Teamwork and Fitness Fun: A 6th Grade Physical Education Emergency Plan

Objective

Students will develop teamwork skills and understand the importance of cooperation through physical activities. They will also reflect on what makes effective teamwork and create a simple fitness plan.

Materials/Resources

• Cones or markers (for relay races)
• Stopwatch or timer
• Whistle (if available)
• Paper and pencils for writing/drawing tasks
• Whiteboard or chart paper (optional, for group sharing)

Lesson Plan Procedure

Opening/Lesson Hook (5-10 minutes)

• Warm-Up Activity: Tag Game

  • Instructions:

    • Choose one or two students to be "it."
    • The "it" players will try to tag other players while everyone else runs around.
    • If tagged, a player must do 5 jumping jacks before rejoining the game.

  • Adaptations:

    • For smaller spaces, consider using a simple variation like "Freeze Tag" where tagged players must freeze until a teammate unfreezes them by crawling under their legs.

Guided Practice (15-20 minutes)

• Main Activity: Cooperative Relay Race

  • Setup:

    • Divide students into teams of 4-5.
    • Set up cones to create a relay race course.

  • Instructions:

    • Each team member must run to the cone and back, passing a baton (can be a foam noodle or any lightweight object) to the next teammate.
    • Encourage teams to cheer for each other and strategize to improve their time.

  • Tips for Success:

    • Remind students about the importance of encouraging teammates and communicating effectively.
    • Monitor the activity and provide feedback on teamwork and sportsmanship.

Independent Practice (10-15 minutes)

• Task: Reflection on Teamwork

  • Instructions:

    • Students will write down 3 qualities that make good teamwork (e.g., communication, support, trust).
    • Alternatively, they can draw a simple diagram of a fitness routine they enjoy, labeling each exercise.

  • Sharing:

    • If time allows, some students can share their ideas with the class or post them on a board for everyone to see.

Differentiated Activities

• Below Grade Level:

  • Pair students to discuss what makes good teamwork, then help them write or draw together. They can also practice a simple group exercise like a synchronized jumping jack.

• At Grade Level:

  • Students work individually to complete the writing/drawing task and share in pairs or small groups.

• Above Grade Level:

  • Challenge these students to create a more complex fitness routine or write a short paragraph on the importance of teamwork in sports and other activities.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Gather students together to discuss what they learned about teamwork.
• Ask students to share one thing they enjoyed about the activities and one way they think teamwork can improve their performance in sports or other group activities.

Extension Activities or Sample Questions

• Formative Assessment:

  • Ask students to name one way they can improve teamwork in their daily lives, either in sports or school.

• Summative Assessment:

  • Create a poster or presentation that illustrates their understanding of teamwork through drawings, writing, or a combination of both.

Reflection

• After the activity, encourage the substitute teacher to reflect on:

  • What worked well during the lesson?
  • Were students engaged and cooperative?
  • How did students demonstrate teamwork, and what skills could be reinforced in future lessons?

By following this plan, the substitute teacher will have a structured yet flexible approach that encourages physical activity, teamwork, and self-reflection, suitable for any time of the school year.