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Lesson 2 - Partner Cooperation

Cooperative Movement Challenges

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Reception

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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30 min

Big Question

How can we work together to solve movement challenges?

Learning Objectives

Follow instructions to perform individual coordination skills as part of a team
Cooperate with a partner to move across defined areas using shared equipment
Develop problem-solving skills through physical challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully complete coordination sequences as a team member
Students will work cooperatively with partners to navigate across obstacles
Students will demonstrate improved listening skills and following instructions

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

2 per pair of children (approximately 30 hoops)

Stored at the side of hall, easily accessible for distribution

Alternative: Large pieces of paper, carpet squares, or chalk circles

Cones

11 cones

Placed to mark start/finish lines and group positions

Alternative: Beanbags, markers, or spots

Balls

1 per pair (approximately 15 beanbags)

One colour per pair to avoid confusion

Alternative: Small balls, soft toys, or foam blocks

Key Vocabulary

Cooperation

Working together with others to achieve a common goal

Instructions

Directions or rules that tell us what to do

Coordination

Using different parts of your body together smoothly

Team

A group of people working together

Problem-solving

Finding solutions to challenges or difficulties

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic coordination skills like walking and running
Understanding of simple instructions
Experience of playing alongside others

Current Skills

Following multi-step instructions in sequence
Working cooperatively with a partner
Problem-solving through physical challenges

Next Steps

More complex cooperation tasks with larger groups
Independent problem-solving in PE activities
Leadership roles in team activities

Milestone Indicators

Can complete coordination sequences without stopping

Works harmoniously with different partners

Offers help and encouragement to others

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise that both partners must work together and stay together throughout challenges
Model problem-solving language: 'What if we try...?', 'That didn't work, let's think of another way'
Celebrate cooperation more than individual achievement to reinforce lesson focus
Use 'we' language consistently to promote team thinking rather than individual success
Demonstrate that mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures
Ensure all children experience success through appropriate challenge levels
Link physical cooperation to classroom and life skills throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

That one person can solve the problem alone - reinforce that cooperation means both people contribute
That there's only one 'right' way to cross the river - encourage different strategies and approaches
That faster completion is better - emphasise quality of cooperation over speed
That stronger or more confident children should take over - ensure equal participation
That making mistakes means failure - reframe as learning and improvement opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, immediate positive feedback for cooperation

dyspraxia

Larger hoops for easier accuracy, more time for coordination activities, step-by-step verbal prompts for complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent partner where possible

visual impairment

Use bright coloured hoops, verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system with sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations repeated, hand signals for instructions, written visual cards showing sequence

physical disability

Adapted hoops (larger or different height), wheelchair accessible version using different markers, modified distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting pairs and groups, understanding positional language (in front, behind, beside), problem-solving strategies

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, helping others, managing frustration when things don't work, celebrating shared successes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position for clear voice projection to all children

Observation Focus

Watch for cooperation skills, problem-solving approaches, inclusion of all children, safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if partnerships not working well, safety concerns arise, or children become frustrated with challenges

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with a partner to model cooperation, use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your partner about the best way!'
•'Both people stay together - don't leave your partner behind!'
•'If it doesn't work, try a different way!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full hall or large indoor space, minimum 15m x 10m for safe group movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clean and dry, free from obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure beanbags are securely sewn and not overfilled
•Cones positioned where they won't cause trips

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between pairs during river crossing
•Falls from losing balance stepping between hoops
•Arguments or exclusion during partner work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines between working pairs
•Emphasis on slow, controlled movements in hoops
•Active monitoring of partner dynamics and intervention when needed
•Clear boundaries and safe zones established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all pairs during river crossing activities
•Monitor partner relationships and group dynamics
•Stay mobile to assist with problem-solving and safety

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal for immediate cessation, clear pathways for adult access to any child