Created by: Joseph Spernal, Aaron Hart, Jim DeLine, and Lisa Kushner
Special Contributions: Deedi Boland
Design: Jennifer Truong

Bat and Ball Games introduces students to the critical skills and movement patterns that are essential to sports like softball, baseball, and cricket. Purposeful activities provide fun and challenge for skill development while also introducing foundational concepts, strategies, and tactics.

Module Documents

  • Complete Module Packet:

  • Module Overview:

  • Required Materials:

  • All Module Activities:

  • Sample Lesson Plan:

  • Academic Language Cards:

  • Bat and Ball Cue Cards:

  • Bat and Ball Station Cards:

Activity Plans

  • Two Ball Tossers:

  • Catch on the Sandlot:

  • Throw-Run Derby:

  • Home-Run Derby:

  • Baseball Tag:

  • Sandlot Baseball:

  • Brannboll:

  • Circle Sandlot Stations:

Assessments

  • Holistic Performance Rubric:

  • Holistic Dual Performance Rubric:

  • Bat and Ball Self-Assessment:

  • Bat and Ball Academic Language Quiz:

Teacher Evaluation

  • Teacher Self-Evaluation and Reflection Guide:

Planning Tools

  • Blank Activity Plan Template:

  • Blank Lesson Plan Template:

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National Standards and Outcomes Focus for Bat and Ball

Standard 1. Motor Skills and Movement Patterns

  • Standard 1 [E14.3-5b] Throws overarm, demonstrating three of the five critical elements of a mature pattern, in non-dynamic environments, for distance and/or force (3); Throws overarm using a mature pattern in non-dynamic environments (4a); Throws overarm to a partner or at a target with accuracy at a reasonable distance (4b); Throws (overarm) using a mature pattern in non-dynamic environments, with different sizes and types of objects (5a); Throws (overarm) to a large target with accuracy (5b).
  • Standard 1 [E16.3-5] Catches a gently tossed hand-sized ball from a partner, demonstrating four of the five critical elements of a mature pattern (3); Catches a thrown ball above the head, at chest/waist level, and below the waist using a mature pattern in a non-dynamic environment (4); Catches a batted ball above the head, at chest/waist level, and along the ground using a mature pattern in a non-dynamic environment (5a); Catches with accuracy, both partners moving (5b); Catches with reasonable accuracy in dynamic, small-sided practice tasks (5c).
  • Standard 1 [E25.3-5b] Strikes a ball with a long-handled implement, sending it forward, while using proper grip for the implement (e.g., hockey stick, bat, golf club). Note: Use batting tee or ball tossed by teacher for batting (3); Strikes an object with a long-handled implement (e.g., hockey stick, golf club, bat, tennis/badminton racket), while demonstrating three of the five critical elements of a mature pattern for the implement (grip, stance, body orientation, swing plane, and follow-through) (4); Strikes a pitched ball with a bat using a mature pattern (5a); Combines striking with a long implement with receiving and traveling skills in a small-sided game (5b).

Standard 2. Concepts, Principles, Strategies & Tactics

  • Standard 2 [E3.3&5a-c] Combines movement concepts (direction, levels, force, time) with skills as directed by the teacher (3); Applies movement concepts to strategy in game situations (5a); Applies the concepts of direction and force to strike an object with a long-handled implement (5b); Analyzes movement situations and applies movement concepts (e.g., force, direction, speed, pathways, extensions) in small-sided practice task/game environments, dance and gymnastics (5c).
  • Standard 2 [E5.5c] Recognizes the type of throw, volley, or striking action needed for different games/sports situations (5c).