Lesson 5 - Communication and Teamwork
Building Leadership Through Tactical Communication
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute evenly around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Large chalk circles, rope circles, or PE mats
Scatter across designated 'river' or 'ocean' area
Alternative: Bean bags, foam blocks, or tennis balls
Mixed with cones across playing area
Alternative: Small balls, foam shapes, or playground balls
Mark clear start and finish zones
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or existing playground markings
Key Vocabulary
Sharing information clearly with others through speaking, listening, and body language
Plans or strategies used to achieve a goal or solve a problem
Working together with others towards a common goal
Taking responsibility to guide and motivate a team
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
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