Lesson 3 - Team Communication and Tactics
Team Communication Leadership
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Arranged in a straight line across the playing area
Alternative: Marker cones, chalk circles
Used to mark team zones and boundaries
Alternative: Rope, playground markings
Help distinguish teams during activities
Alternative: Different coloured bands, house team colours
For clear start/stop signals
Alternative: Hand signals, verbal commands
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas, thoughts and information clearly with others
Working together towards a common goal
Plans and strategies to achieve success in games or challenges
Agreement reached by a group through discussion
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
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