fitness Assessment system that teachers use to help kids assess their fitness levels and set goals for improvement – you can google around to find more info about it if your interested.

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August 9, 2017 at 6:11 pm

This is my 3rd year teaching P.E. and I love it! When it comes to the Fitness Gram, I have absolutely no idea where to begin. Do I purchase a software of some sort? Do I need to print out paperwork for each student so I can write down things during their tests? This is all brand new, so I am trying to figure out where to start with it all. Thank you for your time and sharing all of your valuable information!!

August 14, 2017 at 4:02 pm

First of all – if your district/state doesn’t require Fitness Testing, then you might want to consider doing your own thing that’s more fun for your students, or doing some other type of fitness instruction like an American Ninja Warrior Unit or something.

If you are required to do it then yes, you can get all the cadences/audio tracks on iTunes or from the Fitnessgram Website (just google it). They have all the standards and assessment protocols on their site as well I believe.

Also check out this post: https://www.thepespecialist.com/pacertest/

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To be a good PE teacher it is essential that we can define and clarify our learning objectives to pupils at the start of each lesson. By helping students to clearly know what they should accomplish by lessons end will increase their focus and empower them to take more ownership of the activities and their learning [ 1, 2 ].

  • 1. Before deciding on your Lesson Objectives it is important to focus on what needs to be learned in relation to your department’s schemes of work and to take in to account a range of factors about your class (age, class size, gender, additional learning needs, previous experience, duration, facilities and equipment available)[ 3 ].
  • 2. Once you’ve gained this information, break down the unit of work objectives in to lesson-sized chunks (or concrete, manageable targets) and decide if the aim is to improve knowledge, understanding, skills or values [1, 2, 4]. Traditionally in PE there has been an over-emphasis on skill development [ 3 ]. It is important to find a balance in our lesson objectives by emphasizing improved skills and knowledge (these are known as behavioral objectives as they can be witnessed), whilst also aiming to develop understanding and personal growth (non-behavioural objectives as they are to some extent invisible) [ 4 ].

Learning Objectives are usually expressed in term of pupils’ learning and consist of four qualities:

A STEM (a prefix)

The most commonly used in PE and schools is: “By the end of the lesson, pupils…”

A MEASURABLE VERB

An action word that relates to the key outcome verbs within Bloom's [6] or the adapted taxonomy [5] (including relevant PE synonyms).

THE CONDITION (or adjective)

How the tasks or behavior will be performed and under what conditions.

THE CONTEXT (or standard)

How well the task or behavior must be performed to meet the standard. [ 1, 2, 4 ]

As a result, your lesson objectives should look like this:

By the end of the lesson,

  • To be able to… Verb/ Adjective /Context
  • To be able to What/How/Where

Examples of learning objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

Lower Level Thinking

  • Describe how to play man-to-man defense in basketball using your own words
  • Perform a forehand groundstroke in tennis consistently in games
  • Apply simple tactics when fielding in kickball

Higher Level Thinking

  • Analyse a partner's dig shot in volleyball to make suggestions for improvement
  • Design your own fitness/exercise program using sets and reps
  • Create your own orienteering map using 12 markers
  • Leask, M., & Davison “Schemes of Work and Lesson Planning”. In Capel, S., Leask, M., Turner, T. (2001) Learning to Teach in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience. London: RoutledgeFalmer pp. 70-71
  • Arthur, J., & Capel, S. (2015) “How planning and evaluation support effective learning and teaching” In, Capel, S., & Whitehead, M. (2015) Learning to Teach Physical Education in the Secondary School: A companion to school experience. Routledge: Oxon. Pp.36-38
  • Grout, H. & Long, G. (2009) Improving Teaching & Learning in Physical Education. Bershire: Open University Press
  • Bailey, R. (2001) Teaching Physical Education: A handbook for Primary and Secondary School Teachers. London: Kogan Page
  • Anderson, L.W., Krathwohl, D.R., Airasain, P.W., Cruikshank, K.A., Mayer, R.R., Pintrich, P.R., Raths, J. and Wittrock, M.C. (eds) (2001) A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching and Assessing – A revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, complete edition, New York: Addison Wesley Longman
  • Bloom, B., Englehart, M.D., Furst, E.J., Hil, W.H. and Krathwohl, D.R. (eds) (1956) Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals, Handbook I: Cognitive Domain. New York: D.McKay.

Examples

Physical Education Lesson Plan

how to write lesson plan for physical education

Internet and mobile applications, sadly as it is, are taking over most of our time, money, and health. This is one of the reasons why the Department of Education introduces physical education as a subject in primary, secondary, and tertiary level of education. The subject’s aim is to develop the students physical, mental, and social fitness, competence, and interpersonal skills that will make him/her become a good citizen of his/her country.

Teaching profession is one of the most in-demand job that requires great dedication and a bank of patience. Teaching physical education would require the teachers to find ways to develop the students’ interests to the lesson and to let them engage to activities affiliated to the subject. Making lesson plans  helps the teacher to become more effective in teaching because they will have an organized guide about the topic that will lead them to spontaneous discussion. Are you a physical education instructor? If yes, then this article is for you. Find out more about physical education lesson plans by reading this article.

Physical Education Lesson Plan Examples and Templates

1. physical education lesson plan template.

Physical Education Lesson Plan

  • Google Docs

Size: A4 & US Letter Sizes

Dance is one of the most interesting lessons in physical education. The goal of a PE teacher in this lesson is to make his/her students incorporate the dance routine learned to their weekly personal fitness monitor. Are you new to the field of teaching? Are you having a hard time making your own lesson plan? If yes, ease yourself because we have it drafted already in a template. Just hit the download button and replace the yellow highlighted parts with specific information required, then you are done.

2. High School Physical Education Lesson Plan

High School Physical Education Lesson Plan

Size: 50.8 KB

High school teaching is probably difficult because students are still at transitional stage where a lot of issues raging from self to social problems arise. Teachers have to deal with various personalities in one sitting. The challenge of teachers here is to let everyone participate in activities and to let them socialize with peers. Are you a high school PE teacher? If yes, you can download this example and use it as your reference in making your lesson plan .

3. Grade 2 Physical Education Lesson Plan

Grade 2 Physical Education Lesson Plan

Size: 7.3 MB

Grade 2 students love to play and sweat. They love to learn new things, but they also get bored easily. PE teachers’ assessment for them should include activities such as games, dance, etc. that will build the students’ interest about the subject. Are you an elementary teacher having a hard time with lesson plan writing? If yes, this physical education lesson plan example might help you through. Just hit the download button and you’ll have the guide that you need.

4. Lesson Plan in Physical Education

Lesson Plan in Physical Education

Size: 101.9 KB

You are an education student in a prestigious university majoring physical education. While reading this, you are set to have a practicum and you are busy wondering how you should write your lesson plan . Don’t worry, you are at the right site. You can check out the format of this example and use it as your guide in writing your first practicum lesson plan.

5. Detailed PE Lesson Plan

Detailed P

Size: 299.5 KB

A detailed lesson plan (DLP) is a teacher’s guide that has detailed description about the lesson. It contains five parts: objectives, subject matter, procedure, evaluation, and assignment. Detailed lesson plans have everything written including your speech and gestures. The advantages of a detailed lesson plan is that they provide the mastery of the lesson and instructors are more confident to deliver the topic since everything has been laid out in this type of lesson plan. Are you planning to make a DLP? If you are, you may download this example and use it as your reference.

6. Simple Physical Education Lesson Plan

Simple Physical Education Lesson Plan

Size: 29.6 KB

Lesson plan serves as the teacher’s road mark in the lessons that they will discuss to their students. The example above is about reviewing basic locomotor movements and basic exercises in various patterns and at varying speed. This type of activity requires a huge space so the students can execute properly the task. In writing your plan , be sure to consider the safety of your students by considering the environment and equipment present in your school. Download this example now and use it as your guide in drafting your own lesson plan.

7. Semi-detailed PE Lesson Plan

Semi detailed P

Size: 9.2 MB

Semi-detailed lesson plan is less complicated than the detailed lesson plan; although, it also has the same parts with the latter which are the objectives, subject matter, procedure, evaluation, and assignment. The only difference is that a DLP is too elaborate while a semi-detailed lesson plan only lists the general plan that you want to discuss to your students. If you prefer semi-detailed lesson plan over the detailed one, you can download this example and use it as your guide.

8. Physical Education Differentiated Lesson Plan

Physical Education Differentiated Lesson Plan

Size: 342 KB

Differentiated lesson plan assesses all students by providing diverse instructional materials and different avenues in learning new information based on the ability of each student. This allows students to grow on the field where they excel. You can download this example if you are interested in this type of lesson plan.

9. Physical Education Yearly Lesson Plan

Physical Education Yearly Lesson Plan

Size: 364.2 KB

There are instructors that prefer to have their lesson plans prepared beforehand. Some educators have a lesson plan already before the school year starts. The advantages of this type of lesson plan is that it allows the teacher to plan not just the lessons but also the pace. Having a yearly lesson plan will allow the teacher to forecast future events without cramming the students. Physical education has a lot of performances that may involve money, so a yearly lesson plan will benefit not just the teacher but also the students. If you are interested with this type of lesson plan, you can download this example by clicking the download button.

10. PE Lesson Plan Format

P

Size: 37.5 KB

Teaching physical education requires you to be creative in delivering the lessons. Instructors would dance, sing, swim, run, jump, etc. to encourage the students to perform. There are a lot of formats in making a lesson plan and you can decide whatever format you will use that is acceptable to the administration that you are working. Check out the example’s format by hitting the download button.

11. Quality Physical Education Lesson Plan

Quality Physical Education Lesson Plan

Size: 102.7 KB

Quality lesson plans for physical education allows the students to embrace the essentials of physical education. This type of lesson plan lets the students use their skills and to demonstrate and understand the task using the three domains of learning—cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. If you are interested in quality lesson plans, you can download this example and use it as your guide.

Lesson plans may vary in formats and content, but one thing is for sure, lesson plans are the backbone of a teacher’s lesson. Thus, lesson planning enables the teachers to be more confident and effective in delivering the lessons in front of class.

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PE Activities

January 4, 2016

PE Activities to Engage Students in the Three Domains of Learning

As all PE teachers know, Physical Education is not just about playing games and getting kids to move; PE teachers also have the tremendous responsibility of building the foundation for healthy physical activity and a positive body image. Let’s not forget, PE teachers must engage their students in authentic, motivating lessons that will build their physical literacies while developing skills in the three domains of learning and health-related fitness (psychomotor, cognitive, and affective). With all of that in mind, where do we begin?

First, let’s take a look at each of the three domains of learning within physical education. After reviewing the domains, we’ll analyze grade-specific PE lessons that you can use as models to seamlessly incorporate each domain into your PE instruction.

Psychomotor Domain (Body)

The psychomotor domain refers to the physical aspects of learning. It addresses motion, reflexes, and how muscles are engaged during physical activity. In your PE classes, you can help students build a number of psychomotor skills, including reflexive skills, perceptual abilities, and complex, higher-order skills that require a combination of physical abilities to yield a motion.

Cognitive Domain (Brain)

The cognitive domain addresses the development of content knowledge and intellectual skills. Teaching and learning in the cognitive domain is essential to PE, as without it, students are less likely to understand rules or develop strategies to excel in activities, sports, and games. You can use  Bloom’s Taxonomy  as a tool to build students’ knowledge of healthy movements.

Affective Domain (Feelings)

The affective domain focuses on students’ feelings, attitudes, and values about movement. Learning in this domain is difficult to measure because it takes place internally. However, you can use the  Bloom’s Affective Taxonomy  as a guide to observe your students’ learning. For starters, focus on a student’s ability to pay attention and place value on the importance of movement.

To learn more about each of the domains of learning and health-related fitness, visit this  link .

Now, let’s review some grade-specific PE activities and reflect on how the learning domains are implemented. These general activities do not focus on specific PE units and can be implemented at any point throughout the school year or as warm-ups at the beginning of class.

Grades K-2:  Line Boogie

In this activity, students line up in groups and move a beanbag from one end of the line to the next without letting it hit the floor. For an added element, you can incorporate music. When the music runs out, the team who has moved the beanbag furthest down the line is the winner.

Psychomotor

Students develop hand-eye coordination, reflex skills, and foundational movement patterns as they transfer the beanbag down the line, catch it to prevent it from falling, and race from one end of the line to the other.

Students analyze which seating positions and strategies will most effectively and quickly move the beanbag down the line (e.g., overhead, side-to-side), and they apply and modify these techniques as they progress through the challenge.

In order to perform well in this challenge, students must pay attention to their teammates’ movements and place value on the importance of preventing the beanbag from hitting the floor.

Grades 3-5:  Tic-Tac-Toe Relay

Students form teams to compete in a tic-tac-toe relay race. Students race from one end of the gym to the next, placing their team’s marker on the tic-tac-toe board. They then race back and tag their teammate, who then races across the gym to place a marker on the board, and so on. The object of the game is to make a row before the opposing team does.

 Students execute line drills; they work on speed, control, and balance as they quickly move to the tic-tac-toe board and pivot to run across the gym.

 Students evaluate the best place to put their marker. In many cases, they will have to predict where their opponent will put the marker first and anticipate how to block the next opponent from making a row.

Affective:  Students challenge themselves to race to the end of the gym as quickly as possible, choose the best place to put their marker, and block their opponents from winning the game. In order to perform well in this activity, students need to place value on their contribution to the team.

Grades 6-8:  Moving Tower Push Ups

Students rebuild a tower by moving each piece to the left without placing a bigger object on a smaller object. The kicker is, they can only make one move at a time. In between moves, they must run to a designated spot and complete a push up to the best of his/her ability.

This is an excellent way to teach students how to effectively execute a push up. Students need to complete a proper push up, race to one end of the gym, run backward, and repeat.

Students evaluate how to recreate the tower in as few steps as possible. They must also assess their push up technique and modify their movement when necessary in order to keep participating in the activity even after it becomes physically difficult.

 Students challenge themselves to race to the end of the gym as quickly as possible, show tolerance for the pain of a push up, and persevere despite challenge and difficulty.

High School Students:  Wacky Walks Heart Rate Monitoring

Students learn how to take their resting and active heart rates. They then practice a variety of walking techniques (e.g., walking lunges and high knees) and take their heart rate after completing each movement. Students also perform a series of triceps dips and push ups to see how their heart rate is affected by using different muscle groups.

Students reproduce activities based on their teacher’s instruction; they work on balance and precision as they execute each new movement; they master the ability to switch between movements; and they engage a variety of muscle groups.

 Students learn how to take their heart rate; they analyze how movement affects their heart rate; and they compare and contrast the differences a variety of movements have on the rise and fall of their heart rate.

 Students develop an understanding of the importance of exercise and which activities will best increase their heart rate in order to get the most out of their workouts.

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Writing Performance Objectives for a Lesson Plan

This is an excerpt from introduction to teaching physical education 2nd edition with web resource by jane shimon..

Performance objectives are clear and specific statements of what students will be able to do by the end of a lesson (Gronlund and Brookhart 2009; Mager 1997). For example, an objective found in a basketball lesson might include something like this: Students will be able to dribble up and down the court without losing control of the ball. Or: When working cooperatively in groups, students will be able to develop two ways to get open to receive a pass.

Performance objectives need to be observable , measurable , and attainable . The preceding performance objective examples are observable: The teacher and students can observe if they are dribbling a basketball under control while looking up or if they are working together in groups to solve a problem during a lesson. These performance objectives are also written so that you can determine whether students have achieved them—that is, you can assess how many students look up while dribbling under control or determine who is able to work cooperatively with their teammates. Finally, these performance objectives are realistic and attainable for students during a lesson.

Sometimes performance objectives are written in ways that are not observable or measurable. Objectives that use words such as learn or understand or comprehend cannot be observed or measured. They are ineffective, and those words do not clarify the learning or performance outcome (see table 8.1). An incorrect performance objective might read something like this: Students will learn how to dribble a basketball, or students will understand how to get open to receive a pass.

When writing a performance objective for a lesson plan, include (1) the task, (2) the condition, and (3) the criteria.

  • Task (what): The main part of a performance objective involves a task or behavior. In other words, what do you want students to be able to do? Do you want students to be able to dribble a basketball under control, execute a forward roll, work cooperatively in groups, or describe how to perform a skill or create a fitness and conditioning program? These examples describe various tasks students will be able to accomplish during the lesson.
  • Condition (how): The condition of a performance objective describes a circumstance or situation of performing the task. In other words, how will students do the task? How will they be able to demonstrate what they know or can do? For example, how do you want students to dribble a ball under control? Do you want them to dribble a ball in their own space, by following a line along the floor, up and down the court, between cones, or against a defender? Do you want them to dribble the ball while walking or running? Describing the condition of a performance objective makes the task specific.
  • Criteria (how well): Finally, a performance objective includes some type of standard or level of performance that informs you and your students about the quality of the performance to accomplish. In other words, how well do you want students to perform the task? Do you want students to perform the task in a certain amount of time, perform a skill correctly, or complete a certain number of successful attempts (e.g., 8 out of 10)? Do you want students to cooperatively work together in groups, or pass a written test at 80 percent accuracy? Including criteria provides a way to measure or assess the performance objective (Rink 2014).

Some physical education teachers write performance objectives with a broader focus by including only the task and condition components; others add criteria to make the objective more precise. Your instructor will specify the type of performance objectives you will be required to write for your lesson plans.

Performance objectives can be written for each learning domain, depending on the learning outcomes of the lesson. Because outcomes for a lesson may involve more than one domain, teachers often include several performance objectives within a lesson. For example, you may want your students to be able to dribble a basketball around cones without losing control (psychomotor domain) and describe various ways to get open to receive a pass (cognitive domain).

One last factor to consider when developing performance objectives involves the verb choice you select as part of your objective. The verb used in an objective informs a certain level of action to accomplish and will infer a level of complexity and specificity within a domain of learning. As mentioned in chapter 2, Bloom's taxonomy refers to three domains of educational outcomes (cognitive, affective, and psychomotor), and the levels within each domain go from simple outcomes to the most complex (Anderson 2013; Anderson, Krathwohl, and Bloom 2001). Categories found under the psychomotor domain are recognized levels for that domain (Dave 1970). Table 8.2 illustrates verbs to consider for each domain level.

While most educators are familiar with Bloom's taxonomy, you may be required to classify your level of learning outcomes using a different classification system, depending on the accreditation requirements at your school. The Webb's Depth of Knowledge model (Webb 2002) modifies Bloom's taxonomy by combining the levels into four categories (table 8.3). Whatever system you use, remember that the verb used in the performance objective reflects a level of learning, the scope and sequence of your lesson plan, and the learning outcome for your students.

Overall, performance objectives provide direction and purpose as you develop your lesson plans. Performance objectives inform students about what they will be learning or expected to do and accomplish during the lesson, and performance objectives can be assessed, which informs you and your students if lesson objectives have been met (Buck et al. 2007; Rink 2014).

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  1. Lesson Plans for Physical Education Teachers/PE Central

    Physical Education Lesson Plans and Activity Ideas. You will find thousands of physical education lesson plans and ideas submitted by hundreds of Physical Education professionals! You may also be looking for helpful worksheets. View our lesson plan and idea criteria and copyright statement before sharing a lesson plan or idea with us. Classroom ...

  2. Your Guide to Making Lesson Plans in Physical Education Easy

    This will cut down on student wait time. Also, organize your groupings in a way that will reduce movement. For example, if the students are in partners and you need them in a larger group, have two or three partners get together to make groups of 4 or 6, rather than moving to groups of 5. 4. Key Teaching Points.

  3. PE Lesson Plans: Using the LEARN Model for Teaching

    To assist with this, there is a lesson plan model which helps teachers organize these basic concepts. The LEARN lesson plan model uses the acronym L-E-A-R-N to assist with writing the individual components of the lesson plan. L = Link to Background Knowledge. E = Engage and Explain. A = Active Learning.

  4. P.E. Lesson Plans

    Physical education prepares children for an active and healthy life while improving self discipline and reducing stress. This section includes PE lessons from kindergarten through high school spanning different skill levels and objectives. Lessons are categorized by grade for easy retrieval. These lessons were created by real teachers working ...

  5. Make A Physical Education Unit Plan In 30 Minutes Or Less

    I have been making physical education unit plans for a little over 10 years now, and I want to share my process with you in the hopes that you will find it useful for you. Here are the 5 steps I use to create my Phys Ed Unit Plans. 1. Pick the Unit You Want to Plan. Depending on your school, your Phys Ed department may delegate which teachers ...

  6. PE Central

    Practical, proven lesson plans written and submitted by real teachers and approved by our expert editorial team! Helpful online courses and information for the physical education teacher who wants to continue to develop and grow! View all 79 Resources! See what others are doing to improve physical education at their school.

  7. How to Create a Yearly PE Lesson Plan

    Tips for Creating a Yearly PE Lesson Plan. Having a plan for the school year is essential. It all starts with identifying the essential learning targets you want students to know and be able to do. The SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and your state standards are your guides. Once you know what students should know and be ...

  8. PE Lesson Plans: The Ultimate Guide

    The first step in planning a PE lesson is to determine the specific objectives you want your students to achieve. These objectives should align with the curriculum standards and focus on various aspects of physical education, such as skill development, physical fitness, teamwork, or sportsmanship. Clearly defined objectives provide a roadmap ...

  9. Physical Education Lesson Plan Template

    Daily Lesson Plan Physical Education. Objective Standards Materials; Teachers write what students will be able to do as a result of instruction: Explain the standards being addressed:

  10. PEC: Lesson Plans for Physical Education

    Please take a ball and practice your forearm bump to yourself. Focus on the cues: elbows locked, hands together, and thumbs pointed at the floor. They are posted on the wall just in case you forget. Find a spot on the wall and see how many consecutive bumps you can get to hit this spot (may want to put targets up).

  11. How to Plan a year of Physical Education in 15 Minutes

    3.) Write in Important Dates -Mark or highlight days when your classes aren't on a normal schedule, you won't have your teaching space or when school isn't in session. 4.) Plan your Units of Instruction. Get a PENCIL - you will probably have to make some changes throughout the year and begin to plan your units of instruction. Work ...

  12. Lesson Objectives In Physical Education

    1. Before deciding on your Lesson Objectives it is important to focus on what needs to be learned in relation to your department's schemes of work and to take in to account a range of factors about your class (age, class size, gender, additional learning needs, previous experience, duration, facilities and equipment available) [ 3 ]. 2.

  13. How To Write Lesson Plan For Physical Education

    Motorskilllearning: Sports PE Curriculum Preschool and Kindergarten, ages 3-7Get New & Creative PE Games for ages 3-7https://www.motorskilllearning.com/p/fre...

  14. How to Quickly and Easily Plan Your Physical Education Lessons

    Quickly and easily plan your physical education lessons and PE activities with these NO PREP Physical Education Lesson Plans. This resource includes 35 PE le...

  15. Physical Education Lesson Plan

    Size: 102.7 KB. Download. Quality lesson plans for physical education allows the students to embrace the essentials of physical education. This type of lesson plan lets the students use their skills and to demonstrate and understand the task using the three domains of learning—cognitive, affective, and psychomotor.

  16. PDF Middle School (Grades 6-8) Physical Education Curriculum Guide

    Middle School Physical Education Curriculum Guide How to use this document: This curriculum guide is not… A lock-step instructional guide detailing exactly when and how you teach. Meant to restrict your creativity as a teacher. A ceiling of what your students can learn, nor a set of unattainable goals. Instead, the curriculum guide is meant to be a common vision for student learning and a set of

  17. PE Activities to Engage Students in the Three Domains of Learning

    The cognitive domain addresses the development of content knowledge and intellectual skills. Teaching and learning in the cognitive domain is essential to PE, as without it, students are less likely to understand rules or develop strategies to excel in activities, sports, and games. You can use Bloom's Taxonomy as a tool to build students ...

  18. PEC: Lesson Plans for Physical Education

    Play Game. Play Game. Final Assessment Piece. 4. Assessment Strategies/Ideas: Indicate how you will be assessing your students to see if your students reached your Unit Objectives. 5. Contingency/Emergency Lesson Ideas: Indicate the lesson ideas you plan on implementing that will replace any ideas that are in your unit plan.

  19. Writing Performance Objectives for a Lesson Plan

    Writing Performance Objectives for a Lesson Plan This is an excerpt from Introduction to Teaching Physical Education 2nd Edition With Web Resource by Jane Shimon.. Performance objectives are clear and specific statements of what students will be able to do by the end of a lesson (Gronlund and Brookhart 2009; Mager 1997). For example, an objective found in a basketball lesson might include ...

  20. Free Physical Education Lesson Plans & Resources

    Physical Education Lesson Plans and Resources for PreK-12. Use this curated collection of resources and free lesson plans that will help educators and parents teach students about living healthy and active lives. Read More.

  21. Writing Fits in with Phys Ed

    Teachers who spend time on writing in physical education class also can help avoid the scoffs that might come with such a writing assignment. "Teachers can maintain a positive attitude toward writing by presenting themselves as writers," says Behrman. "If a teacher asks students to write a letter to the commissioner of baseball regarding ...

  22. Results for free physical education lesson plan template

    List of over 30 basic ELA, English, writing lesson plans that are primarily with paper/electronic, group activities, individual work, reflection practice, and more. Included are free basic graph organizers and sample topics for some of the lessons (such as opinions). Please note these are best fit for students ability for intro to 6th grade English.Some topics include:Phonics: Short and Long ...

  23. PDF Final Integrating Literacy Into Physical Education

    Integrating literacy takes a thorough understanding of the literacy components, including what they are, how to teach them, and what they look like in the physical education classroom. Integrating literacy also means creating year-long lesson plans that seamlessly integrate all components into your physical education program on a daily basis.