Lesson 3 - Taking Turns in Small Groups
Social Skills & Cooperation
•Year 1
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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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
Scatter in designated area for collection games
Alternative: Bean bags can be substituted with foam balls, tennis balls, or sandbags
Use different colours - red, blue, yellow, green for sorting activities
Alternative: Coloured markers, hoops, or laminated paper circles
Place one of each colour at designated collection points
Alternative: Marked circles on floor with tape, cardboard rings, or rope circles
Key Vocabulary
When it is your time to have a go in an activity
A group of people working together towards the same goal
To gently touch someone to show it is their turn to go
A line of people waiting for their turn
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
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