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Lesson 3 - Team Communication and Tactics

Building Leadership Through Tactical Communication

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How does effective communication transform a group of individuals into a successful team?

Learning Objectives

Develop effective communication skills within a team environment
Understand the importance of listening and responding to teammates
Learn tactical decision-making through collaborative discussion

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate clear communication strategies during team challenges
Students will show improved collaboration and tactical thinking
Students will understand the consequences of poor communication in team activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Used to mark zones and create playing areas

Alternative: Bean bags, spot markers, or PE hoops

Hoops

15-20

Create a row across the playing area for jumping activity

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles, or cone markers in a line

Stopwatch

For timing discussions and activities

Alternative: Mobile phone timer or countdown app

Sun Markers

1 set

To record team strategies and debrief discussions

Alternative: Flip chart paper or ground writing with chalk

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing information, ideas, or feelings clearly with others

Tactics

Plans or strategies used to achieve a goal or win a game

Collaboration

Working together effectively towards a common goal

Decision-making

The process of choosing between different options

Leadership

Guiding and encouraging others to work together

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork from previous lessons
Experience with simple communication in pair work
Familiarity with following instructions and rules

Current Skills

Verbal and non-verbal communication in teams
Tactical decision-making under time pressure
Collaborative problem-solving

Next Steps

Advanced tactical planning in outdoor challenges
Leadership roles in team activities
Communication in high-pressure situations

Milestone Indicators

Teams consistently make decisions within time limits

Students naturally adopt communication roles

Decreased conflict and increased cooperation observed

Key Teaching Points

Effective communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively to others
Teams make better decisions when everyone contributes their ideas
Tactical thinking involves considering consequences and multiple options
Good sportsmanship and encouragement improve team performance
Communication becomes more challenging but more important under pressure
Different situations require different communication strategies
Leadership can be shared among team members in different ways

Common Misconceptions

Communication is just about talking loudly - correct by showing listening and non-verbal communication
The best idea should always win - teach about compromise and consensus building
Teams work best when one person makes all decisions - demonstrate shared leadership benefits
Competition means being mean to opponents - reinforce respect and sportsmanship
Quiet students don't have good ideas - actively encourage and include all voices
Quick decisions are always better - show value of thoughtful planning when time allows

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear role definitions, use movement breaks and high-energy activities positively

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for sequences, provide step-by-step visual guides, pair with supportive partners for activities

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet retreat space if needed, use consistent language and routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured markers for zones, provide verbal descriptions of all visual demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance during movement

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for starts and stops, demonstrate all instructions clearly, provide written or pictorial rule summaries

physical disability

Allow step-through instead of jumping, provide seated participation options, modify tagging to high-fives or target touching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, discussing ideas respectfully, collaborative communication

Maths

Probability and strategy in Rock, Paper, Scissors, counting team members and points

Science

Forces and motion during jumping and running, reaction times in response activities

PSHE

Working together, respect for others, inclusion and fairness, managing emotions in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around teams during discussions to observe communication, position centrally during demonstrations for visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for inclusive communication, effective decision-making, and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if teams struggle with inclusion, if safety rules are not followed, or if conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated body language during pose demonstrations, model positive communication language throughout

Verbal Cues

•'I need to hear from everyone!'
•'What strategy will work best here?'
•'How can you include [name] in this decision?'
•'Remember our safe tagging rules!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m, with additional space for safe movement

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for jumping, running, and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hoops positioned flat and secure to prevent slipping
•Cones and markers placed to avoid collision hazards
•Regular equipment checks for damage or wear

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during chase activities
•Trips and falls during jumping through hoops
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe movement
•Emotional reactions to competitive elements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Safe tagging rules emphasised (shoulder touch only)
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular safety reminders during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all teams during discussions and activities
•Monitor high-energy activities closely for safety compliance
•Be ready to pause activities if safety concerns arise

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid available, clear evacuation routes identified