Lesson 6 - Collaborative Group Skills
Trust & Communication Skills
•Year 2
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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How can we work together as a team to solve problems and support each other?
Learning Objectives
- To develop skills in interacting positively within a group setting
- To work collaboratively to solve problems and overcome challenges
- To demonstrate active listening and effective communication with teammates
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved listening skills when working in groups
- Students will contribute ideas and solutions to team challenges
- Students will reflect on successful teamwork strategies they have used
Equipment & Resources Required
One balloon per group of 5 students, extras for replacements
Alternative: Lightweight scarves, foam balls
Distributed around teaching area for collection activities
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk circles
One per group for sound-based challenges
Alternative: Balls with bells attached, tambourine, small bells
Alternative to goal balls for sound activities
Alternative: Bell, wooden blocks, whistle
Key Vocabulary
Working together with others to achieve a common goal
Sharing ideas, thoughts, and instructions clearly with others
Finding solutions to challenges or difficulties as a team
Moving together in time and working in harmony with teammates
Thinking about what worked well and what could be improved
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of taking turns
- Experience working in pairs
- Awareness of personal space and movement
Current Skills
- Active listening in group settings
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Non-verbal communication and coordination
- Reflection on team performance
Next Steps
- Leading small group activities
- Resolving conflicts within teams
- Complex multi-step team challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Model positive communication and active listening throughout all activities
- Emphasise process over outcome - celebrate attempts and improvement
- Use specific praise for teamwork behaviours you want to see repeated
- Allow thinking time before expecting responses during reflection
- Encourage students to support teammates rather than criticise mistakes
- Connect physical challenges to real-life teamwork situations
- Maintain focus on inclusion - ensure all students feel valued in their teams
Common Misconceptions
- Teamwork means everyone doing the same thing - clarify that different roles and contributions are valuable
- Loud communication is better - teach that clear, calm communication is more effective
- Competition between teams is most important - emphasise that learning and cooperation matter more than winning
- Mistakes mean failure - help students understand that mistakes are learning opportunities
- Only verbal communication matters - highlight the importance of non-verbal communication and actions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles within teams
dyspraxia
- Extra demonstration time, simplified coordination tasks, peer support for complex movements
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, predictable routines, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of space and activities, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all activities, hand signals for instructions, ensure eye contact when speaking
physical disability
- Adapt elephant walk to seated version or wheelchair users, modify balloon activities for different mobility levels
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, speaking and listening skills, following and giving instructions clearly
Maths
Counting balloon touches, measuring distances for challenges, timing activities, patterns in movement sequences
Science
Understanding sound production with bells, air pressure with balloons, forces in movement and balance
Geography
Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement around space
PSHE
Cooperation and collaboration, conflict resolution, empathy and supporting others, communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, step in closer when groups need support
Observation Focus
Watch for communication patterns, inclusion of all members, problem-solving strategies, and physical coordination
Intervention Points
["If groups struggle to form or include all members", "When safety becomes a concern during challenges", "If conflicts arise within teams", "When students become frustrated with team challenges"]
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show coordination. Model positive communication and problem-solving language. Show how to support struggling teammates.
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to communicate with your team'
- •'How can you help your teammate succeed?'
- •'What strategy might work better?'
- •'Great teamwork - I can see you're listening to each other'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m clear space
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balloons for proper inflation and no damage
- •Ensure goal balls/bells are secure and not sharp
- •Cones placed safely, not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Falls during elephant walk coordination
- •Balloon popping causing startle or debris
- •Exclusion or conflict within groups
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing established
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Adult supervision of group formation and dynamics
- •Stop signals established and practiced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Monitor for students who may feel left out
- •Watch for safe physical coordination during challenges
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students remain calm and safe