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Groove & Grow

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Lesson Plan

Groove & Grow Lesson Plan

In this 30-minute session, students will develop gross motor skills through a structured warm-up, obstacle-based coordination activities, and a cool-down, improving balance, strength, and motor planning.

Building gross motor skills supports students with motor delays by enhancing coordination, strength, and confidence, enabling better inclusion in general PE and daily activities.

Audience

2nd and 3rd graders with gross motor delay

Time

30 minutes per session

Approach

Play-based adaptive exercises with targeted feedback.

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Review Plan

10 minutes

  • Set up [Cones] in zigzag patterns around the play area
  • Lay out [Balance Beam] at low height for safe practice
  • Place [Hula Hoops] and [Bean Bags] nearby for easy access
  • Print and organize Session Activity Cards
  • Prepare Progress Tracking Sheet
  • Review each student’s IEP accommodations and individual goals

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Gather students in an open space around equipment
  • Lead a light jog around the [Hula Hoops] for 1 minute
  • Perform dynamic stretches: arm circles, leg swings, hip rotations
  • Demonstrate side shuffles and have students practice
  • Encourage large, controlled movements and proper form

Step 2

Main Activity

20 minutes

  • Activity 1: Obstacle Course (10 min)
    • Zigzag through [Cones]
    • Jump through [Hula Hoops] placed on the floor
    • Balance along the [Balance Beam]
  • Activity 2: Bean Bag Toss (10 min)
    • Students stand behind a line and toss [Bean Bags] into hoops
    • Focus on hand-eye coordination, stance, and follow-through
  • Adapt spacing and beam height to each student’s ability
  • Provide individualized feedback and positive reinforcement

Step 3

Cool-Down

5 minutes

  • Lead static stretches: calves, quads, shoulders, triceps
  • Guide deep breathing: inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts (repeat 3 times)
  • Facilitate reflection: ask students what felt fun or challenging
  • Record observations and student self-assessments on Progress Tracking Sheet
  • Celebrate successes and set a small goal for the next session
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Slide Deck

Groove & Grow: Session Overview

  • Tier 2 Adaptive PE for 2nd–3rd graders
  • 30-minute session structured into Warm-Up, Main Activities, and Cool-Down
  • Focus: gross motor skills, coordination, strength

Introduce the Groove & Grow program. Emphasize small-group support and fun. Explain flow of today's session.

Materials & Setup (10 min)

Use this slide while preparing the space. Check that all equipment is safe and accessible. Review accommodations with paraeducators.

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

  • Light jog around the Hula Hoops (1 min)
  • Dynamic stretches: arm circles, leg swings, hip rotations
  • Side shuffles across the area
  • Cue: Encourage large, controlled movements

Demonstrate each movement, then have students mirror you. Provide reminders on posture and form.

Main Activity: Obstacle Course (10 minutes)

  • Zigzag through Cones
  • Jump through Hula Hoops on the floor
  • Balance along the Beam
  • Adjust spacing and height per student ability

Give clear, one-step prompts. Offer physical or verbal support as needed. Cheer successes and model how to tackle each obstacle.

Main Activity: Bean Bag Toss (10 minutes)

  • Students stand behind a line and toss Bean Bags into hoops
  • Focus on stance, hand-eye coordination, follow-through
  • Vary distance based on skill level

Demonstrate proper grip and release. Use positive reinforcement. If students struggle, provide shorter distance or target aids.

Cool-Down (5 minutes)

  • Static stretches: calves, quads, shoulders, triceps
  • Deep breathing: inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts (×3)
  • Ask: What felt fun? What was challenging?

Guide the stretches with gentle cues. Encourage students to share thoughts aloud. Record their comments on the progress sheet.

Reflection & Tracking

  • Complete reflections on Progress Tracking Sheet
  • Note successes and areas for growth
  • Set a small goal for next session
  • Celebrate today’s achievements!

Hand out tracking sheets. Assist students in writing one goal. Acknowledge individual improvements to boost confidence.

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Activity

Session Activity Cards

Use these cards at each station to guide students step-by-step. Place one card at each activity area. Students can refer to the picture and text to complete the task independently or with minimal support.

Station 1: Zigzag Cone Run

Materials: Cones

  1. Start at the first cone, feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Move quickly to the next cone, weaving around each one.
  3. Keep eyes forward and bend knees slightly when turning.

Focus: Quick feet, controlled turns, upright posture.




Station 2: Hula Hoop Jump

Materials: Hula Hoops (placed flat on floor)

  1. Stand behind the first hoop with knees bent.
  2. Jump with both feet into the center of the hoop.
  3. Land softly: knees bent, toes forward.
  4. Continue jumping from hoop to hoop in a straight line.

Focus: Coordination, knee bend, soft landing.




Station 3: Balance Beam Walk

Materials: Low Balance Beam

  1. Place one foot on the beam and look straight ahead.
  2. Shift weight slowly from one foot to the other.
  3. Keep arms out to the side for balance.
  4. Walk from one end to the other, turn around, and come back.

Focus: Core stability, slow controlled steps, looking forward.




Station 4: Bean Bag Toss

Materials: Bean Bags, Hula Hoops (or marked targets)

  1. Stand behind the line with feet hip-width apart.
  2. Hold bean bag at waist level with dominant hand.
  3. Step forward with opposite foot as you toss.
  4. Follow through: arm straight, fingers pointing at target.

Adaptations: Move line closer for support or add larger targets for confidence.

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At each station, encourage students to check off steps as they go. Provide positive feedback on form and celebrate when they complete all steps correctly.

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Worksheet

Progress Tracking Sheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________ Session #: ____

1. Confidence Rating

On a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high), how confident did you feel during today’s activities?

1 2 3 4 5 (circle one)


2. Favorite Activity

Which activity did you enjoy the most today? Why?





3. Biggest Challenge

What felt challenging for you today? Describe why it was hard.





4. Support Needed or Strategy

How did you try to overcome the challenge, or what help would you like next time?





5. Goal for Next Session

Write one small goal you want to work on in our next class.






Teacher Observations & Notes:









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