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Lesson 2 - Clock Challenge: Team Problem Solving

Progressive Problem-Solving

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Cards

4 complete suits (52 cards minimum)

Separate into suits beforehand, keep in organised piles

Alternative: Large laminated number cards 1-13, or wooden numbered blocks

Benches

4 benches (1 per team)

Position benches in corners of activity space, ensure stability

Alternative: Wooden planks on blocks, or painted lines on floor for easier version

Cones

16 cones (4 sets of 4 different colours)

Use to mark team areas and card placement zones clearly

Alternative: Spot markers, hula hoops, or chalk marks

Clipboards

4 clipboards with paper

One per team for planning and note-taking during challenges

Alternative: Small whiteboards with dry-wipe pens

Timer

1 large visible timer or stopwatch

Position where all teams can see remaining time clearly

Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas, instructions and feelings clearly with your team

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving success in the challenge

Collaboration

Working together as a team, combining everyone's ideas and strengths

Tactics

Specific techniques or methods used to solve problems effectively

Responsibility

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

Clear verbal communication during challenges

Active listening to teammates' suggestions

Strategic thinking and tactical planning

Positive encouragement and inclusive behaviour

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