Ecosystems | Small Group
In this 20-minute small-group PE lesson, children move like animals and visit different ecosystem “homes” as the teacher names them. Students practice gross motor skills, listening, and simple science vocabulary through active play.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ecosystem | A place where living things live together. |
| forest | A place with many trees and plants. |
| ocean | A large body of salt water. |
| desert | A very dry place with little rain. |
| wetland | A wet place like a marsh or swamp. |
| move | To change where your body is going. |
Show one animal card at a time. Call out simple movements such as crawl, hop, waddle, or stretch like a tall giraffe.
Copy the animal movements in their own space.
Place 4 cones around the space as ecosystem stations. Show each card and briefly name one animal that lives there.
Listen, look at the picture, and repeat the ecosystem names with the teacher.
Call out an ecosystem and a movement: 'Forest—skip like a deer!' 'Ocean—swim arms like a fish!' 'Desert—tiptoe like a lizard!' 'Wetland—walk slowly like a turtle!'
Move from station to station using the named movement and stop at the correct ecosystem card.
Give two-step directions for advanced learners, such as 'Go to the forest and then hop back to the center.' Add a second animal movement if ready.
Follow the two-step movement directions and adjust speed and shape as needed.
Lead slow stretches and ask, 'Which ecosystem was wet? Which animal was fast?'
Stretch, breathe, and answer with one-word or short responses.
Gather students in a circle and review the four ecosystem names. End by having everyone do one favorite animal pose and say, 'Animals live in different ecosystems.'