Turkey Catchers Daily Plans
DAY 1 Week 1 • Visual Tracking & Self-Toss Foundation
Scarf Tracking, Ready Position & Toss Challenges
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students • Focus: Eye Tracking, Levels, Upward Toss & 2-Hand Catches
Guiding Question
Can I watch an object carefully and catch before it lands?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Juggling Scarves (Assorted Colors) 40 Scarves
- Poly Spots (4 Rows of 10) 40 Spots
- Corner Collection Bins 4 Bins
- Signaling Drum / Whistle 1 Drum
Gym Layout: 40-Spot Grid with Upward Toss Lanes 6 ft personal space • Tosses stay straight UP
Center Court TEACHER BIN BIN BIN BIN Rule: Feet stay glued to spot dot; toss upward like an ice cream scoop!
Day 1 Cues: "Feet wide, knees bent, hands ready!" • "Thumbs high, pinkies low!" • "Scoop straight up!"
Chant: Eyes, Hands, Reach, Grab, Give
0–5 Min
Locomotor Warm-Up & Home Base Ready Drill
Kindergarteners jog, skip, and gallop around the gym. On drum beat: Dash to nearest poly spot and freeze in Ready Position (feet apart, knees bent, hands up like tiger claws). Practice 3 freeze repetitions.
5–10 Min
Tracking Cues & "Ice Cream Scoop" Toss Demo
Scarves pre-placed under spots. Teach eye tracking: Follow scarf high, medium, and low. Model the gentle underhand "Ice Cream Scoop" toss straight up. Introduce thumb/pinky rules: "Catch above belly = thumbs together; catch below belly = pinkies together!"
10–20 Min
Full Scarf Progression: Drop, Toss & Clap Challenges
- Level Tracking: Wave scarf high, medium, and low without dropping; head and eyes track.
- Chest Drop & Catch: Release scarf from chin, watch it float, catch with two hands.
- Upward Self-Toss: Toss slightly above head with one hand, reach up, grab with two.
- Clap Once & Catch: Toss upward, clap hands once loudly, and catch before floor contact.
- Body Touch Challenge: Toss up, touch knees with both hands, reach and catch!
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Popcorn Ghost Popper"
Story/Setup: All 40 students crouch low on their spots as quiet "popcorn kernels". Teacher chants: "The pan is hot... 1, 2, 3... POP!" Everyone jumps up, tosses their scarf straight up, claps once, and catches their "floating ghost" in their two-hand butter bowl before it lands on the floor! If it drops, do 2 bunny hops on your spot and reset for Round 2 (2 claps!).
27–30 Min
Cool-Down, Ready Check & Scarf Origami
"Scarf into belly pocket!" Freeze scan: Teacher calls "Show me Ready Position!" and confirms all 40 have wide feet and hands up. Students fold scarves into neat squares and walk to their nearest corner bin.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Scarves pre-placed under spots eliminate wandering. Keep scarves tucked in waistbands during locomotor warm-ups.
Formative Assessment Check:
Observe whether students wait with soft open hands for the scarf to float down rather than swatting downward in a panic.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 1 of 11 • Day 1 Daily Plan (Combined Scarf & Toss Unit)
DAY 2 Week 1 • Visual Tracking Phase
Balloon Tracking & Body Repositioning
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students • Focus: Moving Feet Under Slow Floaters
Guiding Question
Can I move my feet to get directly underneath a floating object?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- 9-inch Latex / Punch Balloons 40 Inflated
- Backup Inflated Balloons 10 Spares
- Poly Spots (40 Personal Bases) 40 Spots
- Giant Storage Bag / Net 2 Nets
Gym Layout: Personal Bubble Zones Balloons stay within 4 ft radius of spot
TEACHER Footwork Rule: Move feet under the balloon BEFORE hands reach!
Day 2 Cues: "Feet move first, eyes look up!" • "Gentle two-hand basket catch into tummy!"
Chant: Move Feet, Get Under, Hug the Balloon
0–5 Min
Footwork & Spatial Bubble Warm-Up
Students stand on spots. Practice quick foot shuffles: slide 2 steps right, slide 2 steps left, take 2 baby steps back, take 2 steps forward. Emphasize: Never look at your feet; keep eyes facing upward into the "sky".
5–10 Min
Balloon Safety & Body Repositioning Demo
Explain: Balloons drift wherever the air currents go! Model: Toss balloon upward, watch it float left, slide feet left until body is centered underneath, and wrap both hands around it like a soft hug. Contrast reaching out with off-balance arms vs. moving your feet first.
10–20 Min
Core Balloon Tracking Progressions
- Circle Eye Track: Move balloon with hands in a giant slow circle while tracking with head and eyes.
- Self-Toss & Basket Catch: Gentle upward toss (2 hands), let it float down to chest level, basket-catch.
- Drift & Slide: Purposely toss balloon slightly right or left; slide feet under before catching.
- Streak Challenge: Complete 3 consecutive catches without letting the balloon touch the gym floor.
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Hot Air Balloon Rescue"
Story/Setup: A mountain wind is blowing hot air balloons toward the rocks! Students tap their balloon into the air. They must slide their feet to get directly underneath and "rescue" the passengers by catching the balloon in a two-handed hug before it touches the gym floor. How many successful rescues can each student complete in 60 seconds?
27–30 Min
"Sleeping Balloon Hug" Cool-Down
All 40 students sit cross-legged on their spots. Hug balloon to chest like a quiet sleeping kitten. Take 3 deep diaphragmatic breaths together. Walk row by row to drop balloons into the central storage nets.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Pre-inflate 10 spare balloons. If a balloon pops, student immediately goes to the spare bin without interrupting class instruction.
Formative Assessment Check:
Check whether students actively reposition their feet underneath the balloon or reach unsteadily away from their base.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 2 of 11 • Day 2 Daily Plan
DAY 3 Week 1 • Visual Tracking Phase
Balloon Taps, Claps & Partner Sharing
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students (20 Pairs) • Focus: Cooperative Alternating
Guiding Question
Can I keep the balloon floating and take turns with my partner?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Balloons (1 per pair of students) 20 Balloons
- Spare Inflated Balloons 6 Spares
- Paired Poly Spots (20 Partner Sets) 40 Spots
- Central Collection Basket 2 Tubs
Gym Layout: 20 Side-by-Side Pairs Adjacent spot buddies sharing 1 balloon
TEACHER Turn Rule: Partner 1 takes 3 attempts, then hands gently to Partner 2
Day 3 Cues: "Gentle flat-hand taps, never fist punches!" • "Hand it nicely to your buddy!"
Chant: Tap, Tap, Catch, Pass to My Friend
0–5 Min
Spot Buddy Pair-Up & Check-In
Students stand on spots. Assign spot neighbors as Partner 1 (closer to door) and Partner 2. High-five greeting. Practice mirroring: Partner 1 moves hands, Partner 2 copies. Switch.
5–10 Min
Soft Tap vs. Hard Punch Demonstration
Model gentle upward finger taps. Show how a hard fist hit sends the balloon flying into someone else's space. Establish the 3-attempt turn rule: "Partner 1 tries 3 times, catches, and hands the balloon nicely to Partner 2's hands."
10–20 Min
Partner Balloon Tap & Catch Routines
- Single Tap & Catch: Partner 1 taps upward with flat palm, catches with 2 hands (3x), hands to Partner 2.
- Double Tap & Catch: Tap once, tap twice with alternating hands, catch with two hands.
- Toss, Clap, Catch: Upward toss, single loud clap, two-hand catch. Partner 2 repeats.
- Cooperative Volley: Can partners tap back and forth twice before catching together?
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Volcano Eruption (Pairs)"
Story/Setup: The balloon is hot volcanic ash! Partner 1 gently taps the balloon up shouting: "Rumble, rumble, ERUPT!" Partner 2 must slide under with quick feet and make a safe two-handed catch before the lava hits the gym floor! Switch roles immediately. Can each pair complete 5 successful eruptions without a single drop?
27–30 Min
Partner Compliment & Neat Return
Partner 1 gives Partner 2 a high-five and says: "Thanks for sharing!" Partner 2 carries the balloon carefully to the central tub. Teacher verifies: 100% two-handed catching demonstrated.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Using 20 balloons instead of 40 cuts gym collisions by 50% and naturally teaches patience and taking turns in Kindergarten.
Formative Assessment Check:
Observe whether the non-active partner stays in Ready Position while waiting or loses focus and wanders away.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 3 of 11 • Day 3 Daily Plan
DAY 4 Week 2 • Self Toss & Catch Phase
Scarf-to-Beanbag Transition Catching
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students • Focus: Transition from Float to Gravity Speed
Guiding Question
How is catching a beanbag different from a floating scarf?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Standard 4x4 or 5x5 Beanbags 40 Beanbags
- Juggling Scarves (Warm-Up Review) 40 Scarves
- Poly Spots (Personal Home Bases) 40 Spots
- Corner Bins for Equipment Swaps 4 Bins
Gym Layout: Two-Item Station Spots Scarf in front of spot, beanbag behind spot
TEACHER Visual Comparison: Orange = Floats slowly • Blue = Drops quickly!
Day 4 Cues: "Baby tosses at nose height!" • "Soft shock-absorber elbows!"
Chant: Fast Eyes, Soft Hands, Bend the Elbows
0–5 Min
Scarf Quick-Fire Warm-Up
Students warm up tracking on their spots using scarves: 5 self-tosses, 5 clap-catches, and 5 knee-touch catches. Teacher reminds: Notice how slow and floaty the scarf travels.
5–10 Min
The Drop Test: Scarf vs. Beanbag Demo
Teacher holds scarf in left hand and beanbag in right hand; releases simultaneously. Ask: "Which hits the floor first?" (The beanbag!). Explain: "Beanbags don't float. We need faster eyes, ready hands right away, and soft shock-absorber elbows so it doesn't bounce off our chest!"
10–20 Min
Gradual Beanbag Progression
- Chest Drop & Catch: Hold beanbag at chest with both hands; release and catch 4 inches lower before floor.
- Baby Toss: Make a tiny 6-inch toss to nose level; catch with two hands and "give" into tummy.
- One-to-Two Hand: Toss with one hand, catch with two hands. Complete 3 consecutive clean catches.
- Streak Challenge: Count to 5 successful catches without letting the beanbag drop off the spot.
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Meteor Catcher"
Story/Setup: Space alert! Soft meteors are falling from outer space! Students toss their beanbag upward (nose height) and must catch it with "silent hands" (no slapping or thumping sounds). If the teacher hears complete silence on the catch, that astronaut gets a cosmic thumbs-up! Challenge: Can the whole class complete 3 silent meteor catches together?
27–30 Min
Review & Elbow Cushion Check
Place beanbag between feet on spot. Quick review: "Why do we bend our elbows when we catch the beanbag?" (To make soft shock absorbers!). Collect scarves to Bin A and beanbags to Bin B.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Strictly forbid high tosses on Day 4. Emphasize "Baby tosses only—if your toss goes over your head, it's too high!"
Formative Assessment Check:
Check for "give": students who catch with rigid, straight arms will have beanbags bounce out of their hands.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 4 of 11 • Day 4 Daily Plan
DAY 5 Week 2 • Self Toss & Catch Phase
SPARK Beanbag Self-Toss Challenges
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students • Focus: Catching at Different Levels & Postures
Guiding Question
Can I catch a beanbag at different heights and body positions?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Standard Beanbags 40 Beanbags
- Poly Spots (4x10 Grid) 40 Spots
- SPARK Visual Challenge Cards 5 Large Cards
- Corner Collection Bins 4 Bins
Gym Layout: Multi-Posture Home Bases Students transition standing ↔ kneeling ↔ sitting
TEACHER STANDING TOSS KNEELING TOSS SITTING TOSS Boundary Rule: If beanbag rolls away, walk calmly to retrieve; no diving!
Day 5 Cues: "Glue feet to spot!" • "Watch the beanbag into two hands!" • "Soft absorbing belly catch!"
Chant: Balance, Toss, Track, Absorb
0–5 Min
Beanbag Body Balance Warm-Up
Students walk around their home spot balancing beanbag on head, shoulder, or back of hand. On whistle: Snatch it off, freeze in Ready Position! Repeat balancing on one knee while standing like a flamingo.
5–10 Min
SPARK Posture & Height Demonstration
Show SPARK task cards: Low toss (chin), medium toss (forehead). Demonstrate catching while kneeling (both knees on spot) and sitting cross-legged. Explain: Sitting takes away your feet, so your eyes and hands have to work twice as hard!
10–20 Min
SPARK Challenge Progression Menu
- Height Levels: 5 low chin tosses, 5 medium forehead tosses (no high ceiling tosses).
- Hand-to-Hand Rainbow: Toss from right hand in small arc to left hand; toss back left to right.
- Kneeling Catches: Drop onto both knees on spot; complete 3 successful catches without tipping over.
- Sitting Catches: Sit "criss-cross applesauce"; complete 3 clean self-tosses and catches.
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Statue Catcher (SPARK)"
Story/Setup: The museum guard is watching! Teacher calls out a statue shape: "Flamingo Statue!" (balance on 1 foot), "Robot Statue!" (stiff knees), or "Frog Statue!" (deep crouch). Students freeze in that pose and must complete 3 self-tosses and catches without falling out of their statue shape! Can all 40 statues hold their balance?
27–30 Min
Standing 5-Catch Mastery & Collection
Return to standing on spots. Whole class completes 5 controlled catches in unison on teacher count: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5!" Beanbag under arm like a football; march row by row to collection bins.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
High tosses cause runaway beanbags. Only allow students who demonstrate 5 consecutive chin catches to try forehead height.
Formative Assessment Check:
Observe if students can self-toss and catch without stepping off their poly spot (spatial control check).
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 5 of 11 • Day 5 Daily Plan
DAY 6 Week 2 • Self Toss & Catch Phase
Bounce and Catch Mastery
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students • Focus: Catching After Exactly One Bounce
Guiding Question
Can I wait for the ball to bounce once before grabbing it?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- 8.5" Foam or Playground Balls 20–40 Balls
- Poly Spots (Bounce Target Bases) 40 Spots
- Large Central Ball Tubs 2 Tubs
- Whistle / Rhythm Drum 1 Whistle
Gym Layout: Poly Spot Bounce Targets Ball bounces right on the poly spot
TEACHER Rhythm Cue: Push down gently... BOUNCE... catch with two hands!
Day 6 Cues: "Push gently down, don't slam!" • "Wait for the bounce peak, then wrap two hands!"
Chant: Push Down, Watch the Bounce, Grab Soft
0–5 Min
Kangaroo Bounce Warm-Up
Students jump on spots like kangaroos; practice landing softly with bent knees. Emphasize springy knees. On whistle: freeze in deep Ready Position with hands open and ready.
5–10 Min
Push-Down vs. Slam Demonstration
Model holding ball at waist level. Contrast slamming it into the floor (flies wild, hits ceiling) with a gentle two-hand push down. Teach: "We push it down gently, wait for it to bounce up to our belly button, and trap it with two soft hands!"
10–20 Min
Bounce & Catch Progressions
- Waist Drop: Hold ball at waist, release, let bounce once, catch with 2 hands (5x).
- Chest Push: Hold ball at chest, push gently downward, catch at peak of bounce.
- Right/Left Slide: Bounce ball slightly to the right; slide feet behind ball before catching.
- Clap-Catch Challenge: Push down, clap hands once while ball bounces, catch cleanly!
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Bounce Detective"
Story/Setup: Secret mission! The poly spot is a secret clue target. Students must push their ball down so it bounces exactly inside their circle, wait for the single bounce, and trap it with two hands before the clue escapes! How many clues can each detective solve in a row? If sharing balls, partners alternate 5 clue attempts each.
27–30 Min
"Ball Between Knees" Review & Tub Roll
Freeze on whistle: "Ball between knees, hands on head!" Check understanding: Did we catch before or after the bounce? (After!). Practice a gentle bowling roll back into the central equipment tubs.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
If gym has limited balls, pair students up. Partner 1 does 5 bounce-catches while Partner 2 counts out loud, then switch.
Formative Assessment Check:
Ensure students do not swat the ball out of the air before the bounce; timing requires waiting for the bounce peak.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 6 of 11 • Day 6 Daily Plan
DAY 7 Week 3 • Partner Catching Phase
SPARK Rolling and Receiving with a Partner
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students (20 Pairs) • Focus: Body Behind Rolling Ball
Guiding Question
Can I get my body behind a rolling ball to scoop it up?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Large Coated Foam Balls 20 Balls (1 per pair)
- Poly Spots in Two Facing Lines 40 Spots
- Boundary Floor Tape / Cones 4 Cones
- Rhythm Drum / Whistle 1 Drum
Gym Layout: Two Facing Lines (Rolling Lanes) 8 ft distance between facing partners
TEACHER Rolling Lanes: Keep ball straight along your lane!
Day 7 Cues: "Get your belly behind the ball!" • "Bend knees low like a frog!" • "Pinkies scoop into tummy!"
Chant: Move Feet, Belly Behind, Bend and Scoop
0–5 Min
Two-Line Formation Setup & Ready Drill
Guide Line A students to the Red Line and Line B students to the Blue Line facing each other 8 feet apart. Practice dropping into low Ready Positions with knees bent and hands open near the floor.
5–10 Min
SPARK Rolling & Receiving Demonstration
Demonstrate: Partner A checks: "Partner, are you ready?" Partner B shows ready hands. Partner A rolls with two hands bowling style. Partner B moves feet to get belly directly behind the rolling ball, scoops with two hands, and brings it into their belly.
10–20 Min
SPARK Partner Rolling Drills
- Straight Rolls: Roll directly between partner's feet (5 turns each).
- Side Shifts: Roll slightly to the right or left; partner slides laterally to receive.
- Scoop & Stand: Scoop rolling ball from floor, stand tall, push gently back.
- Step-Back Rule: After 2 consecutive accurate rolls & scoops, both partners take 1 baby step back.
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Tunnel Bowling Buddies"
Story/Setup: Partner A stands with feet wide like a giant "train tunnel". Partner B rolls the ball through the tunnel from 6 feet away. Partner A quickly turns around, tracks the ball, and scoops it with two hands before it reaches the back line, then rolls back through Partner B's tunnel! Count how many trains pass safely through the tunnels!
27–30 Min
Partner High-Five & Summary
Partners sit cross-legged holding ball together. Reinforce: "Belly behind the ball stops it from rolling away!" Partner A holds ball, Partner B directs to collection tub.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Strict safety rule: Absolutely no kicking! Balls must be rolled along the floor with two hands to prevent stray balls.
Formative Assessment Check:
Look for students who bend their knees deeply vs. bending only at the waist (stiff-legged reaching).
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 7 of 11 • Day 7 Daily Plan
DAY 8 Week 3 • Partner Catching Phase
SPARK Partner Toss and Catch
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students (20 Pairs) • Focus: Soft Underhand Belly Passes
Guiding Question
Can I catch a softly tossed object from my partner?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Beanbags or Soft Yarn Balls 20 (1 per pair)
- Large 8" Foam Balls (Modification) 10 Foam Balls
- Poly Spots (20 Facing Pairs) 40 Spots
- Gym Centerline Cones 4 Cones
Gym Layout: Fingertip-Distance Partner Lanes Start close enough to touch outstretched fingers
TEACHER Rule: Aim directly for your partner's belly button!
Day 8 Cues: "Ask: 'Ready?' before tossing!" • "Aim for the tummy!" • "A bounce catch counts!"
Chant: Eyes, Hands, Reach, Grab, Give
0–5 Min
Distance Setup & Fingertip Touch Check
Partners stand on spots facing each other. Have both extend arms—fingertips should just touch. Practice: Partner A says: "Ready?", Partner B snaps into Ready Position with hands up. Switch roles 3 times.
5–10 Min
Toss & Target Modeling: Aim for the Belly
Demonstrate gentle underhand rainbow toss aimed right at partner's belly button. Emphasize: Do not throw at their face or over their head! Remind: If the toss is low, pinkies together. If high, thumbs together. "Allowing one bounce is 100% okay and counts as a catch!"
10–20 Min
Partner Toss & Catch Progressions
- Belly Toss: Partner A tosses soft rainbow to belly; Partner B catches 2 hands (3x each).
- Alternating Toss: Toss, catch, toss back without waiting.
- Bounce Option: For students who need support, toss with 1 bounce directly into receiver's hands.
- Step-Back Challenge: After 3 successful catches without a drop, both take 1 tiny baby step back!
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Pizza Delivery Toss"
Story/Setup: The beanbag is a hot slice of pizza! Partner A calls: "Special delivery, ready?" Partner B shows hands and catches with two hands so the cheese doesn't slide off! Partner B then "delivers" it back. Every 3 successful deliveries, both partners shout: "Mamma Mia!" and take 1 baby step back!
27–30 Min
Compliment Circle & Safe Return
"Turn to your partner and say: 'Great catching with you today!'" Teacher checks: Did partners make helpful, gentle tosses right to the belly? Walk beanbags to central tub.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Keep partners close. The #1 cause of chaos in kindergarten partner catch is standing too far apart. Start within arm's reach.
Formative Assessment Check:
Observe whether the receiver keeps their eyes locked on the tossed object until it is securely inside their two hands.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 8 of 11 • Day 8 Daily Plan
DAY 9 Week 4 • Receiving Challenge Phase
OPEN Modified "Thankful Turkey Toss"
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students • Focus: Communication, Gratitude & Receiving
Guiding Question
Can I use kind words and cooperative catching in a holiday game?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Beanbags / Soft Turkey Objects 20 Objects
- Large Soft Balls (Option) 10 Balls
- Poly Spots (Fixed Home Spots) 40 Spots
- Perimeter Boundary Cones 4 Cones
Gym Layout: Turkey Trot Rotation Lanes Only object holders rotate to find new partners
TEACHER Management: Blue stays on spot; Orange walks to new friend on whistle
Day 9 Cues: "Say what you're thankful for!" • "Helpful passes to the belly!" • "Gentle two-hand give!"
Chant: Kind Words, Soft Toss, Two-Hand Catch
0–5 Min
Turkey Strut & Gallop Warm-Up
Students strut like proud turkeys: high knees, wings flapping, galloping around the spots. On drum beat: freeze opposite partner 3 paces away with Ready Hands up and knees bent!
5–10 Min
Game Rules & Gratitude Modeling
Explain: The tosser states one thing they are thankful for (e.g., "I am thankful for my dog!" or "I am thankful for recess!") before making a gentle underhand toss to their partner's belly. Receiver catches with two hands or after one bounce.
10–20 Min
Thankful Turkey Toss Gameplay
- Partners complete 3 successful catches back and forth.
- After 3 successful catches, both partners take 1 step back.
- Bounces are celebrated: A catch after 1 bounce is a full success!
- Focus on helpful passes: If a toss is wild, the tosser walks to retrieve it.
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Turkey Trot & Swap"
Story/Setup: When the teacher calls: "Turkey Trot!", only the students holding beanbags strut with turkey wings to find a new friend standing on a blue spot without an object. They introduce themselves: "Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for PE!" and begin a brand-new round of 3 catches! (Substitute modification: Keep same partners).
27–30 Min
Perimeter Gratitude Circle & Cool-Down
All 40 students sit on the basketball court perimeter boundary line. Quick shout-out: 3 students share a partner who threw gentle, helpful passes right to their hands. Return beanbags to central tub.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Rotating 40 kindergarteners can be tricky. Only the student holding the beanbag moves; students without beanbags stay firmly on their home spot.
Formative Assessment Check:
Observe communication: Are students making eye contact and waiting for their partner's Ready Position before tossing?
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 9 of 11 • Day 9 Daily Plan
DAY 10 Week 4 • Culminating Assessment Phase
Turkey Catching Stations & Teacher Assessment
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students (5 Groups of 7–8) • 5 Station Rotations
Assessment Focus
Visual Tracking & 2-Hand Soft Absorption
Station Equipment Setup
- Stn 1 (Feather Catch): 8 Scarves 8 Scarves
- Stn 2 (Cranberry Catch): 8 Beanbags 8 Beanbags
- Stn 3 (Pumpkin Bounce): 8 Balls 8 Foam Balls
- Stn 4 (Dinner Roll): 4 Foam Balls 4 Balls (Pairs)
- Stn 5 (Teacher Assessment Station) Clipboard / Rubric
Gym Layout: 5-Station Circuit Clockwise rotation on music stop (3.5 min/station)
1. FEATHER Scarf Toss (8) 2. CRANBERRY Beanbag (8) 3. PUMPKIN Ball Bounce (8) 4. DINNER ROLL Partner Roll (8) ★ STATION 5 TEACHER CHECK
0–4 Min
Station Overview & Squad Numbers: Divide 36–40 students into 5 Color Squads (7–8 students per squad). Walk the perimeter once to show tasks.
4–20 Min
5 Rotations @ 3 Minutes Each: Music plays during practice; when music stops, students drop equipment, freeze, point to next station, and walk clockwise. At Station 5, teacher assesses each student on 3 partner tosses.
20–27 Min
Finale Game: "The Great Turkey Roundup" (Whole-Class)
Rules: Gym divides into two facing farm lines. Group A tosses soft "turkeys" (beanbags/scarves) across the fence to Group B. Group B demonstrates Ready Position, tracks the turkey with eyes, and scoops it with two hands before it escapes! After 3 catches, switch roles with a happy "Gobble Gobble!"
Station 5 Observational Scoring Rubric
| Skill Criterion |
3 - Proficient |
2 - Developing |
1 - Needs Support |
| 1. Visual Tracking |
Eyes stay locked on object until in hands |
Tracks partway; blinks or looks away at end |
Turns head or closes eyes on approach |
| 2. Ready Position |
Knees bent, balanced base, ready hands up |
Hands up but stiff posture or narrow base |
Hands at sides; flat-footed or unprepared |
| 3. Hand Position |
Catches 2 hands; thumbs high, pinkies low |
Catches with 2 hands but traps against chest |
One-hand swatting; object hits body |
| 4. Absorbing ("Give") |
Soft elbows; pulls gently into tummy |
Stiff arms; object occasionally bounces off |
Rigid push forward with stiff arms |
Station 5 Fast-Roster Clipboard Tracker Score: 3 (Proficient), 2 (Developing), 1 (Needs Support)
| Student Name |
Track |
Ready |
2-Hand |
Give |
| 1. ___________________ |
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| 2. ___________________ |
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| 3. ___________________ |
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| Student Name |
Track |
Ready |
2-Hand |
Give |
| 4. ___________________ |
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| 5. ___________________ |
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| 6. ___________________ |
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Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 10 of 11 • Day 10 Daily Plan & Unit Assessment
DAY 11 PhysedGames Adaptation • Circle Chase Passing Phase
Modified "Catch Me If You Can" Circle Chase
30-Minute Plan • Class Size: 36–40 Students (4 Circle Pods of 9–10) • Focus: Ready Hands & Rapid 2-Hand Receiving
Guiding Question
Can I show ready hands and pass quickly before the chaser ball catches us?
Equipment Checklist (36–40 Kids)
- Poly Spots (4 Circles of 10) 40 Spots
- Orange Foam "Turkey" Balls (Runners) 4 Balls (1/pod)
- Green Foam "Farmer" Balls (Chasers) 4 Balls (1/pod)
- Pod Center Boundary Cones & Whistle 4 Cones + Drum
Gym Layout: 4 Color Circle Pods (9–10 Kids Each) High touches • 2 balls start opposite (180°)
TEACHER POD 1 (RED) POD 2 (BLUE) POD 3 (YELLOW) POD 4 (GREEN) PhysedGames Catch Me If You Can: Orange chases Green in same direction! Reverse on whistle!
Day 11 Cues: "Hands up like a catching bowl!" • "Look, catch, and pass right away!" • "Gentle tummy-height toss!"
Chant: Ready Hands, Soft Catch, Quick Pass, Chase It Down!
0–5 Min
Circle Swimmers Warm-Up & Pod Color Check-In
Kindergarteners jog and gallop around the gym perimeter. On drum whistle: dash to assigned Pod Color circle (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green; 9–10 kids per pod) and snap into Ready Position with knees bent and hands up. Practice 3 freeze reps.
5–10 Min
PhysedGames "Catch Me If You Can" Demo & K Modifications
Demonstrate game concept from PhysedGames (Kr9istSIMQw): Two balls start opposite each other (180°). Both balls travel in the same direction around the circle from neighbor to neighbor! The Green ball is chasing the Orange ball. "In Kindergarten, we don't throw wildly—we use two-hand chest passes or floor rolls so our neighbor can catch safely!" Show what to do if a ball drops: quickly scoop with two hands and keep passing!
10–20 Min
Progressive Circle Chase Skills & Waves
- Wave 1 (Floor Roll Chase): Both balls roll along the floor to adjacent neighbor; receiver gets belly behind the ball and scoops with two hands (reinforces Day 7 rolling skill).
- Wave 2 (Bounce-Pass Chase): Each pass must bounce once on the floor between neighbors (Day 6 bounce-and-catch skill).
- Wave 3 (Air Underhand Pass): Gentle 2-hand underhand pass right to neighbor's belly button (Day 8 partner toss).
- Switch Direction Whistle: On double whistle: "REVERSE!" Balls immediately change direction from clockwise to counter-clockwise!
20–27 Min
Featured Mini-Game: "Catch Me If You Can: The Great Turkey Chase"
Story/Setup: All 4 circle pods play simultaneously! The Green "Farmer" ball is trying to catch up to the Orange "Turkey" ball. Students focus on rapid two-hand catching and immediate friendly passing to their neighbor. If the Green ball catches up so that one student receives both balls or a pass overtakes, that pod shouts "CAUGHT THE TURKEY!", everyone does 2 star jumps, passes the balls across the circle, and starts a new chase in the opposite direction! Non-stop cooperative excitement with zero elimination!
27–30 Min
"Slow Motion Pass" Cool-Down & Stack-Up Routine
All 4 pods pass one single ball around in ultra-slow motion while taking 3 deep diaphragmatic breaths together. Pod leaders carry balls to central tub; all students pick up their spot and stack them neatly on the center cone.
36–40 Student Management Tip:
Four small circles of 9–10 students ensure every child touches the ball every 5–8 seconds. A single 40-student circle results in long waits, boredom, and lost focus.
Formative Assessment Check:
Observe whether students keep their hands out in Ready Position facing their neighbor before the ball arrives, rather than waiting with hands in pockets or at their sides.
Kindergarten Physical Education Curriculum • Receiving Objects Page 11 of 11 • Day 11 Daily Plan (Modified "Catch Me If You Can")
