Calendar moves: a 5-minute daily movement routine for 1st grade

1. Read the date together: "Today is Tuesday, the 12th."
2. Look at the chart to find the day's move.
3. Count the reps aloud as a class. After 10, show the tens and ones: "10, and 1, 2 more makes 12."
4. For dates above 20, split the reps into two sets with a short rest, such as 15 and 10 on the 25th.
5. On Fridays, the class helper picks a move from the class list and leads the count.
6. Finish with one slow breath in and out before the next lesson starts.

Safety: squats and jumping jacks stay at a steady pace with soft landings; rest between sets on dates above 20; students stop if anything hurts. Every session: warm up first, clear the space, keep water nearby, and stop if anything hurts or a student feels dizzy or unwell.

Differentiation: students who need support can do half the reps or a seated version, such as seated marching. Students who are ready can count by 2s on moves with two sides. English learners can count in English and in their home language.

Quick check: ask a student how many reps the class does on the 17th and how to split them into two sets.

For a full year of free grade 1 PE sessions, see Move Every Day from UpOnly Learning.

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