Moving with control
Students practice the building blocks of movement like skipping, hopping, throwing, catching, and balancing. Parents will see steadier footwork and cleaner throws as kids get more comfortable using their whole body.
What does a student learn in
This is the year movement gets more skillful and more thoughtful. Students practice running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing with better control, and they start to notice why certain movements work in a game. They also learn how exercise builds a healthy heart and strong muscles. By spring, students can play active games with classmates, follow the rules, and explain one habit that keeps their body fit.
- Throwing and catching
- Balance and coordination
- Active games
- Fitness habits
- Teamwork
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
Playing with strategy
Students learn how to move smart, not just fast. They practice using space, changing speed, and reading what other players are doing during simple games and partner activities.
- 3
Building fitness habits
Students work on getting stronger and going longer. They run, jump, and stretch in short bursts and start to notice how their heart beats faster and their muscles get tired.
- 4
Understanding a healthy body
Students learn why exercise matters and what different parts of fitness do for them. They start to connect everyday choices like sleep, water, and active play to how they feel.
- 5
Playing well with others
Students practice teamwork, fair play, and handling wins and losses. They learn to encourage classmates, follow rules, and keep trying when a skill feels hard.
Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 3.
Physical Education
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Moving your body in different ways | Students practice the basic moves behind everyday sports and games: how to run, jump, throw, and change direction with control. The goal is to build a physical toolkit they can use across many different activities. | CA-PE.1.3 |
| How your body moves and why | Students learn rules that make movement click: how to balance, change speed, and control their body during games and activities. These ideas help them practice more effectively and get better faster. | CA-PE.2.3 |
| Staying fit and tracking progress | Students track how their body handles activity, like running or stretching, and work on the areas where they can get stronger or last longer. The goal is building habits that keep them healthy, not just scoring well in gym class. | CA-PE.3.3 |
| How exercise makes your body stronger | Students learn what makes the body stronger and healthier, like why rest, movement, and effort all matter. They use that knowledge to set small fitness goals and make better choices during activity. | CA-PE.4.3 |
| Mindset and teamwork in sport | Students learn how mindset, confidence, and teamwork affect how well they move and play. They practice using that understanding to improve their effort and work with others during physical activity. | CA-PE.5.3 |
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 should students be able to do in PE by the end of this year?
Students should move with more control across running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking, and striking with a paddle or bat. They should also warm up on their own, follow rules in simple games, and start to notice when their heart is beating faster from activity.
How can I help my child build these skills at home?
Ten minutes of active play covers a lot of ground. Toss a ball back and forth, jump rope, ride bikes, or play tag in the yard. The goal is regular movement and a few chances each week to practice throwing, catching, and balancing.
My child says they are bad at sports. What should I do?
Skill at this age comes from reps, not talent. Pick one skill, like catching a tennis ball or dribbling, and practice it for five minutes a few times a week. Praise the effort and the small wins, and avoid comparing to siblings or classmates.
How much physical activity should students get outside of school?
Aim for about an hour of active play most days. It does not have to happen all at once. Walking the dog, playing at the park, biking to a friend's house, and recess all count toward the total.
How should the PE year be sequenced?
A common arc is locomotor and body control in the fall, manipulative skills like throwing, catching, and striking in the winter, then small-sided games and fitness testing in the spring. Revisit warm-ups, safety, and cooperation rules in every unit so they become routine.
Which skills usually need the most reteaching?
Overhand throwing form, catching a ball above the waist, and striking with a paddle tend to lag. Build in short skill stations each week instead of waiting for a dedicated unit, and use cue words students can repeat back during practice.
How do I teach fitness without turning students off exercise?
Frame fitness around what the body can do, not numbers on a chart. Use heart-rate checks, short circuits, and games that get students breathing hard, then talk about why warm-ups, water, and rest matter. Keep formal testing low-stakes and private.
How do I handle students with very different skill levels in the same class?
Offer two or three versions of each task so every student has a productive challenge. A catching station might use a beach ball, a playground ball, and a tennis ball at the same time. Rotate partners often so the same students are not always paired.
How do I know students are ready for next year?
By spring, students should jump rope on their own, throw and catch with a partner across a short distance, dribble a ball with hand or foot while walking, and play simple games without constant reminders about rules or sportsmanship.