Lesson 2 - Clock Challenge: Team Problem Solving
Progressive Problem-Solving
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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What makes a team unstoppable when solving problems together?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective communication skills within a team environment
- To understand the characteristics and strategies of successful teamwork
- To apply problem-solving tactics collaboratively to complete challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate clear communication strategies during team challenges
- Students will identify and apply effective teamwork characteristics
- Students will work collaboratively to solve problems and achieve shared goals
Equipment & Resources Required
Separate into suits beforehand, keep in organised piles
Alternative: Large laminated number cards 1-13, or wooden numbered blocks
Position benches in corners of activity space, ensure stability
Alternative: Wooden planks on blocks, or painted lines on floor for easier version
Use to mark team areas and card placement zones clearly
Alternative: Spot markers, hula hoops, or chalk marks
One per team for planning and note-taking during challenges
Alternative: Small whiteboards with dry-wipe pens
Position where all teams can see remaining time clearly
Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas, instructions and feelings clearly with your team
A plan or method for achieving success in the challenge
Working together as a team, combining everyone's ideas and strengths
Specific techniques or methods used to solve problems effectively
Taking ownership of your role in the team and helping others succeed
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of following rules and instructions
- Experience working in pairs or small groups
- Awareness of taking turns and sharing equipment
Current Skills
- Effective team communication strategies
- Problem-solving tactics and strategic thinking
- Leadership and cooperation skills
Next Steps
- Advanced teamwork challenges with multiple objectives
- Leading other teams and teaching strategies
- Creating their own problem-solving challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication requires both speaking clearly and listening actively to team members
- Strategic thinking improves when teams plan together before taking action
- Every team member has valuable contributions and must be included for optimal success
- Patience and persistence are essential when problems seem difficult to solve
- Safety and support for teammates is always more important than winning challenges
- Communication skills learned in PE transfer to all areas of learning and life
- Celebrating team achievements builds positive relationships and motivation for future learning
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'The loudest person is the best communicator' - Correction: Effective communication means taking turns and listening as much as speaking
- Misconception: 'Teams that finish first are always the best teams' - Correction: The best teams show excellent communication and include everyone, regardless of speed
- Misconception: 'If someone makes a mistake, the team should be angry' - Correction: Supportive teams help each other learn from mistakes and try again
- Misconception: 'Only the smartest person should make decisions for the team' - Correction: The best solutions come from combining everyone's ideas and perspectives
- Misconception: 'Communication is only about talking' - Correction: Communication includes listening, body language, and non-verbal signals
- Misconception: 'These teamwork skills only matter in PE' - Correction: Communication and cooperation skills are valuable in all subjects and life situations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear boundaries and frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for physical coordination, provide additional support during bench activities, use larger equipment where possible
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space for breaks, use consistent routines and predictable structure
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cards and tactile markers, provide verbal descriptions of spatial arrangements, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instructions, use gesture-based communication strategies
physical disability
- Modify bench challenge to seated version or use wider stable platforms, adapt card arrangement for wheelchair access
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Speaking and listening skills, taking turns in conversation, building on others' ideas collaboratively
Maths
Sequencing numbers 1-13, understanding clock face positions and time concepts, problem-solving strategies
Science
Understanding balance and stability during bench activities, forces and movement in physical challenges
PSHE
Working cooperatively, managing emotions during challenges, showing respect and consideration for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between teams to observe communication strategies, position centrally during demonstrations for visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for application of taught communication rules, inclusive behaviour, safety during physical challenges
Intervention Points
Step in if communication breaks down, safety becomes compromised, or students are being excluded
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated examples to show difference between effective and ineffective communication, model enthusiastic participation
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your three communication rules!'
- •'How is your team including everyone?'
- •'Safety first - slow and steady wins!'
- •'What strategy is your team using?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m or outdoor area with clear boundaries and non-slip surface
Surface Check
Check floor/ground is dry, even, and free from obstacles, cracks, or debris that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Inspect gym benches for stability and integrity before use
- •Ensure playing cards are not damaged with sharp edges
- •Check cone markers are stable and visible to prevent trips
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from benches during height ordering challenge
- •Collisions between team members during movement activities
- •Emotional frustration if teams struggle with communication or challenges
- •Exclusion of students who find teamwork challenging
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear safety rules and demonstrate safe movement on benches
- •Maintain constant supervision during physical challenges
- •Teach and practice supportive communication before challenging activities
- •Ensure adequate space between teams to prevent interference
- •Have clear restart procedures that maintain positive team dynamics
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all four teams simultaneously during challenges
- •Maintain proximity to bench activities for immediate intervention if needed
- •Monitor emotional states and provide support for frustrated teams
- •Watch for exclusion behaviours and intervene to ensure inclusion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or emotional support, contact school first aider if needed