Physical Education Catching Lessons and Ideas for Elementary Students

Catching Unit

Catching - Instruction:  I begin our catching unit with each student working individually in their own space with a bean bag.  They are to listen and do what I am doing/telling them to do with their bean bag. See below for “drills”.

Balancing the Bean Bag (Individual Activities)
Allow them to get familiar with using a bean bag by doing some balancing activities. 

Balance bean bag on:
Head
Shoulder
Arm
Foot (raise leg up and down while standing on one foot)
Back side of hand
On stomach while doing the crab walk

After balancing activities, move on to showing them how to toss and catch to themselves, staying in personal space.  Show them tossing at  a LOW level, MEDIUM, and HIGH levels.  Have them practice tossing/catching at each level.  HIGH might not be a good idea for K-1st the first day! 


Basic Drills - Individual
1.  Toss and catch with 2 hands.
2.  Demonstrate and practice tossing and catching at a low level, medium, and high levels.  (with 2 hands)
3.  Toss and catch with your right hand, left hand is behind back. (tell students they may toss at a low, medium or high level.....whatever skill level they are at). 
4.  Toss and catch with the left hand. (right hand behind back).
5.  Toss and catch switching hands (right to left).

Individual Stunts
1.  Toss/Clap/Catch (toss at a low level for one clap, and medium and higher for more claps)
2.  Toss/Kneel/Catch then Toss/Stand/Catch
3.  Toss/Spin Around/Catch
4.  Toss/do a pretend action/ Catch (ex. brushing teeth, swinging a bat,  doing a jumping jack, shooting a basketball, dancing, etc.)
5.  Toss behind back and catch
6.  Toss under leg and catch
7.  Place on instep and balance it, then lift leg to toss it, and catch.
8.  Freestyle (allow students to get creative and make up their own stunts).  Remind them the most important part of the stunt is that they can CATCH it!
After individual practice, explain how they will practice with a partner.  I only use an UNDERHAND TOSS while they work with partners.  I show them how to do a “TICK/TOCK TOSS” which means their arm swings like an arm on a clock.  Stress the importance of a good toss so your partner can catch it. 



Videos of stunts - toss-clap-catch


Stunt - toss-dance-catch (student misses the catch, but I liked his creativeness!)


Stunt - toss-kneel-catch


Stunt -toss-pretend action (yoga)-catch




Teaching Points: things to remind students about what they do while they catch. 

1.  Ready hands (both hands are out, ready for a catch). Ready hands tells your partner you are ready to catch!

2.  Giving:  means you absorb the ball/object while you catch it

3.  If ball is above your head = put your thumbs together and Below head = pinkies together

4.  Don’t trap ball against your body to catch it. 



Partner toss and catching practice: with a bean bag
Start close to your partner and step back with every successful catch OR set different criteria (must catch 6 to take a step back. If it is dropped, step closer.  aka.  “6 and step”) 

Video of tossing and catching with a partner:


After a couple of minutes, tell them to count with their partners how many times they can catch it without dropping it.  Next have them count by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc.  OR have them say the letters of the alphabet while they catch. 

Partner: tossing/catching stunts
If they are ready for something more advanced, show them some partner stunts. 

Around back
Sit and toss
Jump and toss
2 bean bag toss


Games: search pecentral.org for these games:

6 and switch = Place 12-15 small boxes around perimeter of gym.  Each box has 2-3 objects in it.  Each box has a different object to catch with (balls, rubber animals, bean bags, foam fruits and veggies, etc.).  Players catch 6 times at a box and then switch to a different box.  Rules = no more than 2-3 players at each box at a time, if you drop one it doesn’t count.  May do stunts or make a rule of if you drop one start counting all over again. 

Notes:  I have them do this individually the first day and then play with partners the next time.  (after quickly reviewing and practicing the underhand toss with a partner).

Video of Six and Switch: (students playing individually)


Video of Six and Switch with partners:


Games we played this year (2010):
Bean Bag Battle
Catch 100
Goalie Game
Catching Animals

Didn’t have time for these, but sounded good:
Freezamania
Two Pass Catching
Hot Potato Tag
Throw and Catch Medley
Indoor Snowball

Assessment:
Observe students as they are practicing drills and playing games.  Play catch with students during the games or drills for an individual test.

P.E. Tag Games for Elementary Students - Complete List of Games

Here is a list of all the fun, creative tag games that are on my blog.


Bean Bag Tag
Stop and Go Tag
Trick or Treat Tag
Hide and Seek Trick or Treat Tag
Favorite Tag
Thanksgiving Tag
Reindeer Tag
Candy Cane Tag
Christmas Tree Tag
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Tribes Tag
Corn Maze/Haunted House Tag
Fruit and Veggie Tag

No Shoes "Worksheet"

After six years of teaching P.E. class, I have finally come up with a fabulous idea for what to do with students who don't have their gym shoes!  I know, why did it take me so long?  I created a "No Shoes Worksheet".  If a student comes to P.E. without proper shoes I give them a worksheet, a pencil, a pedometer and a stopwatch.  They go in the corner of the gym and complete the work sheet.  It involves marching/jogging in place and a variety of exercises.  No sitting around in my gym....and NO EXCUSES not to participate! 

Note: I use this worksheet with 2nd-5th graders. For younger students, I have them wear the pedometer and march/jog in place. Every few minutes when I have time, I check on them and record the number of steps for them. After about 10 minutes I will ask them if they need a break, or tell them to do some stretches.

No Shoes Worksheet

1.       Put on the pedometer.  March/jog in place.  Write down the number of steps you have after these times:

1 minute = __________

3 minutes = _________

5 minutes = _________

2.       Do these exercises:

·        Arm Scissors = 30 seconds

·        Arm Circles = 30 seconds

·        Butterfly Stretch = 30 seconds

·        Sit and Reach = 30 seconds

·        Jumping Jacks = 30

·        Windmills = 10

·        Push-Ups = 10

3.       How many steps are on your pedometer now? _________

4.       Use the stopwatch or clock as a timer.  March or jog in place.  Record your steps after these times:

1 minute = ________

3 minutes = _______

5 minutes = _______

5.       Do these exercises:

·        Knee Raises = 30

·        Crab Kicks = 30

·        Scissor Kicks = 20 each leg

·        ABC Push-Ups

·        Jumping Jacks = 30

·        Mountain Climbers = 10

·        Sit-Ups = 30

6.       How many steps are on the pedometer? ________

7.       Continue to march/jog in place until class is over. Record your total steps in the box below. 

8.       Next week please bring your gym shoes so you can participate with the class! 

Video of 5th graders doing the No Shoes Worksheet:

Haunted House/Corn Maze Tag

Haunted House Tag
OR Corn Maze Tag

I like to play this game in late October when some students may have already visited the pumpkin patch, corn maze,  or a haunted house with their friends/family. 

Tell students we have set up a pretend haunted house(s) (or corn maze).  It is not scary, but we are pretending that it is scary!  The haunted house can be made of a variety of objects, so just be creative and use what you have. 

Here is how I make my haunted houses (or you may refer to them as corn mazes):

House/Maze #1:  Set up 2 gym mats, standing vertically, side by side.  They should be just wide enough to walk through (like a hallway).  Drape a big bed sheet over the top and sides of the gym mats so it is enclosed.  Students will have to walk through this house.

House/Maze #2:  Set up one gym mat laying down on the floor.  Put an expandable tunnel on top of it.  Line the sides of it with small cones so it doesn’t roll.  Tape streamers or ribbon from one end or both ends so you can’t see through the exit of the tunnel (optional).  Students will crawl through this house.

House/Maze #3:  Use your largest cones and foam cross bars to set up a small tent.  Drape a bed sheet over the top and sides.  Students will have to crawl through this house. 
  
Equipment Needed:
3 black or orange yarn balls
1-3 Haunted Houses/Corn Mazes (see above for ideas)
Halloween music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “HAPPY HALLOWEEN” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they must go through ONE of the haunted houses/or corn mazes to re-enter the game.  

Note:  Taggers may not “babysit” the exit of the haunted houses and just re-tag players immediately.

Christmas Candy Cane Tag

Candy Cane Tag

I like to play this game after 2-3 rounds of “Christmas Tree Tag”.  Begin by asking students what they put ON their Christmas trees at home?  (Lights, ornaments, tinsel, candy canes, etc.)  Discuss the flavors of candy canes they like to eat. (There are so many flavors now days!) 

Ask them if they can make their body shaped like a candy cane.  (Stand tall and straight, put your arms up and curl your wrists over). Tell them in this game they will pretend to be their favorite flavors of candy canes!  

Equipment Needed:
2 Red  and 2 green yarn balls
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 4 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “ CANDY CANES” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they turn into a candy cane.   (Stand tall and straight, put your arms up and curl your wrists over).  For a player to be untagged, another player has to run around them one time. 


Video of 3rd graders playing Candy Cane Tag combined with Christmas Tree Tag. The taggers with a red noodle turn players into candy canes. Taggers with a green ball turn players into trees.




5th graders playing:

Christmas Tree Tag

Christmas Tree Tag

Before teaching children this game, ask them to raise their hands if their family puts up a Christmas tree in December.  Explain how this is a  tradition for some families.  If you want to take it a step further, you could discuss the history of Christmas trees (who invented the idea, etc.) 

Ask children what shape a Christmas tree is (triangular).  Can they stand up and make that shape with their bodies?  (Stand with feet apart, arms above head with hands together).  In this game, they will pretend to be Christmas trees and presents will go under their trees! 

Equipment Needed:
2 Red  and 2 green yarn balls
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 4 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “TREE TAG” the game begins.

If a player is tagged, they turn into a Christmas Tree (standing with feet apart and arms up with hands together above head).   For a player to be untagged, another player has to pretend to be a present and go under the tree (crawl between their legs).   

Video of 3rd graders playing Candy Cane Tag combined with Christmas Tree Tag. The taggers with a red noodle turn players into candy canes. Taggers with a green ball turn players into trees.


2nd graders playing Christmas Tree Tag:


Thursday 5th graders:




Note:  When children are pretending to be “presents going under the tree” they could have the option to tell the “trees” what they are. (Ex. I’m a Barbie doll, a toy truck, a teddy bear, a remote control car, hot wheels, etc. )

Christmas Reindeer Tag

Reindeer Tag

In this game tagged players will turn into reindeer and have to gallop to the north pole.  This is a fun way for children to learn/practice the locomotor skill of galloping! 

Before playing this game, or between rounds, ask students to name Santa’s reindeer.  Make a list on the board and see how many they can get before class is over.       

List of Santa's Eight Reindeer
1.     Dasher        
2.     Dancer        
3.     Prancer        
4.     Vixen        
5.     Comet        
6.     Cupid        
7.     Donner        
8.     Blitzen
** Note:  Rudolph was not one of the original reindeer.  Rudolph was first named in the Christmas song "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer."

Equipment Needed:
3 Red or green yarn balls
1 volleyball pole labeled “North Pole”
Christmas music (optional)

Explanation of Game:
This is tag with NO SAFE.  Players continue to move throughout the playing area for 2-3 minutes, until teacher gives them a signal to stop.  Rotate taggers every round.

To begin the game, select 3 taggers to begin on the end line.  Taggers carry the yarn balls with them and use them for tagging players.   Players begin in personal space.  When everyone yells “Reindeer TAG” the game begins.  Play music during game. 

If a player is tagged, they turn into a reindeer and have to gallop around the north pole.  Tell players to use their hands to make reindeer antlers as they gallop.  After galloping around the north pole they magically turn into a regular person again and may continue playing. 

Note:  Remind taggers they may not throw the ball at players.....just touch players gently to tag them.   If they drop the ball, they lose their magical power to tag until they pick the ball up again.

Video of 3rd graders playing Reindeer Tag:

5th graders playing: