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Lesson 2 - Symbol Recognition

Outdoor Skills & Teamwork

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Year 1

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How do symbols help us follow instructions and work together in physical activities?

Learning Objectives

To accurately follow multi-step instructions from the teacher
To work confidently as individuals and in pairs during physical activities
To recognise, recall and remember 2-3 symbols used in outdoor activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate careful listening and accurate following of instructions
Students will successfully identify and match symbols in active games
Students will work cooperatively with peers to complete symbol-matching challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

30 (mixed colours: red, blue, yellow, green)

Arrange in sets of 4 for whack-a-mole, then distribute around area for symbol matching

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops in different colours

Cards

30 pairs (60 total)

Include fence, tree, river, bridge, house symbols - print multiples

Alternative: Laminated pictures of common symbols, hand-drawn symbol cards

Tennis Balls

8-10

For extension activity - one per mat/cone set

Alternative: Bean bags, small soft balls

Mats

For whack-a-mole setup - space 2m apart

Alternative: Marked ground spaces, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Symbol

A simple picture or sign that represents something else

Instructions

Clear directions telling us what to do

Matching

Finding two things that are exactly the same

Sequence

A particular order of doing things

Cooperate

Working together as a team to complete a task

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic listening and following simple instructions
Understanding of basic colours and shapes
Experience of working with peers in simple activities

Current Skills

Following multi-step instructions accurately
Recognising and matching symbols
Working cooperatively in pairs and small groups

Next Steps

Using symbols for navigation and orienteering
Creating own symbols and instruction sequences
Leading others using symbol-based communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistently follows 3-step instructions without prompting

Accurately identifies 5+ different symbols

Helps peers understand symbol meanings

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate symbol matching clearly before expecting children to do it independently
Use consistent language when describing symbols and their meanings
Ensure all children can see symbols clearly - hold them high and move around the group
Praise effort in following instructions, not just successful completion
Build complexity gradually from single to multi-step instructions
Encourage cooperation and help children who struggle to find matches
Connect symbols to real-world examples children will recognise and understand

Common Misconceptions

Children may think symbols are just pictures rather than representations of real things
Some students may believe matching means 'similar' rather than 'exactly the same'
Children might not understand that symbols on maps represent actual features in landscapes
Students may think instructions must be followed immediately without listening to the complete sequence
Some children may not realise that symbols are used consistently to mean the same thing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break instructions into smaller chunks, use movement breaks, provide fidget tools during sitting activities

dyspraxia

Allow extra processing time, provide physical demonstrations, break down complex movements into steps

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, use consistent language patterns, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use high contrast symbol cards, provide tactile symbols, clear verbal descriptions of all visual elements

hearing impairment

Use visual signal cards alongside verbal instructions, ensure child can see teacher's face, use gestures

physical disability

Adapt movement requirements, allow seated participation where needed, modify distances for mobility aids

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary around symbols, following verbal instructions, communication during partner work

Art

Recognition of visual symbols and signs, understanding how pictures can represent ideas

Geography

Understanding map symbols and their representations, spatial awareness during activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instructions, move around during activities to support all children

Observation Focus

Watch for symbol recognition accuracy, listening skills, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

["Step in if children struggle to find matches", "Support during complex instruction sequences", "Manage any exclusion or unkind behaviour"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate new concepts clearly, use exaggerated movements for visibility, check understanding before progressing

Verbal Cues

•'Listen first, then move'
•'Find the matching symbol'
•'Work together to solve this'
•'Remember the sequence'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from trip hazards, adequate grip for movement activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Symbol cards securely attached to avoid becoming litter
•Adequate spacing between equipment setups

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Trips over cones or equipment
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between working areas maintained
•Movement activities supervised and controlled
•Equipment checked before and after use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all children during scattered activities
•Move around during partner work to support interactions
•Monitor equipment areas for safe usage

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear pathways to exit, first aid procedures known