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Lesson 1 - Teamwork and Problem Solving

Progressive Problem-Solving

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

What makes a team truly effective when facing challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To develop cooperation and communication skills through problem-solving challenges
To understand the characteristics and responsibilities of effective team members
To apply strategic thinking and collective decision-making in physical challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully complete team challenges requiring cooperation and communication
Students will identify and demonstrate effective teamwork attributes
Students will develop responsibility for others and show leadership qualities

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

5 (1 per team)

Place benches in different areas of hall with adequate spacing

Alternative: Long low balance beams, sturdy wooden planks

Gymnastics Mats

8-12 (2 per team option)

Stack mats near equipment area for team selection

Alternative: Yoga mats, carpet tiles, foam pads

Cones

8-10

Mark river banks and challenge boundaries clearly

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops as boundary markers

Stopwatch

Visible to all teams for timing challenges

Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Cooperation

Working together effectively towards a shared goal

Strategy

A planned approach or method to solve a problem

Responsibility

Taking care of others and being accountable for team success

Communication

Sharing ideas clearly and listening to others

Leadership

Guiding and inspiring others to achieve their best

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following rules and taking turns
Experience working in pairs or small groups
Fundamental balance and coordination skills

Current Skills

Advanced teamwork and communication strategies
Problem-solving under pressure with time constraints
Leadership and responsibility for team success

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Inter-team competition with tactical planning
Leadership rotation and peer coaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges without teacher intervention

Students naturally encourage and support struggling teammates

Strategic discussions emerge spontaneously during challenges

Key Teaching Points

Effective teams communicate before acting and adapt their strategies based on learning
Every team member has valuable contributions - success requires everyone's participation
Great leaders consider all team members' needs and abilities when making decisions
Persistence and learning from mistakes builds stronger teams than immediate success
Cooperation skills developed in PE transfer to all areas of life including family, school, and friendship
Physical challenges are solved through mental teamwork strategies not just individual ability
Taking responsibility for others' success is as important as achieving personal goals

Common Misconceptions

Teams succeed primarily through individual talent rather than collective cooperation - correct by emphasising group strategy and mutual support
Competition means teams should focus only on winning rather than teamwork quality - address by celebrating teamwork excellence regardless of task completion
Leadership means one person makes all decisions - counter by encouraging shared leadership and inclusive decision-making
Physical challenges are only about physical ability - emphasise that mental teamwork strategies are equally important
Mistakes and restarts represent failure - reframe as learning opportunities that strengthen team bonds and improve strategies

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter challenge segments with frequent success opportunities, movement breaks between reflection periods, clear physical boundaries and rules

dyspraxia

Additional balance support, simplified coordination requirements, extra practice time, focus on teamwork contribution over physical performance

autism spectrum

Clear structure with predictable challenge progression, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection zones available, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of height and spatial arrangements, buddy system for equipment navigation, tactile exploration of equipment before challenges

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of team communication, hand signals for coordination, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modified equipment (lower benches, stable platforms), seated participation options, adapted balance challenges using chairs or wheelchairs

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, giving clear instructions, descriptive language for reflection and feedback

Science

Forces and balance, centre of gravity concepts, friction between surfaces and equipment

PSHE

Cooperation and collaboration, responsibility for others, communication skills, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between teams but maintain overview of all groups, position to quickly spot safety issues or team conflicts

Observation Focus

Watch for emerging leadership, inclusive participation, strategic thinking development, and physical safety throughout

Intervention Points

Step in only for safety issues or if teams become completely stuck - encourage problem-solving rather than providing solutions

Demonstration Notes

Model positive team language and inclusive behaviour, demonstrate safety procedures clearly, show enthusiasm for teamwork process over task completion

Verbal Cues

•'I can see great teamwork happening here!'
•'Remember, great teams communicate first, then move!'
•'How might you help your teammate succeed?'
•'What strategy is working well for your team?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space with non-slip surface for equipment placement and movement

Surface Check

Dry, level surface with adequate grip for safe equipment use and movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and have non-slip feet
•Ensure mats are not slippery and lie flat without wrinkles
•Verify adequate space around equipment for safe dismounting

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from equipment during balance challenges
•Collisions between teams working in proximity
•Equipment sliding or tipping during use
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe risk-taking

Risk Mitigation

•Establish and enforce holding hands rule during bench activities
•Maintain adequate spacing between teams throughout challenges
•Teach and practice safe dismounting procedures
•Emphasise restart rule to maintain safety-first culture
•Position teacher for optimal supervision of all teams

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Circulate between teams but maintain overview of all groups
•Position to intervene quickly if equipment becomes unstable
•Monitor team energy levels and emotional states throughout
•Watch for inclusive participation and prevent exclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure safe area for injured student away from ongoing activity