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Lesson 4 - Team Problem Solving and Planning

Team Skills Challenges

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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1h 4min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to solve challenging problems?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively in small groups
To develop planning and problem solving skills
To communicate ideas clearly and listen to others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork skills in group challenges
Students will plan and apply strategies to solve physical problems
Students will reflect on their success and areas for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Store in central basket for easy collection during Gold Nuggets activity

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, small objects

Hoops

24 (teams of 5 need 4 hoops each)

Stack near start line for stepping stones activity

Alternative: Poly spots, chalk circles, rope circles

Gym Mats

6 (one per group)

Space evenly around activity area for body parts challenge

Alternative: Blankets, marked floor areas, carpet squares

Base Stations

Use instead of hoops for advanced version of stepping stones

Alternative: Flat markers, tape marks on floor

Key Vocabulary

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a goal

Communication

Sharing ideas clearly with others and listening to their ideas

Problem solving

Finding ways to overcome challenges or difficulties

Reflection

Thinking about what happened and why it worked or didn't work

Teamwork

Working together towards a common goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following instructions
Experience working in pairs
Understanding of simple rules and boundaries

Current Skills

Effective small group communication
Strategic planning for problem solving
Reflection on success and failure

Next Steps

Leading larger group activities
Complex multi-stage problem solving
Teaching strategies to other groups

Milestone Indicators

Clear verbal communication during planning phases

Successful completion of at least one challenge variation

Ability to explain what made their team successful

Key Teaching Points

Effective teams spend time planning before attempting challenges
Good communication means both speaking clearly and listening carefully to others
When strategies don't work, successful teams adapt and try new approaches
Everyone in a team has valuable ideas to contribute to problem solving
Reflection on success and failure helps teams improve their strategies
Supporting teammates physically and emotionally leads to better outcomes
Problem solving requires patience, persistence, and positive communication

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'The fastest team always wins' - Address: Explain that planning and teamwork often lead to better results than rushing
Misconception: 'Only some people are good at leading' - Address: Show that everyone can contribute leadership in different ways
Misconception: 'If the first plan doesn't work, we've failed' - Address: Emphasise that adapting plans is part of successful problem solving
Misconception: 'Talking during activities slows us down' - Address: Demonstrate how communication improves team efficiency
Misconception: 'Some challenges are impossible' - Address: Show that persistence and different approaches can overcome difficulties

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break challenges into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Focus on planning and communication rather than complex movements, provide extra support for balance activities, celebrate strategic thinking

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for each challenge, allow preparation time before new activities, offer quiet reflection space if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of spatial arrangements, provide tactile exploration of equipment, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face during instructions

physical disability

Adapt balance challenges for seated participation, modify movement requirements, focus on contribution to team planning

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting body parts, calculating points in Gold Nuggets game, measuring spaces and distances

Science

Understanding balance and forces during body parts challenges, exploring gravity and support

Geography

Spatial awareness, navigation concepts, understanding direction and movement through space

PSHE

Communication skills, cooperation, perseverance, leadership, celebrating others' successes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during challenges for close observation, stand centrally during instruction phases

Observation Focus

Watch for effective communication, safe physical support between students, problem-solving strategies

Intervention Points

Step in if groups become frustrated, provide hints if completely stuck, ensure safety during balance challenges

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate when possible, show both successful and unsuccessful approaches for learning, emphasise communication throughout demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Talk it through together!'
•'What's your plan?'
•'Help your teammate balance!'
•'Try a different approach!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for balance challenges, dry outdoor area if using playground

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Mats checked for tears and placed on stable surface
•Hoops inspected for cracks or rough edges
•Cones have rounded edges and stable base

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance challenges
•Collisions during movement activities
•Strain from improper lifting/supporting during team challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled movement throughout
•Teach proper supporting techniques for balance challenges
•Maintain adequate spacing between groups
•Progressive difficulty in challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during challenges
•Monitor balance activities closely for safe supporting
•Watch for frustrated students who might take risks

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply first aid knowledge, seek additional help if needed