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Lesson 3 - Team Communication and Tactics

Team Communication Leadership

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How does effective communication help teams work together to solve challenges?

Learning Objectives

To understand the characteristics of effective team communication
To develop different methods of communicating within a team
To apply tactical thinking and collaboration skills in team challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate clear communication strategies within their teams
Students will show understanding of effective teamwork characteristics
Students will apply tactical decision-making in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

8-12

Arranged in a straight line across the playing area

Alternative: Marker cones, chalk circles

Dish Cones

8-10

Used to mark team zones and boundaries

Alternative: Rope, playground markings

Bibs

2 sets

Help distinguish teams during activities

Alternative: Different coloured bands, house team colours

Whistles

For clear start/stop signals

Alternative: Hand signals, verbal commands

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas, thoughts and information clearly with others

Collaboration

Working together towards a common goal

Tactics

Plans and strategies to achieve success in games or challenges

Consensus

Agreement reached by a group through discussion

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of taking turns and sharing
Experience working in pairs on simple tasks
Familiarity with playground games and simple rules

Current Skills

Communicating ideas clearly within a team
Listening to and respecting others' opinions
Making group decisions through discussion
Applying basic tactical thinking

Next Steps

Leading team discussions in more complex challenges
Developing advanced communication strategies
Applying teamwork skills in problem-solving activities

Milestone Indicators

Students contribute ideas during team discussions

Teams reach decisions quickly and effectively

All team members feel included and valued

Teams can adapt their communication when strategies aren't working

Key Teaching Points

Effective teams include everyone's voice in decision-making processes
Communication quality directly impacts team success in challenges
Pressure situations reveal the importance of practiced communication skills
Leadership involves facilitating others' contributions rather than dominating
Tactical thinking requires both individual insight and team discussion
Resilience includes maintaining positive communication when facing setbacks
Trust within teams develops through consistent inclusive communication practices

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'The loudest person should make all the decisions' - Address by demonstrating quiet but effective leadership
Misconception: 'Winning is more important than teamwork' - Emphasise process over outcome throughout activities
Misconception: 'Some people are just naturally better at communicating' - Show that communication skills can be learned and improved
Misconception: 'Teams work best when everyone thinks the same way' - Celebrate diversity of ideas and approaches
Misconception: 'Communication means talking all the time' - Highlight the importance of listening and non-verbal communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built into discussions, clear time boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, buddy support for complex activities

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection space available if needed

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for navigation, textured markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual signals alongside verbal commands, written instruction cards, clear demonstration of all activities

physical disability

Adapted movement options (rolling instead of jumping), modified tagging rules, seated participation options

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, articulating ideas clearly, respectful discussion and debate

Maths

Probability concepts in rock-paper-scissors, strategy and logical thinking, counting and scoring

PSHE

Working collaboratively, respecting others' opinions, leadership skills, managing emotions under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between team areas during discussions, central position during demonstrations, roving during activities

Observation Focus

Team communication quality, inclusive participation, safety during movement, tactical thinking development

Intervention Points

Step in if teams struggle with decision-making, safety concerns arise, or students become excluded

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated body language when showing poses, model positive team communication, demonstrate safe movement and contact

Verbal Cues

•'What does everyone think?'
•'I can see great listening happening here!'
•'How did your team make that decision?'
•'Remember to include all voices in your discussion.'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface suitable for jumping and running activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Marker cones placed securely with no trip hazards
•Clear boundaries established with visible markers

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during chasing activities
•Falls when jumping through hoops
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe contact
•Emotional upset from competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe zones established
•Demonstration of safe tagging technique
•Emphasis on light contact only during tag games
•Adult supervision of high-energy activities
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all team activities
•Monitor chasing activities for safe contact
•Watch jumping technique through hoops
•Observe team dynamics for inclusive participation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid and support