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Lesson 4 - Team Communication and Code Breaking

Building Leadership Through Tactical Communication

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can clear communication and collaboration help teams solve complex challenges together?

Learning Objectives

Develop effective communication skills within team environments
Learn to solve problems through collaborative teamwork
Understand the importance of clear communication for team success

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate various forms of non-verbal and verbal communication
Students will successfully collaborate to solve code-breaking challenges
Students will identify and apply characteristics of effective teamwork

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Cones

20-24 (4-6 different colours)

Ensure colours are clearly distinguishable and equipment is in good condition

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured hoops, or laminated cards

Gymnastics Benches

7 benches

Position benches as visual barriers between team leader and team

Alternative: Tables, mats on their side, or rope barriers

Cards

8-10 different sequence cards

Prepare cards with sequences of increasing difficulty

Alternative: Laminated sheets with colour patterns or simple drawings

Pencils

7 sets

For recording team strategies and observations

Alternative: Mini whiteboards and markers

Stopwatch

For timing challenges and adding competitive element

Alternative: Phone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together as a team to achieve a common goal

Communication

Sharing information, ideas and feelings clearly with others

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving success in a challenge

Sequence

A particular order in which things follow each other

Leadership

Guiding and directing a team towards achieving their goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
Experience following simple instructions
Awareness of taking turns and sharing

Current Skills

Non-verbal communication techniques
Problem-solving through collaboration
Leadership and following skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical communication in competitive scenarios
Leading larger groups through complex challenges
Evaluating and improving team performance strategies

Milestone Indicators

Uses multiple communication methods effectively

Takes initiative in team problem-solving

Demonstrates empathy and support for team members

Key Teaching Points

Communication involves much more than just talking - gestures, sounds, and body language are equally important
Effective teams listen carefully to each other and adapt their communication methods when needed
Problem-solving requires both individual thinking and collaborative discussion
Leaders must be patient and clear in their communication, especially when limited in methods
Every team member has valuable contributions and different strengths in communication
Strategic thinking helps teams use feedback effectively to improve their performance
Celebrating efforts and collaboration is as important as achieving the final goal

Common Misconceptions

That shouting or getting frustrated will improve communication - emphasise patience and clarity
That only verbal communication is effective - demonstrate power of non-verbal methods
That leaders should do everything themselves - stress importance of team collaboration
That feedback is criticism - frame it as helpful information for improvement
That winning is more important than learning - focus on process and teamwork development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks built into activities, clear time boundaries, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for cone arrangements, focus on communication rather than physical precision, buddy support available

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, advance notice of communication challenges, quiet area available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright contrasting coloured cones, provide verbal descriptions of visual setups, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Emphasise visual communication methods, use clear hand signals, ensure student can see all demonstrations

physical disability

Adapt cone manipulation to table-top version, allow assistance from team members, focus on strategic thinking role

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Non-verbal communication, listening skills, clear instruction giving

Maths

Sequences and patterns in cone arrangements, counting and number work through feedback systems

Science

Communication in nature, sound waves and how we hear signals

Geography

Map reading and giving directions, symbols and their meanings

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, managing emotions under pressure, celebrating diversity of contributions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instructions, circulate between teams during activities, behind barrier during code-breaking to support leaders

Observation Focus

Quality of communication attempts, inclusion of all team members, development of problem-solving strategies

Intervention Points

Step in if teams struggle with communication methods, support frustrated leaders, mediate any team conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Model all communication methods clearly before expecting students to use them, demonstrate patience and encouragement when teams struggle

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to watch your leader carefully!'
•'Think about what that feedback tells you!'
•'Great teamwork - you're really listening to each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate lighting for visual communication

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and properly positioned as barriers
•Ensure cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Verify adequate space between team areas to prevent collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students moving to arrange cones
•Frustration or conflict within teams under pressure
•Tripping over equipment during challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pathways marked for cone arrangement activities
•Teacher monitoring for signs of team tension
•Equipment positioned safely with clear boundaries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all teams
•Circulate regularly to monitor team dynamics
•Watch for any students feeling excluded or frustrated

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if conflict arises, first aid available for any physical injuries, calm-down area designated for overwhelmed students