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Lesson 1 - Teamwork and Problem Solving

Collaborative Navigation Adventures

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can working together as a team help us solve challenges more effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative problem-solving activities
To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in physical challenges
To show enthusiasm, determination and resilience when facing difficulties

Key Outcomes

Students will work effectively as part of a team to solve physical challenges
Students will demonstrate improved coordination and precision in movement tasks
Students will use problem-solving strategies and learn from mistakes

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

Place all in central hoop at start

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls

Hoops

11 (1 central, 10 team hoops)

Team hoops spaced evenly around activity area

Alternative: Cones with rope circles, chalk circles

Cones

Create sanctuary areas for warm-up activity

Alternative: Markers, chalk marks

Example Symbols

8 cards (1 per group of 4)

Pre-prepared with symbol definitions

Alternative: Laminated sheets, clipboards with paper

Sun Markers

One per team, ensure they work

Alternative: Pencils, dry-wipe pens

Pictures

Laminated and numbered, placed around perimeter

Alternative: Printed symbols on paper

Elastic Bands

Each with 5 x 30cm strings attached

Alternative: Bungee cords, resistance bands

Plastic Beakers

30 (6 sets of 5)

Lightweight and stackable

Alternative: Light containers, cones

Court Markings

4 copies

Show numbered course routes clearly

Alternative: Hand-drawn maps on paper

Cards

Simple mental maths: +24, -15, x3 etc

Alternative: Laminated number operations

Key Vocabulary

Agility

The ability to move quickly and easily, changing direction smoothly

Coordination

Using different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Precision

Being exact and accurate in movements and actions

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from difficulties and keep trying

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving a goal

Ordnance Survey

Maps and symbols used for navigation and showing land features

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork concepts
Fundamental movement skills - running, jumping, balancing
Following simple rules and instructions

Current Skills

Collaborative problem-solving strategies
Precise movement and coordination under pressure
Map reading and symbol recognition basics

Next Steps

Advanced orienteering skills
Complex team challenge activities
Leadership roles in group problem-solving

Milestone Indicators

Stays with team throughout activities

Contributes ideas to group discussions

Shows improvement in movement precision

Demonstrates resilience when tasks are difficult

Key Teaching Points

Teamwork makes challenges easier and more enjoyable - emphasise collaborative problem-solving throughout
Precision and coordination improve through practice - celebrate small improvements in movement control
Communication is essential for team success - model and encourage clear, positive team talk
Resilience helps us overcome difficulties - praise effort and positive attitude when facing challenges
Map reading and navigation are valuable life skills - connect OS symbols to real-world applications
Problem-solving strategies can be applied in many situations - encourage use of elimination method
Everyone has different strengths that benefit the team - recognise diverse contributions to success

Common Misconceptions

That physical activities don't require thinking - emphasise the mental challenge in today's tasks
That speed is more important than accuracy - repeatedly stress control and precision over rushing
That making mistakes means failure - frame errors as learning opportunities and steps to success
That some children can't contribute to team success - highlight different ways to help the team
That maps and symbols are too difficult for Year 3 - build confidence through systematic introduction
That apparatus work is just about strength - explain the importance of coordination and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Simplified apparatus coordination, extra practice time, focus on individual progress rather than competition

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, quiet zones available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use high contrast OS symbols, buddy system for navigation, verbal descriptions of all visual elements

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for team communication

physical disability

Adapted apparatus with larger handles, seated participation options, modified movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, explaining strategies and solutions, following complex instructions

Maths

Mental calculation practice, number operations under pressure, using process of elimination strategies

Science

Forces and elastic properties, coordination and balance in human body, problem-solving scientific method

Geography

Map reading skills, symbol recognition, understanding of Ordnance Survey conventions, navigation concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience and determination, leadership skills, celebrating achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around activity areas to observe all groups, position at corner for maximum visibility during whole-class activities

Observation Focus

Watch for teamwork effectiveness, safety in movement, understanding of tasks, and positive attitude development

Intervention Points

Step in when teams struggling with cooperation, equipment use becoming unsafe, or children becoming frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for apparatus work, model positive communication, show problem-solving thinking process

Verbal Cues

•'Teams work together!'
•'Precise movements!'
•'Communicate clearly!'
•'Stay safe and controlled!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for running activities, level ground for precise apparatus work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check elastic bands for wear and potential snapping
•Ensure beakers/containers are not broken or sharp
•Verify hoops are intact with no rough edges
•Confirm OS symbols are securely attached

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Elastic band snapping under tension
•Falls due to rushing or uncontrolled movement
•Arguments during competitive elements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and running directions established
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson
•Clear rules about respectful competition

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas like central hoop
•Watch apparatus work closely for coordination
•Ensure fair play during competitive elements

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified