Lesson 5 - Equipment Collection Skills
Outdoor Skills & Teamwork
•Year 1
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use symbols and teamwork to find and collect the right equipment for our adventures?
Learning Objectives
- To recognise that symbols represent real objects and equipment
- To work collaboratively to find and collect items using a checklist or symbol card
- To develop self-checking skills by verifying collected equipment against given criteria
Key Outcomes
- Students will accurately match symbols to physical equipment
- Students will demonstrate teamwork when completing collection challenges
- Students will show independence in checking their work against success criteria
Equipment & Resources Required
Scatter around central playing area
Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls
Mixed throughout equipment collection zone
Alternative: Markers, throw-down spots
Distributed in central area
Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles
Placed with other equipment in middle zone
Alternative: Small soft balls, foam blocks
One set per group, laminated for durability
Alternative: Hand-drawn symbols on whiteboards
One per group for recording
Alternative: Books, PE mats as writing surfaces
Ensure all students have writing implement
Alternative: Whiteboard pens with mini boards
Key Vocabulary
A shape or picture that represents something else
A list of items to find or collect, often with boxes to tick when completed
The tools and objects we use for sports and activities
Working together with others to achieve a common goal
Looking at your own work to make sure it's correct
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic shape recognition (squares, circles, triangles)
- Understanding of following simple instructions
- Experience working in small groups
Current Skills
- Symbol-to-object recognition and matching
- Systematic searching and collection techniques
- Team communication and coordination
- Self-assessment and checking skills
Next Steps
- Using maps and directional symbols
- Following multi-step symbol sequences
- Creating and reading simple adventure courses
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Symbols are visual representations that help us identify and organise objects
- Effective teamwork requires communication, taking turns, and supporting each other
- Systematic checking helps ensure accuracy in completing tasks
- Safe movement and awareness of others is essential during equipment collection activities
- Problem-solving involves looking carefully, thinking before acting, and asking for help when needed
- Following multi-step instructions requires listening, remembering, and checking progress
- Different people have different strengths, and teams work best when everyone contributes
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think symbols always represent the same thing across different contexts - clarify that symbols can represent different objects depending on the situation
- Some students may believe faster collection is always better - emphasise that accuracy and safety are more important than speed
- Teams may think they need to collect everything at once - reinforce the one-person-one-item rule and systematic approach
- Students might assume they can't help teammates who are struggling - encourage supportive behaviour and peer assistance
- Some may think making mistakes means they're not good at the activity - frame errors as learning opportunities and celebrate improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear, short instructions with regular check-ins, movement breaks within activities, specific roles within teams, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Simplified symbol designs, extra time for processing instructions, physical guidance for movement patterns, praise effort over accuracy
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent verbal cues and expectations
visual impairment
- Use high-contrast symbols, tactile equipment identification, verbal descriptions of all visual elements, buddy support system
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written symbol cards, visual signals for transitions, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapted equipment collection methods, modified movement requirements, alternative ways to participate in teams, suitable seating/positioning options
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following written instructions, vocabulary development, speaking and listening in team contexts
Science
Observation skills, classification systems, systematic investigation approaches
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, following rules and instructions, celebrating diversity of abilities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all teams and equipment area, move constantly during active phases
Observation Focus
Monitor symbol recognition accuracy, team communication quality, safe movement patterns, and inclusive participation
Intervention Points
Support teams struggling with symbol interpretation, redirect competitive behaviour that compromises safety, facilitate inclusive participation
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show safe collection techniques, model clear symbol-to-object connections, demonstrate effective team communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Check your symbol card before collecting!'
- •'Remember - one person, one item!'
- •'Talk to your team about what you need!'
- •'Walk safely around the equipment area!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Ensure surface is clean, dry, and even with no trip hazards or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all equipment is in good condition with no sharp edges or damage
- •Ensure tennis balls are properly inflated and not split
- •Verify cones are stable and not cracked
- •Check bean bags are securely sealed
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during equipment collection
- •Trips and falls from equipment left in pathways
- •Overcrowding at central equipment area
- •Competitive pressure leading to unsafe movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish and enforce walking pace during all collection activities
- •Create clear pathways between team areas and central equipment zone
- •Limit number of students collecting simultaneously
- •Position adult supervisor for maximum visibility of all students
- •Regularly remind students of safety rules throughout lesson
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position yourself with clear view of central equipment area
- •Circulate constantly during active collection phases
- •Monitor team areas for safe equipment storage
- •Watch for students who may become overly competitive or frustrated
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs, ensure clear pathways to exits remain unobstructed, first aid kit readily accessible