Lesson 8 - Map Reading and Team Coordination
Trust & Communication Skills
•Year 2
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together effectively to solve challenges and follow instructions?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to copy a basic map and follow visual instructions
- To work effectively in small groups using clear communication
- To be able to plan and distribute roles within a team
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully interpret visual maps and recreate patterns
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork through coordinated movement
- Students will show improved communication skills through role assignment
Equipment & Resources Required
Scattered randomly around central area for collection activities
Alternative: Bean bags, foam blocks, or coloured scarves
Mixed throughout equipment collection zone
Alternative: Coloured markers, laminated cards, or spots
One per team around perimeter of space
Alternative: Rope circles, marked spaces, or buckets
Available for extension activities
Alternative: Long ribbons or rope pieces
Scattered with other equipment for collection
Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags
Laminated A4 cards showing equipment patterns
Alternative: Hand-drawn maps or digital displays
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas and information clearly with others
Working together in an organised way
A plan for achieving something
A repeated design or arrangement
A job or responsibility within a team
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
- Familiarity with basic PE equipment
Current Skills
- Following complex visual maps and patterns
- Coordinated group movement while maintaining contact
- Role assignment and team planning
- Reflective communication about teamwork
Next Steps
- Creating own maps and challenges for other teams
- Leading larger groups through complex tasks
- Problem-solving with multiple solution pathways
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Communication must be clear and specific for teams to succeed
- Planning before action leads to more efficient and successful outcomes
- Everyone in the team has an important role and contribution to make
- Maintaining physical contact while moving requires coordination and trust
- Maps and patterns require careful observation and attention to detail
- Reflection helps teams improve their performance in future challenges
- Teamwork skills from PE transfer to many other areas of life
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that talking more equals better communication - quality matters more than quantity
- Believing that the fastest team always wins - accuracy and coordination are more important
- Assuming one person should make all decisions - successful teams involve everyone
- Thinking patterns are easy to copy - careful observation and planning are essential
- Believing physical contact activities are just for fun - they develop real coordination skills
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear role boundaries, give frequent positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplify coordination requirements, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedules, allow processing time between instructions, create quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright, high-contrast equipment, provide verbal descriptions of maps, assign sighted buddy for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and gestures, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written map instructions
physical disability
- Adapt chain formation for wheelchair users, provide alternative equipment handling methods, modify collection rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following written instructions, developing vocabulary, speaking and listening skills in group discussions
Maths
Counting equipment accurately, recognising patterns and shapes, understanding spatial relationships and positioning
Science
Understanding forces and movement when coordinating as a group, exploring how communication helps coordination
PSHE
Building relationships, working cooperatively, developing empathy and understanding different roles in teams
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during warm-up, move between teams during activities, corner position for overview during face mapping
Observation Focus
Watch for communication quality, safe movement, inclusive behaviour, and accurate pattern recreation
Intervention Points
Step in if teams struggle with role assignment, safety concerns arise, or exclusion occurs
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Hand-holding technique, clear communication voice, map reading with finger pointing, role assignment gestures
Verbal Cues
- •'Talk to your team!'
- •'Check your map again!'
- •'How can you help your teammate?'
- •'What's your plan?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall minimum 15m x 10m or outdoor playground with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check beanbags are securely filled with no tears
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify hoops are complete circles with no breaks
- •Tennis balls properly inflated and clean
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Tripping while holding hands in chains
- •Collisions during equipment collection
- •Slipping on scattered equipment
- •Pinching fingers in hand-holding
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear movement boundaries established
- •Teach safe hand-holding technique
- •Ensure adequate spacing between teams
- •Regular equipment collection to prevent scatter
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all teams during chain activities
- •Monitor hand-holding technique for safety
- •Watch for inclusive behaviour and support
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, clear equipment from area if necessary