What does PE look like in first grade?

Students practice basic movement skills like running, skipping, jumping, hopping, and balancing. They learn to throw, catch, kick, and bounce a ball. Most of the year is spent building body control and learning how to share space safely with classmates.

How can I help my child be more active at home?

Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of active play each day. Simple games work best: tag, hopscotch, jump rope, catch with a soft ball, or dancing in the living room. Walks to the park or bike rides count too.

My child is clumsy compared to other kids. Should I be worried?

Most six and seven year olds are still figuring out their bodies, and skills come in at different times. Short daily practice with skipping, balancing on one foot, or tossing a ball helps a lot. Bring it up with a doctor only if you notice no progress over several months.

How should I sequence motor skills across the year?

Start with locomotor skills like walking, running, and jumping in open space, then layer in non-locomotor skills like bending, twisting, and balancing. Save manipulative skills like throwing, catching, and kicking for the middle of the year once students can move safely. End the year combining skills in simple games.

What skills usually need the most reteaching?

Skipping, galloping, and catching tend to lag behind running and jumping. Underhand throwing with accuracy and stopping a rolling ball also need extra practice. Build in short skill stations a few times a week rather than waiting for a full unit.

How do I handle students who refuse to participate or get upset losing?

First grade is the year to teach what cooperation and fair play actually look like, not assume students know. Use partner tasks before team games, name specific behaviors you want to see, and praise effort and kindness as much as skill. Keep games short so frustration does not build.

Does PE really matter at this age?

Yes. Active students sleep better, focus better in class, and build the coordination they need for sports and recess later. First grade is also when habits start to stick, so regular movement now pays off for years.

How do I know my child is ready for second grade PE?

By spring, students should be able to run, skip, jump, and hop with control, balance on one foot for a few seconds, and throw and catch a ball with a partner. They should also take turns, follow simple game rules, and join in without much prompting.

What does a student learn in ?

This is the year students start linking how their body moves to staying healthy. Students practice the building-block moves like running, skipping, jumping, and tossing, and they learn to follow simple directions during games. They also work on taking turns, listening to a partner, and playing safely with the group. By spring, students can move through a basic activity, share equipment, and explain one reason being active is good for them.

Running and jumping
Throwing and catching
Following directions
Taking turns
Safe play
Healthy habits

Source: Illinois Illinois Learning Standards

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
Moving safely together
Students learn how to share space in the gym without bumping into each other. They practice listening for signals, following directions, and treating classmates with respect during games and warm-ups.
2
Running, hopping, and jumping
Students build the basic ways the body moves on its feet. Expect lots of running, skipping, hopping, and galloping as they get steadier and quicker on the move.
3
Throwing, catching, and kicking
Students start handling balls and beanbags. They practice tossing, catching with two hands, rolling, and kicking, and they begin to notice what their body does when a throw goes well.
4
Playing and cooperating
Students put their skills into simple games with partners and small groups. They take turns, follow rules, and learn how to win, lose, and try again without giving up.
5
Active bodies, healthy habits
Students notice how exercise makes their heart beat faster and their muscles feel warm. They talk about why moving every day matters and find activities they enjoy outside of class.

Mastery Learning Standards

The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 1.

Physical Education

Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor

IL-PE.1.1

Students practice basic ways to move their bodies: running, jumping, balancing, and throwing or catching objects. Building these skills early helps them stay active in sports and games as they grow.
Apply knowledge related to movement, performance

IL-PE.2.1

Students learn basic ideas about how their bodies move and stay healthy, then use those ideas during activities like running, jumping, or playing a game.
Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others…

IL-PE.3.1

Students practice taking turns, listening to classmates, and working together during movement activities. They learn to follow rules, treat others fairly, and handle wins and losses with good sportsmanship.
Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement

IL-PE.4.1

Students learn why moving their body regularly feels good and helps them stay healthy. They practice choosing activities they enjoy so that staying active becomes a habit, not a chore.

Standard	Definition	Code
Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor	Students practice basic ways to move their bodies: running, jumping, balancing, and throwing or catching objects. Building these skills early helps them stay active in sports and games as they grow.	IL-PE.1.1
Apply knowledge related to movement, performance	Students learn basic ideas about how their bodies move and stay healthy, then use those ideas during activities like running, jumping, or playing a game.	IL-PE.2.1
Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others…	Students practice taking turns, listening to classmates, and working together during movement activities. They learn to follow rules, treat others fairly, and handle wins and losses with good sportsmanship.	IL-PE.3.1
Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement	Students learn why moving their body regularly feels good and helps them stay healthy. They practice choosing activities they enjoy so that staying active becomes a habit, not a chore.	IL-PE.4.1

Physical Education

Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor

IL-PE.1.1

Students practice basic ways to move their bodies: running, jumping, balancing, and throwing or catching objects. Building these skills early helps them stay active in sports and games as they grow.
Apply knowledge related to movement, performance

IL-PE.2.1

Students learn basic ideas about how their bodies move and stay healthy, then use those ideas during activities like running, jumping, or playing a game.
Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others…

IL-PE.3.1

Students practice taking turns, listening to classmates, and working together during movement activities. They learn to follow rules, treat others fairly, and handle wins and losses with good sportsmanship.
Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement

IL-PE.4.1

Students learn why moving their body regularly feels good and helps them stay healthy. They practice choosing activities they enjoy so that staying active becomes a habit, not a chore.

Standard	Definition	Code
Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor	Students practice basic ways to move their bodies: running, jumping, balancing, and throwing or catching objects. Building these skills early helps them stay active in sports and games as they grow.	IL-PE.1.1
Apply knowledge related to movement, performance	Students learn basic ideas about how their bodies move and stay healthy, then use those ideas during activities like running, jumping, or playing a game.	IL-PE.2.1
Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others…	Students practice taking turns, listening to classmates, and working together during movement activities. They learn to follow rules, treat others fairly, and handle wins and losses with good sportsmanship.	IL-PE.3.1
Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement	Students learn why moving their body regularly feels good and helps them stay healthy. They practice choosing activities they enjoy so that staying active becomes a habit, not a chore.	IL-PE.4.1

Common Questions

What does PE look like in first grade?
Students practice basic movement skills like running, skipping, jumping, hopping, and balancing. They learn to throw, catch, kick, and bounce a ball. Most of the year is spent building body control and learning how to share space safely with classmates.
How can I help my child be more active at home?
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of active play each day. Simple games work best: tag, hopscotch, jump rope, catch with a soft ball, or dancing in the living room. Walks to the park or bike rides count too.
My child is clumsy compared to other kids. Should I be worried?
Most six and seven year olds are still figuring out their bodies, and skills come in at different times. Short daily practice with skipping, balancing on one foot, or tossing a ball helps a lot. Bring it up with a doctor only if you notice no progress over several months.
How should I sequence motor skills across the year?
Start with locomotor skills like walking, running, and jumping in open space, then layer in non-locomotor skills like bending, twisting, and balancing. Save manipulative skills like throwing, catching, and kicking for the middle of the year once students can move safely. End the year combining skills in simple games.
What skills usually need the most reteaching?
Skipping, galloping, and catching tend to lag behind running and jumping. Underhand throwing with accuracy and stopping a rolling ball also need extra practice. Build in short skill stations a few times a week rather than waiting for a full unit.
How do I handle students who refuse to participate or get upset losing?
First grade is the year to teach what cooperation and fair play actually look like, not assume students know. Use partner tasks before team games, name specific behaviors you want to see, and praise effort and kindness as much as skill. Keep games short so frustration does not build.
Does PE really matter at this age?
Yes. Active students sleep better, focus better in class, and build the coordination they need for sports and recess later. First grade is also when habits start to stick, so regular movement now pays off for years.
How do I know my child is ready for second grade PE?
By spring, students should be able to run, skip, jump, and hop with control, balance on one foot for a few seconds, and throw and catch a ball with a partner. They should also take turns, follow simple game rules, and join in without much prompting.