Moving and exploring space
Students try out big body movements like walking, running, hopping, and skipping. They learn to move around the room without bumping into friends or furniture.
What does a student learn in
This is the year young children learn that their bodies can do a lot of different things on purpose. Students practice running, jumping, hopping, balancing, and throwing or kicking a ball toward a target. They also learn how to share space safely, take turns, and follow simple directions during group play. By spring, students can move through an obstacle course, toss a ball to a partner, and play a game with classmates without bumping or pushing.
- Running and jumping
- Throwing and catching
- Balance
- Taking turns
- Active play
- Following directions
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
Throwing, catching, and kicking
Students practice using balls and other equipment. They work on rolling, tossing, catching, and kicking, building the hand and foot control that shows up later on a playground or in backyard games.
- 3
Playing well with others
Students learn to share equipment, take turns, and follow simple directions during games. They practice listening to a teacher, waiting for a signal, and being a good partner.
- 4
Active habits for life
Students notice how their bodies feel after moving and start to see exercise as fun. They build the habit of choosing active play and learn why moving every day matters.
Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Pre-Kindergarten.
Physical Education
Physical Education
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Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor
Students practice the building blocks of movement: running, jumping, balancing, and throwing. These early skills lay the groundwork for staying active as kids grow.
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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, and playing.
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Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others…
Students practice taking turns, sharing space, and working with others during movement activities. They learn how to be kind, listen, and act responsibly when playing in a group.
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Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement
Students practice basic movement skills like jumping and balancing, and start to notice how moving around makes their body feel good. The goal is to build habits that make staying active a normal part of everyday life.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor | Students practice the building blocks of movement: running, jumping, balancing, and throwing. These early skills lay the groundwork for staying active as kids grow. | OH-PE.1.pk |
| 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, and playing. | OH-PE.2.pk |
| Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others… | Students practice taking turns, sharing space, and working with others during movement activities. They learn how to be kind, listen, and act responsibly when playing in a group. | OH-PE.3.pk |
| Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement | Students practice basic movement skills like jumping and balancing, and start to notice how moving around makes their body feel good. The goal is to build habits that make staying active a normal part of everyday life. | OH-PE.4.pk |
Common Questions
What does physical education look like at this age?
Most of the year is active play with a purpose. Students practice running, jumping, hopping, balancing, throwing, catching, and kicking. They also learn how to share space safely, take turns, and follow simple directions during games.
How can I help my child build these skills at home?
Ten minutes of active play most days is plenty. Roll or toss a soft ball back and forth, kick it across the yard, or set up a hopping path with chalk or tape. Walking to the park and climbing on playground equipment also counts.
My child seems clumsy compared to other kids. Is that a problem?
At this age, big differences in coordination are normal. Skills like skipping and catching can take months of practice to click. Keep play low pressure and give lots of chances to try, fall, and try again.
How should I sequence motor skills across the year?
Start with locomotor skills like walking, running, and jumping in open space. Add balancing and simple non-locomotor moves next. Save throwing, catching, and kicking for later in the year once students can control their bodies in space.
What about students who are scared of group games or rough play?
Offer smaller groups, partner activities, and choices. Some students need to watch first and join when ready. Naming feelings and praising effort, not just skill, helps hesitant students take part over time.
Which social skills usually need the most reteaching?
Sharing equipment, waiting for a turn, and stopping on a signal are the three that come up again and again. Build short routines around each one and practice them in calm moments, not only when a game falls apart.
How do I know my child is ready for kindergarten PE?
By the end of the year, students should run and stop with control, jump with two feet, balance for a few seconds, and toss and catch a large ball at close range. They should also follow two-step directions in a group.
How much active time do students need each day?
Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play across the day, broken into shorter bursts. That can include outdoor recess, movement songs, obstacle courses, and walking between activities. Sitting for long stretches is hard at this age and rarely productive.