Playing Safe Together

Grade Level

4th Grade

Duration

40 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain the basic rules of physical education activities to promote fair play and safety (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1).
• Demonstrate an understanding of personal space boundaries during physical activities (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3).
• Identify safety practices essential for physical education to prevent injuries (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.4).
• Collaborate respectfully and safely with peers during group physical activities (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1a).

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Application in PE Context

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with peers.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1a: Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required materials.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.4: Report on a topic or text, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant descriptive details.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3: Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

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Materials Needed

• Cones or markers for personal space boundaries
• PE rule posters or printed rules sheet
• Whistle
• Colored wristbands for teams
• Safety gear (optional, for demonstration - e.g., knee pads, helmets)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Objective Setting (5 minutes)

• Teacher Action: Greet students and briefly explain the purpose of today's lesson: understanding PE rules, personal space, and staying safe.
• Student Engagement: Ask students what rules they already know and why rules are important.
• Core CCSS Link: Activate prior knowledge to prepare for discussion (SL.4.1, SL.4.1a).

2. Presentation of PE Rules & Safety (7 minutes)

• Teacher Action: Use posters or handouts to review key PE rules—e.g., listening to instructions, no pushing, staying inside boundaries.
• Introduce safety practices like warming up and using equipment safely.
• Highlight personal space - explain it as an invisible bubble to keep themselves and others safe.
• Core CCSS Link: Explain concepts clearly incorporating relevant details from prepared materials (SL.4.4, RI.4.3).

3. Personal Space Demonstration Game (10 minutes)

• Activity: “Bubble Space” game:
  • Have students stand with cones marking 3-foot personal space bubbles.
  • Students gently try to move without breaking others’ bubbles.
  • Discuss feelings and results after the activity.
• Teacher Action: Guide students to recognize their own and others’ boundaries.
• Assessment: Observe students for respect of personal space and ability to follow rules.

4. Mini-Scenarios & Role Play (10 minutes)

• Activity: In groups of 5 (5 groups total), students are given scenarios (e.g., a player pushing another, not wearing proper shoes).
• Students role-play correct behavior enforcing rules and safety.
• Teacher Facilitation: Circulate and reinforce positive behavior and safe practices.
• Core CCSS Link: Students practice collaborative discussions and respectful communication (SL.4.1).

5. Reflection & Wrap-Up (8 minutes)

• Discussion: Ask students how following rules and respecting space kept themselves and others safe.
• Have students share one rule or safety tip they will remember.
• Quickly review key points using student responses.
• Assessment: Informal formative check through class discussion.
• Core CCSS Link: Summarize learning clearly using details from the lesson (SL.4.4).

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students needing extra support: Provide visual cues/reminders of personal space boundaries and safety rules.
• For advanced learners: Invite students to suggest additional creative safety rules or create their own signals for “stop” or “slow down” during PE.

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Assessment

• Formative: Teacher observation during activities and discussions on rule application and personal space respect.
• Summative (Optional): Short exit ticket where students list three PE rules and explain the importance of personal space.

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Teacher Reflection Notes (Post-Class)

• Did students demonstrate clear understanding of PE rules and safety protocols?
• Were students able to maintain personal space during activities?
• What modifications could better support engagement or comprehension next time?

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This lesson merges physical movement with language skills, reinforcing Common Core standards through interactive, age-appropriate activities centered on safety and respect—key foundations for lifelong physical activity and social-emotional health.