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Lesson 2 - Partner Cooperation

Social Skills & Cooperation

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Year 1

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can working together help us solve challenges that seem impossible alone?

Learning Objectives

To cooperate and communicate effectively with a partner to solve physical challenges
To develop listening skills and follow instructions accurately
To understand the importance of teamwork in achieving shared goals

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective partner cooperation in problem-solving activities
Students will communicate clearly with partners using verbal and non-verbal cues
Students will show improved listening skills and ability to follow multi-step instructions

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

15 (optional)

Place around perimeter of activity area for easy access

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or small footballs

Cones

8 (optional)

Mark start/finish lines and boundaries

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Low Hurdles

4 (optional)

Create simple obstacles for 'Share the Load' variations

Alternative: Ropes between cones, chalk lines to step over

Tennis Balls

8 (optional)

For extension activities requiring smaller objects

Alternative: Small bean bags or juggling balls

Key Vocabulary

Cooperate

Working together with someone to achieve a shared goal

Communicate

Sharing ideas, feelings or information with others through words or actions

Partner

Someone you work closely with to complete tasks or activities

Balance

Staying steady and not falling over while moving or standing still

Trust

Believing that someone will help you and keep you safe

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of personal space
Ability to follow simple instructions
Awareness of working with others

Current Skills

Partner cooperation and communication
Problem-solving through physical challenges
Listening and responding to others

Next Steps

Small group cooperation (3-4 students)
More complex problem-solving challenges
Leadership roles in group activities

Milestone Indicators

Maintains partnership for entire activity

Communicates needs and ideas clearly

Shows patience when partner struggles

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that both partners must contribute equally to succeed
Communication is as important as physical effort in partner work
Trust and encouragement help partners overcome challenges together
Problem-solving improves when partners share ideas and listen to each other
Patience with your partner creates a positive learning environment
Celebrating joint successes builds stronger partnerships
Different challenges require different cooperation strategies

Common Misconceptions

That one partner should do all the work - emphasise equal participation
That talking during activities is disruptive - teach constructive communication
That physical contact should be avoided - demonstrate appropriate supportive contact
That failing attempts means they can't do it - frame as learning opportunities
That only verbal communication matters - include non-verbal cooperation
That competition between pairs is necessary - focus on collaborative achievement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement to channel energy positively

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier-to-grip equipment, reduce complexity of coordinated movements, allow extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, allow choice of partner, create quiet space for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of partner positions, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure partner can see teacher's face, provide written instructions

physical disability

Adapt challenges to wheelchair users (hand-to-hand activities), modify carrying activities, provide seated alternatives

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening skills, following instructions, expressing ideas clearly

Maths

Counting during activities, understanding pairs and halves, problem-solving strategies

Science

Forces working together, balance and gravity, how bodies work together

PSHE

Cooperation, communication, building friendships, respecting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the teaching area to observe different pairs, positioning for maximum visibility of all activities

Observation Focus

Watch for effective communication, mutual support, and appropriate physical contact between partners

Intervention Points

["Step in if partners are struggling to communicate effectively", "Provide support if physical activities are too challenging", "Address any inappropriate behaviour immediately"]

Demonstration Notes

Use confident, successful pairs to demonstrate techniques. Always show activities yourself first to ensure clarity.

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Work together!'
•'Trust each other!'
•'Both partners need to help!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area suitable for partner activities and movement games

Surface Check

Ensure surface is even, dry, and free from obstacles that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Ensure no damaged equipment that could cause injury
•Keep pathways clear of loose equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Falls during Partner Stand activity
•Inappropriate physical contact between students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
•Teach appropriate physical contact levels
•Supervise Partner Stand attempts closely
•Ensure gentle tagging in Sandwich Tag game

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all partner activities
•Monitor physical contact during trust exercises
•Watch for signs of frustration or conflict between partners

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed. Provide first aid for any injuries. Have alternative activities ready for students who cannot participate.