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Lesson 3 - Navigation and Teamwork Challenges

Collaborative Navigation Adventures

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Hoops

4-6 hoops

Place hoops on students' arms at start positions around circles

Alternative: Large rope circles, resistance bands formed into circles

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones in 4 different colours

Arrange in 4x5 grid pattern with 2-metre spacing

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, coloured paper plates

Cards

6 copies of cone grid map

Each map should match exact cone layout with compass directions marked

Alternative: Laminated A4 sheets, clipboards with paper maps

Benches

2-3 benches or balance beams

Position benches 3 metres apart in activity area

Alternative: Painted lines on ground, rope on floor, masking tape lines

Markers

6 pencils for map marking

One pencil per group attached to each map card

Alternative: Whiteboard markers, crayons

Stopwatch

1 timer

Easily visible to all groups during timed activities

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Navigate

To find your way from one place to another using directions

Compass directions

The four main directions: North, South, East, and West

Negotiate

To discuss and agree on something with others

Route map

A drawing that shows the path to take from one place to another

Self-motivated

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

Student can suggest solutions during group discussions

Student moves confidently in correct compass directions

Student maintains positive attitude when facing setbacks

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