Lesson 4: Turn, Stop, and Try Again
Thursday, November 19, 2026
1Stretching & Mobility5 min›
March and Shoulder Roll
30 seconds, then 8 rolls- Stand or sit tall with space around you.
- March or move arms gently for 30 seconds.
- Roll shoulders backward slowly; breathe normally.
Muscles/joints: Hip flexors, shoulders, ankles
Coaching cue: Easy rhythm and relaxed shoulders.
Modification: Seated marching or arm movements.
Supported Heel Raises
8 slow repetitions- Use a stable wall or chair if needed.
- Lift heels gently on level ground.
- Lower slowly, keeping knees comfortable.
Muscles/joints: Calves and ankle joints
Coaching cue: Control the rise and lower; do not bounce.
Modification: Seated heel lifts or comfortable ankle movement.
Side Steps and Gentle Hip Bend
6 steps each way, 5 shallow bends- Side-step slowly without crossing feet.
- Pause with feet comfortably apart.
- Bend hips and knees a little, then stand tall.
Muscles/joints: Glutes, quadriceps, hip joints
Coaching cue: Small comfortable range; knees follow toes.
Modification: Seated side reaches or supported shallow bends.
2WARM-UP RUN / JOG — 2–3 MINUTESRequired›
Mark a safe route
- Mark a loop with 4–6 cones around the field or blacktop (about 100–150 yards).
- Keep the route away from fences, poles, parked cars, and uneven ground.
- Stand where you can see the entire loop.
Starting & stopping
- Gather students at the start cone. Say: 'When I blow the whistle, jog at a talking pace.'
- One whistle = start; two whistles = slow to a walk and come back to the start cone.
- Use the countdown timer below so everyone finishes together.
Pacing
Students should jog at a 'talking pace' — they could still chat with a friend. This is not a race and never a punishment.
Safety
- Pass on the outside, call 'On your left.'
- Shoes tied before starting.
- Walk if you feel dizzy, have chest pain, or can't catch your breath — tell the teacher.
Alternatives
Students may brisk-walk, power-march, or do seated arm-pumping. Wheelchair users can roll the loop or do arm circuits.
Hydration
Water break immediately after the run. Remind students to drink before and after PE.
3Review & Mini-Lesson10 min›
Review questions
- What does tracking mean?
- Show one safe action from Eyes and Hands Work Together.
Vocabulary
- Agility
- Changing direction with control in response to a task or cue.
- Deceleration
- Slowing movement down.
- Reaction
- Responding after noticing a signal.
What the Teacher Should Say
Turning safely starts with slowing down. Take small steps before a cone, point your body toward the new path, and look where you will go. We will first follow a known route, then a teacher’s color cue. You do not need to be fast to be good at this. Walk whenever you need more control. If you miss a cue, pause and try again; nobody is out. These skills help us change direction in soccer and many other games.
Step-by-step demonstration
- Approach a cone slowly, shorten steps, and turn with multiple steps.
- Show a safe freeze with soft knees and open space.
- Respond to a color cue by walking toward the matching cone.
Real-world examples
- A controlled turn helps you move around people without bumping them.
- Tracking a ball and choosing a stable stance help you receive a pass.
Questions to ask students
- Why slow before a turn?
- What changes when you react to a cue?
- Which earlier skill helped your control?
Visual resource
Extension
Draw or explain one cue from “Turn, Stop, and Try Again” and show it safely without equipment.
4Group Activity: Color-Cue Movement Mission15–20 min›
Purpose: Change direction at a comfortable pace and stop safely on a signal.
Equipment
- Colored cones
- Cue cards
- Soft ball for optional final station
Players
Whole class in pairs or small groups of 3–4
Space & setup
Mark a wide square with four colored cone corners and separate small-group lanes; each lane has its own start and turn markers.
Rules
- Teacher calls one direction at a time; no chasing.
- Slow before turns and use several steps rather than twisting.
- Keep separate lanes and choose walking if space is tight.
Step-by-step
- Teacher demonstrates the task and checks readiness, clear space, and accessible options.
- Walk a planned zigzag and stop at each marker.
- Add marching or side steps at comfortable pace.
- Respond to two simple color cues and freeze safely.
- Finish with a two-foot statue and gentle ball roll to a partner.
- Pause for water and one coaching cue; repeat a short round if comfortable.
- Teacher checks each student individually using the assessment cue before cooldown.
Teacher demonstration
Approach a cone slowly, shorten steps, and turn with multiple steps. Show a safe freeze with soft knees and open space. Respond to a color cue by walking toward the matching cone.
Safety
- Use level, nonslip ground and clear boundaries; follow each student’s health plan.
- Choose comfortable effort, allow water and rest, and report pain, dizziness, or unusual breathing difficulty immediately.
- No elevated balance tasks, blindfolds, pushing, or lifting classmates.
Modifications
Use wider turns for rolling, walking only, visual cues alongside verbal cues, or seated directional reaches.
Advanced challenge
Explain one cue to a partner, then repeat with improved control; do not add speed.
Assessment
Assess safe deceleration, a controlled direction change, balance, and a correct cue response.
5Supervised Free Play & Cooldown20–30 min›
Activity choices
Expectations
- Stay inside the coned boundary.
- Take turns and share equipment.
- Include anyone who wants to join.
- Teacher circulates and keeps eyes on all groups.
- Water available throughout.
Cooldown
- Walk or roll slowly for 2 minutes until breathing feels comfortable.
- Gentle supported calf stretch: 15–20 seconds per side; no bouncing.
- Gentle cross-body shoulder stretch: 15 seconds each arm.
- Take three relaxed breaths and drink water.