K-2 PE Lesson Ideas

Place the four cones on the floor to mark a very large rectangular area (almost as large as the activity area). This rectangular area is "my [your] backyard." It is important to demonstrate examples of standing IN my backyard and OUT of my backyard. Have all students stand IN my backyard, remembering about their "Spaghetti-O can space".

When the music starts they are to walk (or other locomotor movement decided upon) staying inside my backyard. Students should pay attention not to dent their spaghetti-o cans (see previous activity). Students freeze when the music stops. Then move two of the cones closer to the other end, changing the rectangle into a square. Tell them that you have decided to build a deck and that has made the yard smaller. Start the music and have students perform locomotor movement staying IN my backyard. Continue this making the yard smaller and smaller (You forgot to water the lawn so the grass died, you put in a pool.....). As the yard gets smaller and smaller
discuss whether one should move faster or slower and why. It's even fun to have students walk backwards!