Lesson 3 - Point and Return Navigation
Map Reading Foundations and Team Navigation Adventures
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work as an effective team to navigate accurately and safely in our environment?
Learning Objectives
- To orientate a map correctly and locate specific points
- To work collaboratively in pairs to find and return from designated points
- To develop compass direction understanding and spatial awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to orientate a map and locate their classroom
- Students will successfully navigate to points and return to base as a team
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-marked with orienteering points and out-of-bounds areas highlighted
Alternative: Simplified sketch maps of area if detailed maps unavailable
Positioned in correct compass directions with adequate spacing
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or laminated cards
For emergency stop or time-up signals
Alternative: Bell or loud voice for recall signal
For recording found points and planning routes
Alternative: Hard-backed books or writing boards
Key Vocabulary
To position a map so it matches the real world around you
The starting and returning point for your navigation challenge
The eight main directions: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest
Finding your way from one place to another using a map
The symbols on a map that tell you what different marks mean
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps and symbols
- Awareness of compass directions (North, South, East, West)
- Experience working in pairs cooperatively
Current Skills
- Map orientation techniques
- Point-to-point navigation
- Strategic thinking in outdoor environments
- Effective partnership communication
Next Steps
- Multi-leg orienteering courses
- Using scale and grid references
- Independent navigation challenges
- Leading small group expeditions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Map orientation is the foundation skill - always orientate before moving
- Partnership communication is essential for successful navigation
- Strategic thinking develops through experience with different point values
- Safety awareness must be maintained even during competitive elements
- Map reading connects to real-world problem-solving skills
- Resilience builds when students overcome navigation challenges together
- Spatial awareness develops through matching map features to reality
Common Misconceptions
- Maps work without being orientated - emphasise the matching concept
- Running fast is more important than accurate navigation - stress technique over speed
- One partner can do all the navigation - highlight the value of teamwork
- Difficult points are always worth attempting - teach strategic decision making
- Getting lost is failure - frame it as learning opportunity and problem-solving practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent check-ins, clear physical boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with fewer details, extra practice time for map orientation, supportive partner pairing
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, defined boundaries and predictable routines, quiet area available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use tactile maps with raised features, buddy system with sighted partner, clear verbal descriptions of surroundings and directions
hearing impairment
- Visual signal system instead of whistle, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques
physical disability
- Adapted maps for wheelchair access routes, modified control points at appropriate heights, partner support for movement
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Compass directions and angles, measuring distances on maps, counting and scoring points, understanding scale and proportion
Science
Magnetism and compass use, forces and movement, observation and recording skills
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and keys, spatial awareness, cardinal and intercardinal directions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, decision-making skills, resilience and persistence, leadership qualities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central base position with good sight lines to all activity areas, move to support individuals while maintaining group overview
Observation Focus
Watch for map orientation technique, partnership communication, safety awareness, and strategic thinking development
Intervention Points
Step in when students separate from partners, when safety boundaries are approached, or when navigation frustration becomes counterproductive
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Map orientation with exaggerated body movement, partnership communication through clear verbal and visual cues, strategic thinking by modelling decision-making process aloud
Verbal Cues
- •'Orientate your map first!'
- •'Work together - two heads are better than one!'
- •'Safety first, then speed!'
- •'Check your map matches what you can see!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m with varied terrain and features
Surface Check
Check for holes, wet areas, loose stones, or other trip hazards before activity
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure maps are not torn or damaged
- •Check cones are stable and visible
- •Verify orienteering markers are securely placed
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students running without looking where they're going
- •Separation from partner in unfamiliar outdoor areas
- •Entering out-of-bounds or hazardous areas
- •Slips and falls on varied outdoor terrain
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear establishment of out-of-bounds areas on maps
- •Emphasis on staying with partner at all times
- •Regular reminders about safe movement techniques
- •Adult positioning in areas of potential concern
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at central base for maximum visibility
- •Move to support struggling pairs while maintaining overview
- •Station adults near potential hazard areas if available
Emergency Procedures
Use whistle signal for immediate stop and return to base, ensure first aid kit is accessible, have emergency contact procedure established