Moving safely together
Students learn how to share the gym and the playground without bumping into each other. They practice listening for the whistle, finding their own space, and stopping when asked.
What does a student learn in
This is the year bodies learn the basic moves that everything else gets built on. Students practice running, jumping, hopping, skipping, throwing, and catching, and they start to notice how their heart beats faster when they move. They also learn how to share space safely, take turns, and follow simple game directions. By spring, students can move through a playground course using different skills without bumping into classmates.
- Running and jumping
- Throwing and catching
- Balance
- Active play
- Taking turns
- Body awareness
Year at a glance
How the year usually goes. Every school and district set their own curriculum, so treat this as a guide, not official pacing.
- 1
- 2
Basic body movements
Students try out the building blocks of movement: walking, running, hopping, skipping, and jumping. They notice what their arms and legs do and start to control how fast or slow they go.
- 3
Catching, throwing, and kicking
Students roll, toss, catch, and kick balls of different sizes. They figure out where to put their hands and feet to make the ball go where they want.
- 4
Getting stronger and faster
Students do short bursts of active play that get their heart beating and their muscles working. They learn that being tired and sweaty after running around is a good sign.
- 5
Playing well with others
Students join simple group games and take turns. They practice cheering for classmates, following the rules, and trying again after a miss.
Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Kindergarten.
Physical Education
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Moving your body in different ways | Students practice the basic moves that show up in every game and sport: running, jumping, stopping, and changing direction. The goal is to get comfortable controlling their bodies before more complex activities begin. | CA-PE.1.k |
| How your body moves | Students learn basic ideas about how the body moves, like how to balance, change speed, or control direction. These concepts help students practice physical activities with more awareness and control. | CA-PE.2.k |
| Staying active and fit | Students learn to notice how their body feels during movement and practice simple habits, like staying active and resting when tired, that keep them healthy and ready to play. | CA-PE.3.k |
| How to stay healthy and active | Students learn basic ideas about why moving and exercising helps their body feel strong and healthy. They practice simple ways to get more fit, like moving faster or longer. | CA-PE.4.k |
| Feelings and teamwork in gym class | Students learn how to stay focused, take turns, and keep trying when something is hard. Those habits help them do better in games and movement activities. | CA-PE.5.k |
No state assessments at this grade
Students take their next one in Grade 5.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
California's fitness assessment for grades 5, 7, and 9. Administration was paused in spring 2022 while the program is redesigned to drop body-composition components; districts continue to receive guidance but do not currently submit student-level results.
- When given:
- Historically February-May (currently paused)
- Frequency:
- Annual at grades 5, 7, and 9 (currently paused)
Common Questions
What does PE look like this year?
Students practice the basics of moving their bodies: running, skipping, hopping, jumping, throwing, catching, and kicking. They also learn how to share space safely with other students and follow simple game rules. Most lessons are short games and movement activities, not formal sports.
How can families support PE at home?
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of active play most days. Playing catch, riding a tricycle, dancing in the living room, or walking to the park all count. The goal is plenty of practice moving in different ways, not drills.
What skills should students have by the end of the year?
Students should be able to run without bumping into others, hop on one foot, jump with both feet, toss and catch a large ball, and kick a ball that is sitting still. They should also know how to start and stop on a signal.
How do teachers sequence motor skills across the year?
Start with body awareness and safe movement in shared space, then layer in locomotor skills like running, hopping, and skipping. Add object skills such as rolling, tossing, and catching once students can control their bodies. Save kicking and striking for later in the year when balance is stronger.
Should a five-year-old be able to catch a ball?
Catching is still developing at this age. Most students can trap a large, soft ball against their chest by spring, but catching with just their hands takes longer. Practice with a beach ball or rolled-up sock before moving to a real ball.
Which skills usually need the most reteaching?
Skipping, galloping, and catching tend to lag behind running and jumping. Personal space is also a constant reteach, since students naturally drift toward friends. Plan short refreshers on these throughout the year rather than teaching them once.
How is fitness taught at this age?
Fitness is taught through play, not workouts. Students learn what it feels like when their heart beats faster, when they get out of breath, and when their muscles feel tired. Tag games, animal walks, and obstacle courses do most of the work.
What social skills are part of PE this year?
Students learn to take turns, share equipment, follow directions quickly, and play near classmates without getting upset. These habits matter as much as the physical skills and often take the longest to build. Praise effort and good sharing, not just winning.
How do teachers know students are ready for first grade PE?
Students should move safely in a group, follow a two-step direction during a game, and show steady control of basic locomotor skills. They should also be able to identify when their body feels tired or warm. Skill polish comes next year.