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Big Question

How can we work together fairly by taking turns and helping our team succeed?

Learning Objectives

  • To be able to take turns when working in a small group
  • To develop listening skills and follow instructions in team activities
  • To understand the importance of cooperation and fairness in group work

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate turn-taking skills in team activities
  • Students will show they can listen to others and follow group instructions
  • Students will work cooperatively in groups of four with minimal adult support

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
20

Scatter in designated area for collection games

Alternative: Bean bags can be substituted with foam balls, tennis balls, or sandbags

Cones
50 (various colours)

Use different colours - red, blue, yellow, green for sorting activities

Alternative: Coloured markers, hoops, or laminated paper circles

Hoops
4 (different colours)

Place one of each colour at designated collection points

Alternative: Marked circles on floor with tape, cardboard rings, or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Turn

When it is your time to have a go in an activity

Team

A group of people working together towards the same goal

Tag

To gently touch someone to show it is their turn to go

Queue

A line of people waiting for their turn

Cooperation

Working together helpfully with others

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic listening skills and following simple instructions
  • Understanding of personal space and moving safely
  • Recognition of colours and basic counting skills

Current Skills

  • Taking turns in structured team activities
  • Working cooperatively in groups of four
  • Demonstrating patience while waiting

Next Steps

  • Working in larger groups with increased independence
  • Taking on leadership roles within teams
  • Developing more complex team strategies and communication

Milestone Indicators

1
Student waits for their turn without reminders
2
Student encourages teammates positively
3
Student follows team rules consistently

Key Teaching Points

  • Turn-taking requires patience and creates fairness for everyone
  • Teams work best when everyone follows the agreed rules
  • Encouraging teammates helps everyone feel included and confident
  • Gentle tagging and clear communication keep activities safe and fun
  • Listening carefully to instructions helps teams succeed together

Common Misconceptions

  • That going first is always better - explain how different positions in the queue can be helpful
  • That fastest teams always win - emphasise cooperation and rule-following over speed
  • That turn-taking is only for games - connect to classroom and life situations
  • That you can't help your team when it's not your turn - show how encouragement and cheering help

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Use shorter activity bursts, provide additional movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities within teams
dyspraxia
  • Allow extra practice time for movement patterns, provide simple verbal cues for complex movements, focus on effort rather than perfection
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear visual schedule of activities, give warning before transitions, create quiet space if needed for regulation
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of layout, assign a buddy for guidance during movement activities
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals alongside verbal commands, demonstrate all activities clearly, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading
physical disability
  • Adapt movement activities to abilities (wheelchair racing, modified tagging), allow alternative ways to participate in turn-taking

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following verbal instructions, using vocabulary related to teamwork and cooperation, expressing ideas clearly in discussions

Maths

Counting cones and calculating team scores, understanding concepts of 'more than' and 'less than', basic addition of points

Science

Understanding body movements and coordination, exploring different ways of moving, observing cause and effect in team dynamics

PSHE

Developing social skills and cooperation, learning about fairness and taking turns, building empathy and consideration for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between teams during activities to monitor turn-taking and provide encouragement, return to central position for whole-class instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for adherence to turn-taking rules, note students who struggle with waiting, observe team dynamics and cooperation levels

Intervention Points

Step in if teams argue about turn order, provide support for students who struggle with rule-following, redirect energy if students become over-excited

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated demonstrations for turn-taking actions, model patience and good sportsmanship, show enthusiasm for all teams regardless of performance

Verbal Cues
  • •'Remember to wait for your tag!'
  • •'Great teamwork, you're taking turns perfectly!'
  • •'One at a time from each team'
  • •'Encourage your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for running and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • •Ensure beanbags are securely sewn and not leaking
  • •Verify hoops are not damaged or sharp

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions between students during running activities
  • •Trips from scattered equipment
  • •Over-excitement leading to rule-breaking
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries and pathways established
  • •Adequate spacing between teams (minimum 3m)
  • •Regular reminders about safe movement and looking ahead
  • •Progressive skill building from practice to competition

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for visibility of all teams during activities
  • •Monitor high-energy phases for over-excitement
  • •Be ready to intervene in team disputes quickly
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'FREEZE' command, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and seated