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Lesson 8 - Team Communication Skills

Social Skills & Cooperation

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Year 1

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to solve challenges using clear communication?

Learning Objectives

To communicate clearly with team members during problem-solving activities
To listen actively to others' ideas and suggestions
To work collaboratively in small groups to achieve common goals

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective communication skills during team challenges
Students will show they can listen to others and contribute ideas respectfully
Students will successfully complete group tasks through cooperation and planning

Equipment & Resources Required

Balloons

8 (2 per group of 4)

Inflate balloons before lesson, have spares ready in case of popping

Alternative: Beach balls, lightweight foam balls

Balls

8 (2 per group of 4)

Check beanbags are in good condition with no splits or loose filling

Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling scarves

Cones

50 (various colours if available)

Spread cones at varying distances from start lines, use different colours for scoring system

Alternative: Marker discs, bean bags, hoops

Tennis Rackets

30 (enough for whole class)

Check racket heads are secure and strings intact, shorter rackets better for Year 1

Alternative: Padder bats, small hockey sticks, large spoons

Tennis Balls

8 (optional extension)

Only use for advanced groups who master beanbag version

Alternative: Small foam balls, ping pong balls

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing information, ideas, or feelings with others through talking, listening, or body language

Teamwork

Working together with others to achieve a common goal or complete a task

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving something successfully

Problem-solving

Finding ways to overcome difficulties or challenges

Cooperation

Working together willingly and helping each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following simple instructions
Experience working in pairs or small groups
Knowledge of taking turns and sharing equipment

Current Skills

Clear verbal communication during activities
Active listening to team members
Contributing ideas to group problem-solving
Cooperative teamwork in structured challenges

Next Steps

Leading team discussions and decision-making
Resolving conflicts through communication
Planning and executing complex team strategies

Milestone Indicators

Students volunteer ideas during team discussions

Teams complete challenges through clear communication

Students encourage and support teammates effectively

Key Teaching Points

Model positive communication and active listening throughout the lesson
Emphasise process over outcome - celebrate good teamwork even when challenges are difficult
Encourage all students to contribute ideas, ensuring quieter voices are heard
Use specific praise for communication attempts and cooperative behaviour
Create safe opportunities for students to practice speaking in small groups before whole class sharing
Connect teamwork skills to other areas of school and home life
Build confidence through progressive challenges that allow for success at different levels

Common Misconceptions

Teamwork means everyone does the same thing - clarify that different contributions are valuable
Loudest voice should lead - teach that good listeners can be excellent leaders too
Mistakes mean failure - emphasise that problems help teams learn and improve
Competition is more important than cooperation - focus on team success rather than winning against others
Communication is just talking - include listening, body language, and supportive actions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive feedback, choice of roles within teams

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, peer support, emphasis on effort over performance

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, defined boundaries and safe spaces, consistent routines, additional processing time

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for navigation, tactile equipment markers

hearing impairment

Visual signals for instructions, demonstration-heavy teaching, written activity cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Seated versions of activities, modified equipment (larger/lighter), adapted distances, alternative movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, vocabulary development, following and giving instructions, collaborative discussion

Maths

Counting during activities, simple addition for scoring systems, understanding of numbers and quantities in grouping

Science

Understanding forces in balloon activities, exploring balance and coordination, observing cause and effect in team strategies

PSHE

Working cooperatively, resolving conflicts, understanding feelings, building positive relationships, citizenship skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all groups, move between teams during activities to provide support and feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for inclusive communication, note problem-solving strategies, identify students needing additional support or challenge

Intervention Points

Step in when groups struggle with cooperation, guide discussions when students can't agree, support individuals who are reluctant to participate

Demonstration Notes

Model positive communication constantly - show active listening, encourage turn-taking, demonstrate problem-solving discussions

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to include everyone's ideas!'
•'What did you notice about teams that communicated well?'
•'Listen first, then share your idea!'
•'How can you help your teammate succeed?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from debris, adequate cushioning for any floor activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balloons for latex allergies - have alternatives ready
•Inspect tennis rackets for secure heads and intact strings
•Ensure beanbags are in good condition with no loose filling
•Cones placed safely without sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Allergic reactions to balloon latex
•Equipment misuse (rackets as weapons)
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe zones established
•Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex tasks
•Clear rules about equipment use and respect
•Regular safety reminders and demonstrations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to observe all groups simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities to monitor closely
•Watch for signs of frustration or conflict within teams
•Ensure equal participation and inclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are supervised safely