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Lesson 5 - Communication and Challenge

Trust in Navigation

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to overcome challenges using clear communication?

Learning Objectives

Identify what they need to do to complete a challenge
Participate safely, considering others
Confidently work closely with others

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate problem-solving skills in team challenges
Students will show safe participation and consideration for others
Students will communicate effectively to achieve team goals

Equipment & Resources Required

Large Balls

6-8

Distribute around activity areas for quick access

Alternative: Footballs, playground balls, or bean bags

Hoops

4-6

Keep spare hoops ready for extensions

Alternative: Rope circles or large elastic bands

Cones

Mark activity boundaries and team areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or rope

Stopwatch

For timing competitive elements

Alternative: Phone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Challenge

A task or activity that requires effort and teamwork to complete

Communication

Sharing information clearly with your team to help achieve goals

Formation

The shape or pattern a team makes when standing together

Strategy

A plan or method for completing a challenge successfully

Cooperation

Working together as a team to achieve a common goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic following of simple instructions
Understanding of personal space
Experience working in pairs

Current Skills

Team communication strategies
Problem-solving in group challenges
Trust and cooperation skills

Next Steps

Leading team activities independently
Creating own challenge variations
Teaching communication skills to others

Milestone Indicators

Clear verbal communication during activities

Safe movement in group formations

Successful completion of team challenges

Key Teaching Points

Communication is the foundation of effective teamwork
Safety and cooperation must always come before speed or competition
Every team member has a valuable contribution to make
Problem-solving requires patience, creativity, and working together
Trust and support help teams achieve more than individuals can alone
Listening to others is just as important as sharing your own ideas
Challenges become easier when everyone supports each other

Common Misconceptions

That faster movement always leads to better team performance - emphasise control and coordination
That only the loudest person should lead - teach that good leaders listen and include everyone
That physical strength is most important - highlight communication and strategy skills
That mistakes mean failure - frame errors as learning opportunities for the whole team
That competition means not helping others - promote good sportsmanship and mutual support

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, provide fidget tools if helpful

dyspraxia

Simplified movements initially, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined, celebrate effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity sequence, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, prepare for sensory needs

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, assign sighted partners for support, use tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on boards, ensure face-to-face communication, assign supportive partners

physical disability

Adapt formations for wheelchair users, modify hand-holding to appropriate contact, adjust movement requirements, ensure accessible equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, following and giving instructions, collaborative discussion, vocabulary development around teamwork

Maths

Spatial awareness and positioning, counting team members, timing and sequencing activities, problem-solving strategies

Science

Understanding of forces in movement, balance and coordination, body systems working together

PSHE

Working collaboratively, building relationships, managing feelings, recognising achievements, developing confidence and responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to maintain visual contact with all students, position centrally during whole-class discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for effective communication, safe movement in formations, inclusive participation, and problem-solving strategies

Intervention Points

Step in if students become unsafe, if exclusion occurs, if communication breaks down, or if frustration levels rise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for formations, involve students in demonstrations, model positive communication throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your team!'
•'Safety first, teamwork second!'
•'Think before you move!'
•'How can you help your teammates?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, check for wet areas if outdoors, ensure no trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure hoops have no cracks or sharp edges
•Cones positioned safely away from activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Falls when moving in connected formations
•Over-excitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between teams and individuals
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor hand-holding techniques for comfort
•Watch for inclusive participation and potential conflicts

Emergency Procedures

Clear stop signal established, first aid knowledge for minor bumps, emergency contact procedures