Third - Physical Education

Third-grade students in SFUSD engage in 100 minutes of weekly physical education instruction provided by a credentialed teacher. This may look like an average of three 35-minute classes per week or two 50-minute classes per week. While lesson structures vary, the overall design of the units remains consistent. 

SFUSD Physical Education focuses on cardio fitness, social-emotional learning, and overall health by teaching units that prioritize maximum student engagement, motor skill and movement pattern development, creativity and exploration of movement, positive social interactions with peers, growth mindset skills, and development of physical literacy.

Demonstrating knowledge of concepts and motor skills by engaging in meaningful movement experiences - developing competence and confidence by participating in activities that are age and developmentally appropriate, challenging, socially engaging, personally relevant, and enjoyable.

• Throws and catches an object with a partner while increasing distance
• Dribbles a ball while traveling and changing directions
• Jumps rope continuously forward and backward

Going beyond demonstrating knowledge of concepts and motor skills by being able to identify specific cues, understanding the “why” of movement or concepts, and reflecting on their movement experiences.  

• Identify stretches that are safe versus unsafe
• Name and locate the major muscle groups of the body
• Explain that a stronger heart muscle can pump more blood with each beat

Developing their social and emotional well-being by experiencing meaningful and culturally affirming learning opportunities - learning to manage emotions, exhibit empathy and kindness for others, foster and maintain positive relationships, and develop social skills to manage various situations and problem-solve. 

• Uses appropriate cues for movement and positive words of encouragement while coaching others
• Demonstrates respect for individual differences in physical abilities
• Works in pairs or small groups to achieve an agreed-upon goal

In 3rd grade, students learn to properly identify muscle groups using anatomically correct terminology. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for growth in the student’s understanding of their body’s health and physical fitness. They begin to learn that what they put into their bodies and how they move their bodies (exercise) directly impacts their health. Introduction to these health concepts can lead to lifelong fitness.

3rd graders will experience Physical Education lessons that embed growth mindset strategies and language. Students will experience successes and failures guiding them to make meaning that we learn through failures and mistakes. Students will experience language through positive self-talk, exhibiting kind words toward others, and using the power of “yet”.  

The Elementary PE Department has partnered with Junior Giants to bring Baseball to 3rd graders across the District. Students participate in skill-based lessons during their physical education classes. The experience culminates with a field trip to a baseball diamond at a local park where they engage in baseball drills and demonstrate what they have learned.