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Lesson 5 - Communication and Teamwork

Building Leadership Through Tactical Communication

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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50 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to overcome challenges through clear communication?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills within a team environment
To understand and apply simple tactics and strategies in problem-solving activities
To demonstrate responsibility and leadership qualities as part of a team

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to communicate clearly with team members during physical challenges
Students will understand their role within a team and how it contributes to success
Students will demonstrate tactical thinking and problem-solving skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

15-20 (3-4 per team)

Distribute evenly around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Large chalk circles, rope circles, or PE mats

Cones

25 (various colours)

Scatter across designated 'river' or 'ocean' area

Alternative: Bean bags, foam blocks, or tennis balls

Balls

15-20 various colours

Mixed with cones across playing area

Alternative: Small balls, foam shapes, or playground balls

Sun Markers

Mark clear start and finish zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or existing playground markings

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing information clearly with others through speaking, listening, and body language

Tactics

Plans or strategies used to achieve a goal or solve a problem

Collaboration

Working together with others towards a common goal

Leadership

Taking responsibility to guide and motivate a team

Strategy

A planned approach to completing a task or solving a problem

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following rules and instructions
Experience working in pairs or small groups
Awareness of personal space and safety in movement activities

Current Skills

Effective team communication during physical challenges
Understanding individual roles within team structures
Application of simple tactical thinking in problem-solving

Next Steps

Advanced tactical planning and execution
Leadership skills in competitive situations
Conflict resolution and negotiation in team settings

Milestone Indicators

Clear verbal communication throughout challenges

Demonstration of tactical thinking before and during activities

Evidence of supportive team behaviour and encouragement

Key Teaching Points

Clear communication is essential for team success in challenging situations
Strategic planning before action leads to better outcomes than rushing in
Leadership can be shared and everyone can contribute to team success
Mistakes are learning opportunities, not reasons to blame team members
Tactical thinking involves considering multiple options and their consequences
Supporting teammates is as important as individual performance
Resilience and adaptability help teams overcome unexpected challenges

Common Misconceptions

That the loudest person is always the best leader - teach that good leaders listen and include everyone
That speed is more important than strategy - emphasise planning and communication over rushing
That making mistakes means failure - reframe as learning opportunities for the whole team
That only one person can be the leader - demonstrate shared leadership and role rotation
That winning is the only measure of success - celebrate teamwork, communication, and tactical thinking regardless of results

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, assign specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide additional practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zones for breaks, maintain consistent routines and team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of area layout, assign sighted buddy within team for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written instruction cards, ensure good lip-reading positioning

physical disability

Modify challenges for wheelchair users with ramps or alternative equipment, adjust team roles to match abilities, seated versions available

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, following and giving clear instructions, vocabulary development around teamwork and tactics

Maths

Mathematical problem-solving for treasure point calculations, addition and subtraction in practical contexts, strategic number combinations

Science

Forces and motion in moving equipment, understanding balance and stability when using hoops, gravity and momentum in movement

Geography

Directional language and spatial awareness, mapping team movements, understanding relative positions and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, leadership development, communication and listening, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile positioning between teams during activities, central position for instructions and demonstrations

Observation Focus

Communication quality, tactical thinking, leadership emergence, and inclusive team behaviour

Intervention Points

["When teams struggle with strategic planning", "If communication breaks down during challenges", "When individual students are excluded or blamed"]

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic explorer character throughout, demonstrate tactical thinking processes clearly, model positive team communication language consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to communicate clearly with your team!'
•'Think tactically - what's your plan?'
•'Great teamwork - you're supporting each other!'
•'Leaders, help your team stay organised!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, indoor hall or outdoor playground

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, hoops stable and secure

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones and bean bags in good condition
•Equipment placed to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls when stepping between hoops
•Collisions between team members during competitive activities
•Equipment-related trips when collecting treasure items

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about safe stepping between hoops
•Adequate space between teams during activities
•Controlled movement speeds during all challenges
•Immediate restart rule encourages safety-first approach

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all teams
•Regular monitoring of hoop placement and stability
•Watch for competitive pressure affecting safety decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if incident occurs, assess injury level, apply appropriate first aid, have alternative activities ready for students unable to continue