Lesson 1 - Teamwork and Problem Solving
Collaborative Navigation Adventures
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Place all in central hoop at start
Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls
Team hoops spaced evenly around activity area
Alternative: Cones with rope circles, chalk circles
Create sanctuary areas for warm-up activity
Alternative: Markers, chalk marks
Pre-prepared with symbol definitions
Alternative: Laminated sheets, clipboards with paper
One per team, ensure they work
Alternative: Pencils, dry-wipe pens
Laminated and numbered, placed around perimeter
Alternative: Printed symbols on paper
Each with 5 x 30cm strings attached
Alternative: Bungee cords, resistance bands
Lightweight and stackable
Alternative: Light containers, cones
Show numbered course routes clearly
Alternative: Hand-drawn maps on paper
Simple mental maths: +24, -15, x3 etc
Alternative: Laminated number operations
Key Vocabulary
The ability to move quickly and easily, changing direction smoothly
Using different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently
Being exact and accurate in movements and actions
The ability to bounce back from difficulties and keep trying
A plan or method for achieving a goal
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
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