Elementary physical education teachers have a lot to cover! We have put together a free sample of elementary PE lesson plans that are sure to spark excitement with elementary students in physical education class.
Challenges Finding Elementary PE Lesson Plans
For elementary PE teachers, finding the right lesson plans can feel like navigating a disjointed maze of resources.
While an abundance of materials is available, many address only specific aspects of physical education rather than offering a comprehensive approach. Some focus heavily on teaching individual skills—like dribbling or jumping—but lack engaging, fun activity ideas. Others offer exciting games but fail to connect those activities to broader goals, such as physical literacy or teaching foundational skills.
Another significant challenge is the cost of high-quality resources. While some lesson plans are free, the most detailed and ready-to-use options often come at a price—and it’s typically the teacher who foots the bill. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers offer creative ideas, but most schools don’t fund these purchases. Educators are left deciding whether to pay out of pocket or rely on limited free options.
Finding a comprehensive resource that schools are willing to invest in is rare. As a result, teachers must often piece together fragmented materials to create a cohesive program.
These challenges emphasize the need for accessible, affordable, and complete resources that help educators deliver engaging lessons while meeting standards and promoting lifelong physical literacy.
Get Free Sample Lessons!
Explore our K-5 Curriculum with these select Lesson Plans from some of our most popular Units. Each lesson includes a one page lesson overview, equipment checklist, game setup, teaching cues, standard alignment and more!
The Importance of High-Quality Elementary PE Lesson Plans
Elementary physical education is about so much more than just games or physical activity; it’s about laying the foundation for lifelong health, wellness, and physical literacy. High-quality PE lesson plans play a critical role in helping PE teachers inspire, motivate, and engage their students while teaching valuable skills that extend far beyond the gym.
In elementary school, PE introduces students to a wide variety of motor skills, including running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing, and more. Beyond basic motor skills, physical education lesson plans can develop students social-emotional skills like teamwork, communication, perseverance, and self-regulation.
Engagement is key to ensuring students remain active and excited about PE, and that’s where high-quality elementary pe lesson plans make all the difference. When lessons are thoughtfully designed, they captivate students’ attention while incorporating structured progressions and meaningful objectives.
A strong lesson plan doesn’t just provide fun activities; it connects those activities to broader learning goals, helping students see how what they’re learning now relates to real-world fitness and health.
By equipping PE teachers with lessons that inspire and engage, schools are investing in their students’ physical, mental, and social growth, preparing them for healthier, happier lives.
PLT4M K-5 Elementary PE Lesson Plans
PLT4M, known for middle and high school physical education lesson plans, is excited to announce an expansion into K-5 curriculum, content, lesson plans, and more! Having already partnered with over 1,000 secondary schools, PLT4M is thrilled to bring its proven resources and technology to elementary educators, creating opportunities to support young learners and welcome new schools into the PLT4M community.
This expansion is driven by the belief that physical education should inspire and empower students at every stage of their educational journey. With the K-5 offering, PLT4M aims to simplify teaching for educators, enhance learning for students, and bring innovative technology into elementary PE classrooms. To achieve this vision, PLT4M is excited to partner with Mike Graham, an expert and advocate for quality elementary physical education.
More On Mike Graham
Mike Graham brings nearly three decades of experience to the PLT4M team as a passionate elementary physical educator. Since beginning his teaching career in 1996, Mike has dedicated himself to promoting meaningful and engaging PE experiences for young students.
Mike won “Elementary P.E. Teacher of the Year” honors from SHAPE America’s Midwest District in 2021 and from his home state of Illinois through IAHPERD in 2019.
Recognizing a need for quality K-5 PE curriculum, Mike founded PE 4 Every Kid in 2017, offering classroom-tested lesson plans and resources for elementary teachers. Now joining the PLT4M team, Mike brings his innovative elementary resources and expansive knowledge to pair with PLT4M’s proven secondary curriculum and cutting-edge technology.
Together, PLT4M and Mike Graham aim to provide a seamless and comprehensive physical education experience for students and educators alike.
Get Free Sample Lessons!
Explore our K-5 Curriculum with these select Lesson Plans from some of our most popular Units. Each lesson includes a one page lesson overview, equipment checklist, game setup, teaching cues, standard alignment and more!
Fully Loaded Lesson Plans For Elementary PE
As part of its K-5 expansion, PLT4M is excited to offer a wide range of materials and activity options designed to meet the diverse needs of elementary physical education programs. With a focus on fun, engagement, and skill-building, the curriculum includes activities across the following categories:
Tag Games
Invasion Games
Movement and Fitness
Cooperative Activities
Instant Activities
Jump Rope Activities
Throwing & Catching
Batting
Soccer
Bowling
Basketball
Floor Hockey
Each elementary pe lesson plan is thoughtfully designed to ensure educators have everything they need for physical education class. Every lesson will include the following key components:
Equipment Checklist: A detailed list of all required materials to help teachers prepare with ease.
Key Skill Teaching Cues: Simple, effective prompts to help students grasp fundamental skills.
SHAPE Standard Alignment: All elementary PE lesson plans are aligned with SHAPE America standards to ensure high-quality, standards-based physical education.
Game Set Up: Clear and concise instructions for organizing the activity or game.
Instructions: Step-by-step guidance to facilitate seamless lesson delivery.
Best Practices and Modifications: Tips to optimize the lesson for different skill levels, class sizes, grade levels, or available equipment.
Printouts and Resources: Supplemental materials tailored to the specific lesson, including visual aids, diagrams, and student handouts.
With this comprehensive approach, PLT4M’s K-5 curriculum will empower teachers to deliver engaging, standards-based lessons. These lessons promote physical activity, skill development, and teamwork. This will help lay the foundation for lifelong fitness and wellness.
4 Free Elementary PE Lesson Plans
Below are 4 fully-loaded elementary PE lesson plans from different activity units:
- Catch It, Keep It (Throwing & Catching)
- Dribble Follow The Leader (Basketball)
- Jump to 100 (Jump rope)
- Add A Pin (Bowling)
While this is just a taste, with PLT4M, teachers would have access to a wealth of lesson plans across every unit and topic! From fun games to skill-building exercises, PLT4M offers a variety of ready-to-use materials that make teaching elementary PE exciting and seamless.
Catch It, Keep It
Jump To 100
Add A Pin
Key Takeaways On Elementary PE Lesson Plans
Elementary PE lesson plans have the power to inspire and energize students in ways that last a lifetime!
A well-crafted lesson doesn’t just teach a skill—it sparks excitement for movement, fuels creativity, and helps kids develop a love for physical activity.
Engaging lesson plans encourage kids to stay active, build confidence, and embrace the joy of physical challenges.
By providing fun, structured, and skill-building activities, PE lessons help students see the connection between class and health, giving them the tools they need for a lifetime of active living.
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