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Modified Pacer Test with Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Hey, what’s up, guys? Let’s talk about the modified pacer test, which is what I do with kindergarten and first graders. I sit my kids down and demonstrate seven laps so they can see the level increase when it goes to level two; I then explain to them that they would do this in second grade.

So we’re doing a practice version, and we’re going to see if anybody can make it to 25 points in kindergarten, and then in first grade, I’ll let them go to 30 points, maybe even 35 points at the end of the year.

I’m giving them a chance to be exposed to the pacer test, understand how the test works, understand the level increases and the routines, and just try to go as long as they can. If they make two mistakes, their test is over; they sit down and do a silent cheer for the rest of the kids that are still going.

I don’t have anybody counting or anything like that. It’s all just self-assessed. Everybody’s lined up on the line simultaneously, and we do a sideline to sideline, which is probably under 15 meters.

It’s a short pacer, and we run the 20-meter pacer, so it’s straightforward for the kids. So it’s a quick way for them to try it out and a lot of fun.

My kindergarten kids crack up and laugh when the test starts because they are having a good time. It’s an easy way for you to explain and demonstrate and allow your younger students to try out the pacer test.

By the time they get to the second, third, fourth, and fifth grades, they know how to do it, and by the time they’re in fifth grade, it’s automatic; everybody knows what to do with precision.

So give it a shot and hope that is helpful. I hope you guys have a fantastic day. Have fun and teach on.

George N.
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