Lesson 3 - Navigation and Teamwork Challenges
Collaborative Navigation Adventures
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together to solve challenges and navigate safely through our environment?
Learning Objectives
- To negotiate effectively within a group to solve problems
- To plan and follow route maps using compass directions
- To demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully negotiate with teammates to complete team challenges
- Students will create and follow simple route maps using basic compass directions
- Students will show resilience and positive attitude when facing physical and mental challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Place hoops on students' arms at start positions around circles
Alternative: Large rope circles, resistance bands formed into circles
Arrange in 4x5 grid pattern with 2-metre spacing
Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, coloured paper plates
Each map should match exact cone layout with compass directions marked
Alternative: Laminated A4 sheets, clipboards with paper maps
Position benches 3 metres apart in activity area
Alternative: Painted lines on ground, rope on floor, masking tape lines
One pencil per group attached to each map card
Alternative: Whiteboard markers, crayons
Easily visible to all groups during timed activities
Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
To find your way from one place to another using directions
The four main directions: North, South, East, and West
To discuss and agree on something with others
A drawing that shows the path to take from one place to another
Being able to encourage yourself to keep trying without others telling you
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of left and right directions
- Experience working in small groups
- Basic listening and following instructions skills
Current Skills
- Group negotiation and communication
- Compass direction navigation
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Self-motivation in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced navigation using maps and landmarks
- Leadership roles in outdoor challenges
- Multi-stage problem solving activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Establish clear North reference point and maintain consistency throughout lesson
- Emphasise safety-first approach to all balance and movement challenges
- Model and encourage positive team communication and negotiation strategies
- Connect navigation skills to real-world applications and geography learning
- Celebrate effort and problem-solving process equally with achievement outcomes
- Build confidence gradually from simple to complex directional challenges
- Use self-assessment to develop students' reflection and self-awareness skills
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking compass directions change based on which way they're facing - emphasise fixed directional relationships
- Believing that speaking louder will help during non-verbal communication challenges - teach gesture and visual communication
- Assuming maps must be held in specific orientation - show how to align map with actual space
- Thinking balance challenges are about speed rather than cooperation and safety
- Misunderstanding that navigation is only about outdoor activities - connect to indoor spatial awareness
- Believing self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest reflection for growth
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback system
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for compass directions, simplified balance challenges, step-by-step visual guides for complex tasks
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet retreat space available, consistent routines and predictable challenge structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and clear verbal directions, provide tactile compass direction markers, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual direction cards and hand signals, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations of all activities
physical disability
- Adapted seating positions for balance challenges, modified movement distances, alternative participation in navigation using wheels or adapted equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Listening and following complex instructions, non-verbal communication exploration, descriptive vocabulary development
Maths
Cardinal and intercardinal compass directions (geometry), grid coordinates and mapping, sequential ordering and pattern recognition
Science
Forces and motion during balance challenges, communication methods and sound waves, problem-solving and investigation skills
Geography
Compass directions and basic navigation skills, map reading and route planning, spatial awareness and orientation
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, negotiation and communication, persistence and resilience building
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during navigation activities, position centrally during whole-class instruction, close supervision during balance challenges
Observation Focus
Watch for accurate compass direction movement, positive group negotiation, safe balance and movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in if groups struggling with navigation concepts, intervene immediately for unsafe balance activities, support groups having negotiation difficulties
Demonstration Notes
Show clear compass direction arm positions, demonstrate safe balance movement, model positive team communication and negotiation
Verbal Cues
- •'Think before you move - which direction is North?'
- •'Work together to solve this problem'
- •'Safety first - balance carefully!'
- •'Great communication - keep going!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for movement and balance activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bench stability before use
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify hoops are intact without breaks or rough edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from benches during balance challenges
- •Collisions during navigation activities
- •Trips over cones during movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between groups during navigation
- •Safety mats available near balance equipment
- •Supervised progression from simple to complex balance challenges
- •Clear movement boundaries established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during simultaneous activities
- •Close monitoring during balance challenges on benches
- •Active supervision of compass direction movement activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if anyone falls or gets injured, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required