Moving safely together
Students learn to run, jump, hop, and skip without bumping into each other. They practice listening for signals like stop and go, and figuring out how to share space on a gym floor or playground.
What does a student learn in
This is the year movement becomes a skill, not just play. Students learn to run, jump, hop, and skip with more control, and to throw, catch, kick, and bounce a ball. They start to share space, take turns, and follow simple game rules with classmates. By spring, students can move safely around a playground or gym, copy basic movements a teacher shows, and play a short group game without giving up.
- Running and jumping
- Throwing and catching
- Balance
- Taking turns
- Active play
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
Balance and body control
Students work on standing on one foot, bending, twisting, and stretching. They start to notice how their body moves and how to slow down or change direction without falling.
- 3
Throwing, catching, and kicking
Students try rolling, tossing, and kicking balls and beanbags. Hands and feet start to work together, and aim gets a little better with practice.
- 4
Playing with others
Students join simple games and group activities. They practice taking turns, cheering on classmates, and following rules even when they want to go first.
- 5
Active habits for life
Students notice how their heart beats faster and their body feels warm after moving. They start to see exercise as something fun that they want to do, not a chore.
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 moving their bodies in basic ways: running, jumping, balancing, and tossing or catching objects. These early movement skills build the habits that keep kids active as they grow.
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Apply knowledge related to movement, performance
Students learn basic movement ideas, like how to balance, stop safely, or move at different speeds, and put those ideas to work during active play and exercise.
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Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others…
Students practice taking turns, following rules, and working with classmates during movement activities. They learn how to treat others with respect and make good choices as part of a group.
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Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement
Students practice moving their bodies every day and start to notice how it makes them feel. This builds the habit of staying active for life.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a variety of motor skills, including locomotor, non-locomotor | Students practice moving their bodies in basic ways: running, jumping, balancing, and tossing or catching objects. These early movement skills build the habits that keep kids active as they grow. | TX-PE.1.pk |
| Apply knowledge related to movement, performance | Students learn basic movement ideas, like how to balance, stop safely, or move at different speeds, and put those ideas to work during active play and exercise. | TX-PE.2.pk |
| Develop social skills through movement, including respect for self and others… | Students practice taking turns, following rules, and working with classmates during movement activities. They learn how to treat others with respect and make good choices as part of a group. | TX-PE.3.pk |
| Develop personal skills, identify personal benefits of movement | Students practice moving their bodies every day and start to notice how it makes them feel. This builds the habit of staying active for life. | TX-PE.4.pk |
Common Questions
What does physical education look like at this age?
Students spend a lot of time running, jumping, hopping, skipping, and galloping. They also practice throwing, catching, kicking, and bouncing balls. The goal is to build comfort with basic body movements, not to play organized sports.
How can a parent help build these skills at home?
Play outside for ten or fifteen minutes a day. Toss a soft ball back and forth, chase each other around the yard, or hop from one sidewalk square to the next. Short, playful bursts matter more than long sessions.
What movement skills should students show by the end of the year?
Students should run without falling often, jump with both feet, hop on one foot, and gallop. They should also throw a ball forward, catch a large ball against the body, and kick a ball that is sitting still.
How should the year be sequenced for a class this young?
Start with the simplest body movements like walking, running, and stopping on a signal. Add jumping, hopping, and balancing in the middle of the year. Save ball skills like throwing, catching, and kicking for later, once students can control their own bodies first.
What if a student seems behind in coordination?
Coordination at this age varies a lot from one student to the next. Give extra chances to practice basic moves like hopping on one foot or catching a large beach ball. Most students catch up with regular play and gentle coaching.
How much physical activity should students get each day?
Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play across the day, broken into short stretches. That can include recess, walks to the park, dancing in the living room, or chasing a ball in the yard. Sitting time should be kept short.
Which social skills are part of physical education?
Students learn to take turns, share equipment, listen for a signal, and stay in their own space during games. They also practice cheering for classmates and handling the disappointment of losing a round without quitting.
How is readiness for the next grade measured?
By the end of the year, students should be able to follow movement directions, control their bodies in a shared space, and try the basic throw, catch, and kick without giving up. Confidence and willingness to keep trying matter as much as skill.