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Lesson 4 - Working Together as a Team

Social Skills & Cooperation

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Year 1

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

What makes someone a great teammate and how can we help each other succeed?

Learning Objectives

To understand what teamwork means and identify qualities of good teammates
To develop cooperative skills through parachute and group activities
To practice communication and problem-solving together

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate teamwork skills during group challenges
Students will support and encourage their teammates
Students will follow instructions and take turns appropriately

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Place one in each corner of the activity area for team tag

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, or chalk circles

Hoops

6 (various colours preferred)

4 hoops for pass the hoop activity, 2 spare for demonstrations

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles, or gym spots

Parachutes

1 (large class-sized)

Check for tears before use, ensure enough handles for class size

Alternative: Large sheet or multiple smaller parachutes

Balls

1 (medium size)

Use for parachute wave challenges

Alternative: Beach ball, foam ball, or bean bag

Key Vocabulary

Teamwork

Working together with others to achieve a common goal

Teammate

A person who works with you as part of the same team

Cooperation

Working together in a helpful way

Communication

Talking and listening to share ideas with your team

Support

Helping and encouraging your teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding basic instructions and rules
Ability to work alongside others
Basic spatial awareness and movement skills

Current Skills

Cooperative teamwork skills
Communication during physical activities
Problem-solving as a group

Next Steps

Leadership roles in team activities
More complex cooperative challenges
Strategic thinking in team games

Milestone Indicators

Students naturally help others without prompting

Groups can self-organise for simple challenges

Students encourage teammates positively

Key Teaching Points

Teamwork means everyone working together toward the same goal
Good teammates help, encourage, and include others
Listening to instructions helps the whole team succeed
Taking turns and sharing makes activities more fun for everyone
Problems can be solved better when we work together
Celebrating team achievements is more important than individual success
Communication helps teammates understand how to help each other

Common Misconceptions

Students may think teamwork means doing everything the same way - explain that different students can contribute different skills
Some students may believe being the fastest or strongest is most important - emphasise helping and supporting others
Students might think mistakes ruin teamwork - teach that mistakes are learning opportunities for the whole team
Children may assume quiet students aren't good teammates - show how listening and thoughtful actions contribute to teams
Some may think teamwork is only about winning - focus on fun, learning, and everyone participating successfully

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into smaller steps, provide movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues, offer specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for coordination activities, provide gentle physical guidance, break down complex movements, celebrate effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, warn of transitions, allow quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent language and routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, pair with sighted buddy, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, use tactile cues for parachute position

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure student can see teacher's face, use hand signals for timing, pair with hearing buddy

physical disability

Adapt grip on parachute handles, allow seated participation where appropriate, modify tag game for different mobility levels, ensure wheelchair accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening skills during instructions, speaking during discussions, descriptive language for teamwork

Science

Forces when pulling parachute, air movement creating mushroom effect, cause and effect in team activities

Mathematics

Counting students in groups, timing activities, patterns in Mexican wave movements

PSHE

Working together, helping others, celebrating differences, managing emotions during challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity area to monitor all students, position for clear voice projection during parachute activities

Observation Focus

Watch for inclusive behaviour, cooperation, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students exclude others, unsafe movement occurs, or activities become too competitive

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, model cooperative language and behaviour, demonstrate all movements clearly before expecting students to attempt them

Verbal Cues

•'Let's work together!'
•'How can we help our teammate?'
•'Remember to look for space!'
•'Great teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or gymnasium, minimum 15m x 15m for parachute activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, consider bare feet for better grip during parachute work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect parachute for tears or damaged handles before use
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check hoops for damage that could cause injuries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during team tag and parachute activities
•Slips and falls on smooth surfaces
•Entanglement in parachute or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and space awareness emphasised
•Gentle tagging rule established and monitored
•Controlled movements under parachute with clear instructions
•Adequate spacing maintained around parachute

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor parachute activities closely for safe movement
•Watch for students who may need additional support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, comfort distressed students