Lesson 1 - Team Communication Skills
Trust in Navigation
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Used for marking boundaries and as 'bottles' in activities
Alternative: Small markers, bean bags
Distributed equally between teams for retrieval activities
Alternative: Unihoc sticks, long-handled tools
Various lengths for different challenge levels
Alternative: Skipping ropes, resistance bands
Lightweight equipment for safe retrieval activities
Alternative: Paddle bats, tennis rackets
For extending reach in treasure retrieval
Alternative: Badminton rackets, small paddles
Safe, lightweight 'treasure' items
Alternative: Foam balls, balloon balls
Various colours for visual appeal and sorting
Alternative: Soft play balls, juggling bags
Larger treasure items for varied challenge
Alternative: Playground balls, netballs
Flat items that are harder to retrieve
Alternative: Flat markers, frisbees
Larger items requiring team coordination
Alternative: Large rings, rope circles
To define team 'ships' and safe zones
Alternative: Carpet squares, towels
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas and information clearly with others
A plan or method for achieving a goal
Working together towards a common goal
Finding solutions to challenges or difficulties
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
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