Lesson 2 - Team Problem Solving
Collaborative Navigation Adventures
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together as a team to overcome challenges and solve problems under pressure?
Learning Objectives
- To develop problem-solving skills through team challenges
- To demonstrate effective communication and negotiation within a group
- To show resilience and perseverance when facing difficulties
Key Outcomes
- Students will work collaboratively to solve physical challenges
- Students will communicate effectively to achieve team goals
- Students will demonstrate creative thinking when finding solutions
Equipment & Resources Required
Placed around hall for 'stepping stones' activity
Alternative: Large PE mats, gymnastics mats
Used for team relay warm-up activities
Alternative: Soft toys, foam shapes
Spread at far end of hall for relay activity
Alternative: Picture cards, flag/capital city cards, jigsaw pieces
Alternative equipment for 'stepping stones'
Alternative: Large rope circles, chalk circles
Additional equipment option for crossing challenges
Alternative: Small mats, chalk marks
Used as 'pots of gold' for final challenge
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
For recording students' problem-solving attempts
Alternative: Phone camera, video recorder
Key Vocabulary
A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal
To discuss and reach an agreement with others
To work together effectively towards a common goal
To keep trying even when something is difficult
Coming up with new and original ideas to solve problems
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of following instructions
- Experience working in pairs or small groups
- Ability to move safely around equipment
Current Skills
- Collaborative problem-solving techniques
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Strategic thinking under pressure
Next Steps
- Leading team problem-solving activities
- Complex multi-stage challenges
- Outdoor adventurous activities with real equipment
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Every team member's ideas and contributions are valuable and should be heard
- Problem-solving requires both creative thinking and strategic planning
- Adaptation and perseverance are more important than immediate success
- Effective communication is essential for successful teamwork
- Multiple solutions exist for most challenges - creativity should be celebrated
- Supporting teammates is as important as contributing ideas
- Learning happens through both success and constructive failure
Common Misconceptions
- That only the loudest voice or first idea should be followed - address by ensuring all students contribute
- That there is only one 'correct' solution to each challenge - show multiple successful strategies
- That failing the first time means the team is not good enough - emphasise learning through iteration
- That competition means teams cannot help each other - model supportive competition
- That physical ability is more important than thinking and communication - celebrate diverse contributions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for equipment manipulation, provide step-by-step visual guides, offer alternative equipment sizes
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if needed, use visual schedules for activities
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial arrangements, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt equipment height and distance, allow seated participation where appropriate, modify movement requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Speaking and listening skills, vocabulary development, following and giving instructions clearly
Maths
Spatial awareness and geometry through equipment positioning, problem-solving strategies and logical thinking
Science
Forces and movement when positioning equipment, understanding cause and effect in strategy adaptation
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping skills through navigation challenges, understanding of terrain and obstacles
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience and perseverance, leadership and responsibility
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between teams during activities, position centrally during instructions for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for quality of communication, creative problem-solving, and safe equipment use
Intervention Points
Step in when teams struggle with communication, when safety rules are forgotten, or when frustration levels rise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing equipment use, model excellent listening and communication skills throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to include everyone's ideas!'
- •'What other strategies might work?'
- •'How can your team adapt this plan?'
- •'Excellent communication, I can see real teamwork!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for moving equipment and students
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check crash mats are secure and in good condition
- •Ensure no damaged or worn equipment
- •Verify adequate equipment quantity for safe use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips and falls when moving between equipment
- •Injuries from unsafe equipment positioning
- •Collisions between teams during competitive activities
- •Frustration leading to unsafe risk-taking behaviour
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each team's working area
- •Adequate spacing maintained between teams throughout
- •Consistent enforcement of rules about equipment movement
- •Teacher positioning for optimal supervision of all teams
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position centrally for visibility of all teams simultaneously
- •Monitor emotional responses to challenge and competition
- •Watch for safe equipment use and movement patterns
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe