Lesson 5 - Teamwork and Shape Patterns
Cooperative Movement Challenges
•Reception
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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How can we use our imagination and teamwork to create amazing patterns together?
Learning Objectives
- To work cooperatively with others to create patterns and shapes
- To develop imagination through movement and mime activities
- To recognise, collect and organise coloured items as a team
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate imaginative movement in their own space
- Students will work effectively as part of a team to collect and organise equipment
- Students will create various shapes and patterns using coloured equipment cooperatively
Equipment & Resources Required
Scatter around activity area, ensuring at least 10 items per group colour
Alternative: Coloured bean bags, throw down spots, coloured bands
Place around perimeter of activity area as team collection points
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marked zones
Mix with cones throughout activity area
Alternative: Small balls, blocks, colour cards
Supplement other coloured equipment if needed
Alternative: Laminated colour cards, fabric squares
Key Vocabulary
Using your mind to create pictures and ideas that aren't really there
Working together with others to achieve something
A design that repeats or follows a special arrangement
The outline or form of something like a circle, square or triangle
Acting out actions without making sounds, using only your body
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic spatial awareness and personal space understanding
- Recognition of basic shapes (circle, square, line)
- Experience of working alongside others in activities
Current Skills
- Imaginative movement and mime skills
- Team cooperation and turn-taking
- Shape creation using equipment cooperatively
Next Steps
- Complex pattern making with multiple colours
- Leading team activities independently
- Problem-solving challenges requiring greater cooperation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cooperation means sharing ideas, taking turns, and helping each other succeed
- Every team member's contribution is valuable and important
- Disagreements can be solved by listening to each other and finding compromises
- Imagination helps us create and pretend, making activities more fun and engaging
- Working together as a team helps us achieve more than working alone
- Being kind and encouraging helps everyone feel included and confident
- Following team rules and taking turns helps activities run smoothly and fairly
Common Misconceptions
- Cooperation means always agreeing - correct by teaching negotiation and compromise skills
- Faster teams are better - emphasise quality teamwork over speed
- Some students can't contribute - highlight different ways to help and participate
- Arguments mean failure - teach that working through disagreements is part of cooperation
- Perfect shapes are most important - focus on teamwork process over final product
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement, movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified movements, extra processing time, physical guidance for equipment placement
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual team rules, quiet reflection spaces available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide tactile shape templates, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, visual team organisation charts
physical disability
- Adapted equipment sizes, seated participation options, modified movement requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between teams during activities, position centrally during whole-class instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for turn-taking, inclusive behaviour, safe movement, and creative problem-solving
Intervention Points
Step in if teams struggle with organisation, conflicts arise, or safety concerns develop
Demonstration Notes
Model teamwork behaviours clearly, show cooperation in action, demonstrate safe equipment handling
Verbal Cues
- •'One person collecting, others waiting'
- •'Share your ideas with your team'
- •'Help each other make it work'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for 30 students, with perimeter area for team hoops
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface clear of obstacles, adequate space between team areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Ensure bean bags are intact with no loose filling
- •Verify hoops are appropriate size and undamaged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during collection activities
- •Tripping over scattered equipment
- •Falls during hopping extension activities
- •Disagreements escalating during team activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear walking pace and movement rules
- •Ensure adequate spacing between teams throughout
- •Monitor hopping activities for safe technique
- •Provide adult support for teams struggling with cooperation
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all teams during collection activities
- •Move between teams during shape creation to support collaboration
- •Monitor equipment areas for safe placement and collection
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if conflicts arise, provide calm mediation and restart with clearer expectations