“School Rules” Book PE Lesson Plan: First Day Procedures and Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers
Grade Level: K-5 (adaptable)
Duration: 45-50 minutes
Focus: First day procedures, assigned seating, lineup practice, introducing PE rules through story and active learning
BEFORE CLASS – SETUP
– Arrange numbered poly spots in rows
– Mark lineup area near exit door with tape or cones
– Important: Record where each student sits – this will be their assigned spot for every PE class
LESSON STRUCTURE
Entry Procedure & Seat Assignment (8 minutes)
“Finding Your Special Spot”
At the Door:
– Greet each student and assign them to a numbered spot
– Direct students to walk to their spot and sit criss-cross
– Record their spot number on your roster
Once Everyone is Seated:
– “This is YOUR special spot for every PE class”
– “Look at your spot neighbors – these are your PE partners!”
– Introduce music signals: “When music stops, come to your spot and sit quietly”
Spot Practice (2 minutes):
– Play upbeat music – students stand and walk around
– Stop music – students return to assigned spots
– Repeat 2-3 times until smooth
Lineup Practice Introduction (5 minutes)
“Learning Our Lineup Procedures”
– Show lineup area and demonstrate proper lineup:
– Hands to yourself, face forward, quiet voices, personal space
– Introduce lineup signal: “When I say ‘lineup time,’ walk quietly to this line”
– Practice once: Call “lineup time,” students line up, return to spots
Story Introduction (4 minutes)
“Welcome to Our PE Community”
– “Today we’ll meet Jimmy and learn how following PE rules creates magic in our gym”
– Show book cover and connect to their experience
– “Jimmy learned about finding his place and following rules – just like you’re doing!”
Interactive Story Reading (12 minutes)
“School Rules” with Movement Integration
Read with strategic pauses for:
– Pages 5-9: Jimmy’s accident – practice safe walking vs. running from spots
– Pages 10-13: Stretching disruption – practice quiet stretching at spots
– Pages 14-18: Freeze tag problems – practice freezing when music stops
– Pages 19-24: Coach Locke’s examples – connect to lineup behavior (“waiting in line”)
– Pages 25-29: Jimmy’s transformation – celebrate following rules
Rule Practice with Transitions (10 minutes)
“Jimmy’s Learning Journey”
Activity Pattern – Repeat 4 times:
1. Activity music plays – students move around gym practicing a rule
2. Music stops – freeze and listen for next instruction
3. “Lineup time” – walk to lineup area
4. “Return to spots” – walk back to assigned spots
Round 1: Safe movement (walking vs. running)
Round 2: Quiet focus during stretching
Round 3: Following game rules (freeze tag practice)
Round 4: Helping others and cooperation
Cool Down & Reflection (4 minutes)
“Creating Our PE Magic”
– Students at assigned spots with soft background music
– Discussion questions:
– “How did Jimmy change throughout the story?”
– “How do our spots and lineup help our class work smoothly?”
– “What rules help create magic in our PE class?”
– Practice calm breathing
Dismissal Practice (4 minutes)
“Perfect Lineup Like Jimmy Learned”
– “Let’s show how we learned to follow lineup rules!”
– Call “lineup time” – students walk to line demonstrating proper procedure
– Practice standing quietly with correct lineup behavior
– Dismiss from lineup maintaining quiet behavior
– “Remember your spot number for next class!”
ASSESSMENT POINTS
✓ Students find assigned spots quickly
✓ Students respond appropriately to music cues
✓ Students demonstrate proper lineup procedures
✓ Students connect story themes to PE expectations
✓ Students show understanding of rule purposes
SIGNAL SYSTEM
– Activity music = movement and play time
– Music stops = freeze/listen/return to spots
– “Lineup time” = walk quietly to lineup area
– “Return to spots” = walk back to assigned spots
ADAPTATIONS BY GRADE
K-2 Modifications:
– Use larger visual numbers or add pictures to spots
– Give extra practice time with each procedure
– Use simpler language for rule explanations
3-5 Extensions:
– Give students leadership roles in helping others
– Discuss why these procedures benefit the whole class
– Practice more complex lineup variations
