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Lesson 1 - Team Communication Skills

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 effective communication and teamwork help us solve challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively as part of a team using clear communication
To develop problem-solving skills through physical challenges
To use strength and flexibility to complete collaborative tasks

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
Students will successfully solve physical challenges using collective strategies
Students will show improved strength and flexibility through purposeful movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Dish Cones

30-40

Used for marking boundaries and as 'bottles' in activities

Alternative: Small markers, bean bags

Hockey balls

8-10

Distributed equally between teams for retrieval activities

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, long-handled tools

Rope

4-6 (2-3 metres each)

Various lengths for different challenge levels

Alternative: Skipping ropes, resistance bands

Cricket Bat (Plastic)

6-8

Lightweight equipment for safe retrieval activities

Alternative: Paddle bats, tennis rackets

Tennis Rackets

6-8

For extending reach in treasure retrieval

Alternative: Badminton rackets, small paddles

Game Balls

15-20

Safe, lightweight 'treasure' items

Alternative: Foam balls, balloon balls

Balls

15-20

Various colours for visual appeal and sorting

Alternative: Soft play balls, juggling bags

Basketball

4-6

Larger treasure items for varied challenge

Alternative: Playground balls, netballs

Quoits

10-12

Flat items that are harder to retrieve

Alternative: Flat markers, frisbees

Hoops

8-10

Larger items requiring team coordination

Alternative: Large rings, rope circles

Mats

8-10

To define team 'ships' and safe zones

Alternative: Carpet squares, towels

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas and information clearly with others

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving a goal

Collaboration

Working together towards a common goal

Problem-solving

Finding solutions to challenges or difficulties

Flexibility

The ability to bend and stretch your body effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of working in pairs
Simple following of instructions
Basic movement skills and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Team communication and collaboration
Problem-solving through physical challenges
Strategic thinking and planning together

Next Steps

Leading team discussions and decision-making
Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Outdoor navigation and orienteering skills

Milestone Indicators

Students initiate conversations about strategy without prompting

Teams complete challenges faster with improved coordination

All team members contribute ideas and feel valued

Key Teaching Points

Teamwork requires everyone to contribute and be heard equally
Problem-solving is more effective when you plan before acting
Communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively
Physical challenges are easier when teams support each other safely
Success is measured by effort and cooperation, not just outcomes
Different team roles help groups work more effectively together
Flexibility and strength develop through purposeful movement and stretching

Common Misconceptions

Teams work best when the loudest person leads - correct by rotating leadership roles
Physical strength is more important than strategy - emphasise planning and teamwork
Winning is the only measure of success - focus on effort, communication and cooperation
Problems should be solved quickly without discussion - teach the value of planning time
Individual skills matter more than team skills - demonstrate collective achievement power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break challenges into shorter segments, provide clear role definitions, use movement and physical engagement positively

dyspraxia

Simplify equipment choices, allow extra practice time, focus on gross motor movements over fine manipulation

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual timetable, establish quiet zones for breaks, use familiar team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of challenges, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written role cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Modify reaching requirements, provide alternative equipment manipulation tasks, focus on strategic contribution roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, collaborative discussion, using vocabulary to explain ideas and strategies

Maths

Estimating distances for equipment selection, measuring reach distances, counting and comparing treasure collected

Science

Forces and motion when using tools, understanding balance and support, body systems during physical activity

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, building resilience when facing challenges, developing empathy and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between teams to observe communication and provide encouragement

Observation Focus

Watch for inclusive team behaviour, safe physical practices, and effective problem-solving

Intervention Points

Step in if students excluded from decisions, unsafe practices observed, or teams becoming frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent teamwork behaviour, show safe physical techniques clearly, demonstrate positive communication throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to include everyone in your planning'
•'Use your problem-solving steps'
•'Great communication, I can see you're really listening to each other'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and sitting activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all sticks and bats for damage before use
•Ensure ropes are free from fraying
•Verify cones are intact and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running games
•Unsafe equipment use during retrieval activities
•Falls from overreaching or poor support
•Conflicts over team decisions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced throughout
•Demonstrate safe equipment handling before activities
•Emphasise controlled movements and supporting techniques
•Monitor team dynamics and intervene early if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all teams during challenges
•Circulate actively during problem-solving activities
•Monitor stretching and supporting activities closely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure incident reporting as required

Lesson 1 - Team Communication Skills

How can effective communication and teamwork help us solve challenges together?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Maths

Science

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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