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Active Abilities

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Kara Fallon

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Active Abilities Session 1

Introduce students to cooperative movement through a fun ball‐passing game that develops coordination and teamwork in an inclusive setting.

This lesson helps 2nd–3rd graders build fundamental motor skills, social interaction, and confidence by engaging all abilities in a low‐pressure group activity.

Audience

2nd and 3rd Graders

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Structured warm-up, adaptive group game, reflective cool-down.

Materials

Cones, Soft Foam Balls, Hula Hoops, and Adaptive Activity Cue Cards

Prep

Set Up Equipment

5 Minutes

  • Arrange 10 cones in a large circle for the warm-up jog
  • Place hula hoops at four equidistant points around the circle
  • Distribute soft foam balls within easy reach of each hoop station
  • Review Adaptive Activity Cue Cards to plan variations for different mobility or skill levels

Step 1

Warm-Up Movement

5 Minutes

  • Have students jog slowly around the cone circle
  • Pause and lead dynamic stretches: arm circles (10 each direction), high knee marches (10 steps each leg), leg swings (5 each side)
  • Emphasize safe space awareness and breathing

Step 2

Main Activity: Pass and Move

20 Minutes

  • Divide class into groups of 4–5 around each hoop station
  • Explain goal: complete as many passes as possible within 1 minute without dropping the ball
  • Use Adaptive Activity Cue Cards to vary pass types (overhead, under leg, seated pass)
  • After each round, have groups rotate to next hoop and try a new pass challenge
  • Encourage counting passes aloud and cheering teammates
  • Circulate to model adaptations and ensure inclusive participation

Step 3

Cool-Down Reflection

5 Minutes

  • Gather students in a seated circle inside the cone ring
  • Ask reflection questions: “Which pass type was most fun?,” “How did your team help each other?”
  • Lead deep breathing: inhale arms up, exhale arms down (5 breaths)
  • Finish with gentle spinal twists and shoulder rolls
lenny

Slide Deck

Active Abilities – Session 1

Adaptive PE for 2nd & 3rd Graders
Building Confidence, Coordination & Teamwork

30 Minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome everyone! Today’s session is all about working together, moving safely, and having fun. Encourage students to find their spot quickly and get ready for our warm-up.

Session Objectives

• Introduce cooperative movement through ball-passing games
• Develop fundamental motor skills and spatial awareness
• Foster teamwork, inclusion, and positive social interaction

Review the objectives aloud. Explain why these skills matter: helping each other, staying active, and feeling proud of what we can do together.

Materials & Setup

Materials Needed:
• 10 Cones arranged in a circle
• 4 Hula Hoops positioned at equal intervals
• Soft Foam Balls (one per hoop)
• Adaptive Activity Cue Cards

Setup (5 min):

  1. Place cones in a large circle.
  2. Lay out hoops at four stations.
  3. Distribute balls nearby.
  4. Review cue cards for modifications.

Show students the equipment. Walk them through your setup so they know where cones, hoops, and balls are placed. Remind them that everyone can try each variation.

Warm-Up Movement (5 min)

• Jog slowly around the cone circle
• Dynamic stretches:
– Arm circles (10 each way)
– High-knee marches (10 steps each leg)
– Leg swings (5 each side)
• Emphasize safe personal space and breathing

Lead students through each movement slowly, modeling correct form and safe spacing. Emphasize breathing and keeping eyes forward.

Main Activity: Pass & Move (20 min)

• Groups of 4–5 at each hoop
• Goal: Maximum passes in 1 minute without drops
• Variations via Adaptive Activity Cue Cards:
– Overhead pass
– Under-leg pass
– Seated pass
• Rotate stations each round and try a new pass

Divide into small groups at each hoop station. Explain the passing challenge and variations. Circulate to offer support and additional adaptations.

Cool-Down & Reflection (5 min)

  1. Seated circle inside cone ring
  2. Reflection questions:
    • Which pass was most fun?
    • How did your team support each other?
  3. Deep breathing (5 slow breaths)
  4. Gentle spinal twists & shoulder rolls

Bring students into a seated circle. Ask open-ended questions to encourage reflection. Model the breathing exercise first, then lead.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Active Abilities Session 2

Guide students through an inclusive obstacle course to develop balance, agility, and spatial awareness, fostering confidence and teamwork through adaptive challenges.

Navigating obstacles builds motor planning, coordination, and peer support. Adapting the course ensures every 2nd–3rd grader can participate, boosting confidence and inclusive collaboration.

Audience

2nd and 3rd Graders

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Warm-up, adaptive obstacle rotations, reflective cool-down.

Materials

Cones, Hula Hoops, Foam Stepping Stones, Balance Beams, and Adaptive Activity Cue Cards

Prep

Set Up Obstacle Course

7 Minutes

  • Use cones to mark the start and finish lines
  • Arrange foam stepping stones in a zigzag path between start and finish
  • Place balance beams between select stepping stones to challenge stability
  • Lay hula hoops on the floor for students to jump or step into
  • Review Adaptive Activity Cue Cards to plan height, distance, and seating adaptations

Step 1

Warm-Up Movement

5 Minutes

  • Jog once around the cone-marked course at a comfortable pace
  • Perform ankle circles (10 each direction), knee lifts (10 each leg), and hip swings (5 each side)
  • Emphasize controlled breathing and focus on foot placement

Step 2

Main Activity: Obstacle Course Challenge

20 Minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4; assign each group to a staging area
  • Demonstrate each station: stepping stones, balance beam, hoop jump
  • Students take turns navigating the full course while peers cheer
  • Use Adaptive Activity Cue Cards to adjust:
    • Widen gaps between stepping stones or add handrails
    • Lower beam height or provide side supports
    • Offer seated traversal across stones for mobility devices
  • After each round, rotate group order and optionally rearrange one obstacle for variety
  • Circulate to offer encouragement, model adaptations, and ensure safety

Step 3

Cool-Down Reflection

5 Minutes

  • Gather students in a seated circle at the finish line
  • Ask: “Which obstacle felt easiest? Which was most challenging?”
  • Encourage sharing of adaptive strategies and teamwork highlights
  • Lead deep breathing: inhale arms up, exhale arms down (5 breaths)
  • Conclude with seated hamstring stretches and gentle calf raises
lenny

Slide Deck

Active Abilities – Session 2

Inclusive Obstacle Course Challenge
Adaptive PE for 2nd & 3rd Graders

30 Minutes | Tier 2 Group Lesson

Welcome back, everyone! Today we’re tackling an adaptive obstacle course to build balance, agility, and teamwork. Gather at the start line and get ready to explore each station.

Session Objectives

• Develop balance and coordination through obstacle navigation
• Foster teamwork and peer encouragement
• Practice adapting activities for different abilities

Read the objectives aloud and connect to our goals: growing confidence, supporting peers, and moving safely through challenges.

Materials & Setup

Materials Needed:
• Cones (start/finish)
• Foam Stepping Stones
• Balance Beams
• Hula Hoops
• Adaptive Activity Cue Cards

Setup (7 min):

  1. Mark start & finish with cones
  2. Arrange stepping stones in a zigzag
  3. Place balance beams between stones
  4. Lay hoops for jumping or stepping
  5. Review cue cards for station modifications

Show students the course layout and equipment. Explain each station’s purpose and highlight adaptation options using the cue cards.

Warm-Up Movement (5 min)

• Jog around the course once at a comfortable pace
• Ankle circles (10 each direction)
• Knee lifts (10 each leg)
• Hip swings (5 each side)
• Focus on controlled breathing and footing

Lead students through each warm-up movement slowly. Emphasize safe spacing, foot placement, and controlled breathing.

Main Activity: Obstacle Course (20 min)

  1. Groups of 3–4 at the start line
  2. Stations in order:
    • Stepping Stones
    • Balance Beam
    • Hoop Jumps
  3. Use Adaptive Activity Cue Cards to adjust:
    – Widen gaps/add handrails
    – Lower beam height/provide supports
    – Offer seated traversal for mobility needs
  4. Rotate group order after each run
  5. Encourage cheering, peer assistance, and safe participation

Divide into small groups at the start. Demonstrate each obstacle, point out adaptation options, then let them begin while you circulate.

Cool-Down & Reflection (5 min)

  1. Seated circle at the finish line
  2. Reflection prompts:
    • Which obstacle felt easiest? Hardest?
    • How did adaptations support teammates?
  3. Deep breathing (5 slow breaths)
    – Inhale arms up, exhale arms down
  4. Gentle hamstring stretches & calf raises

Gather students in a seated circle at the finish. Ask reflection questions, model deep breathing, and lead gentle stretches.

lenny