Lesson 5 - Caving Teamwork Problem Solving
Progressive Problem-Solving
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective teamwork help us overcome challenging obstacles together?
Learning Objectives
- To develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative problem-solving challenges
- To understand the characteristics and importance of effective team members
- To practice safe movement techniques whilst navigating through confined spaces
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully navigate through cave challenges using teamwork and communication
- Students will identify and demonstrate characteristics of effective team members
- Students will solve problems collectively and support team members through encouragement
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure mats are clean and in good condition for students to crawl under
Alternative: Large towels or blankets if mats unavailable
Position benches securely with seats facing inwards for tunnel creation
Alternative: Sturdy tables or large PE boxes
Use for creating varied height tunnels and more challenging caves
Alternative: Large cardboard boxes or additional benches
For covering box tops to create more realistic cave environments
Alternative: Large fabric pieces or tarpaulins
Mark team starting positions and cave boundaries clearly
Alternative: Bean bags or rope for marking boundaries
Key Vocabulary
The sport of exploring caves and moving through narrow underground tunnels
Working together effectively as a team to achieve a common goal
A plan or method designed to achieve a particular goal
Sharing ideas, instructions and encouragement clearly with team members
Taking care of your role in the team and looking after others' safety
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of following instructions and working with others
- Experience of moving through spaces safely
- Understanding of taking turns and sharing equipment
Current Skills
- Developing teamwork and communication skills
- Problem-solving through collective thinking
- Understanding roles and responsibilities within a team
Next Steps
- More complex problem-solving challenges requiring advanced planning
- Leadership roles in outdoor adventure activities
- Independent team organisation and strategy development
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety must never be compromised for speed or competition - establish this principle from the start
- Every team member has a crucial role - ensure rotation and inclusion of all students
- Communication is the foundation of effective teamwork - model and practice throughout
- Head-first cave navigation with controlled arm movements ensures safety and success
- Problem-solving requires planning, execution, and adaptation - guide teams through this process
- Celebration of effort and improvement builds confidence for future challenges
- Real-world connections help students see value in teamwork skills beyond PE
Common Misconceptions
- Speed is more important than safety - always emphasise safe completion over quick completion
- Loud encouragement is better than thoughtful communication - teach appropriate volume and specific feedback
- Only confident students can be leaders - show how every student can contribute leadership in different ways
- Cave challenges are just for fun - help students see serious skills being developed
- Teams that struggle are failing - reframe challenges as learning opportunities for growth
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles with clear boundaries, regular positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for movement patterns, simplified coordination requirements, adult support for complex manoeuvres
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent team groups
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, provide tactile exploration of tunnel setup, buddy system with sighted guide
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapted tunnel heights for wheelchair access, alternative roles like coach or timekeeper, modified movement patterns
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, clear communication, using descriptive language for reflection
Maths
Timing challenges, measuring tunnel dimensions, counting team members and rotations
Science
Forces and movement, friction between body and surfaces, simple machines concepts
Geography
Understanding caves and underground environments, spatial awareness and direction
PSHE
Teamwork, communication, perseverance, supporting others, managing emotions under challenge
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all team areas, move between teams during activities
Observation Focus
Monitor safety compliance, team communication quality, and individual engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if safety standards drop, equipment becomes unstable, or students show distress
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show techniques, emphasise safety aspects visually
Verbal Cues
- •'Cave safety first!'
- •'Head first, arms strong!'
- •'Team communication!'
- •'Controlled movements!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 10m, free from obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Clean, dry floor suitable for crawling, non-slip surface preferred
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All mats checked for tears, holes or damaged edges before use
- •Benches inspected for stability and secure leg positioning
- •Ensure adequate padding where students may contact hard surfaces
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students in tunnels
- •Equipment collapse if not properly secured
- •Claustrophobia or anxiety in confined spaces
- •Strain injuries from inappropriate movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing between team areas to prevent collisions
- •Mandatory equipment safety checks before each activity
- •Adult supervision with view of all tunnel entrances and exits
- •Alternative activities for students with claustrophobia
- •Emphasis on head-first movement and controlled speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all team areas
- •Monitor equipment stability throughout activities
- •Watch for signs of distress or anxiety in students
- •Ensure safety rules are consistently followed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if equipment fails, first aid available for minor injuries, clear evacuation route maintained