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Lesson 1 - Teamwork and Problem Solving

Collaborative Problem-Solving Through Adventure Challenges

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

What makes an effective team and how can we work together to solve challenges?

Learning Objectives

To develop cooperation and communication skills through team challenges
To understand the characteristics of effective teamwork
To apply problem-solving strategies in physical challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during challenges
Students will identify and apply strategies for successful team collaboration
Students will show responsibility for team members and inclusive leadership

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

4-6 benches

Place securely on flat surface, check for stability

Alternative: Sturdy wooden planks or gym benches

Gymnastics Mats

8-12 mats

Ensure mats are clean and non-slip

Alternative: Foam mats or carpet tiles

Cones

8 cones

Mark boundaries clearly for river crossing

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Stopwatch

Ensure visible to all teams for timing challenges

Alternative: Mobile phone timer or wall clock

Sun Markers

For recording team strategies and results

Alternative: Flip chart or paper

Key Vocabulary

Cooperation

Working together towards a common goal

Strategy

A plan of action to achieve a goal

Communication

Sharing ideas and information clearly with others

Leadership

Guiding and inspiring others to achieve success

Responsibility

Taking care of others and being accountable for actions

Tactics

Specific methods used to achieve a strategy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following instructions
Experience working in pairs or small groups
Awareness of simple safety rules

Current Skills

Developing communication and listening skills
Learning to take responsibility for others
Understanding different leadership styles

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Leadership roles in competitive situations
Advanced tactical thinking and strategy development

Milestone Indicators

Students actively contribute ideas during team discussions

Teams successfully complete challenges without teacher intervention

Students demonstrate leadership and encourage teammates

Key Teaching Points

Effective teams communicate clearly and include everyone
Planning and strategy are as important as physical skills
Leadership can be shown by everyone, not just team captains
Cooperation improves when everyone has a specific role
Problems have multiple solutions - creativity is valuable
Team success is more important than individual achievement
Learning from mistakes makes teams stronger

Common Misconceptions

Fastest completion means best teamwork - correct by emphasising process over results
Leaders must be loudest - show that listening and supporting are leadership too
One strategy fits all teams - demonstrate how different approaches can be successful
Competition destroys cooperation - prove teams can compete while maintaining team values
Physical skill is most important - highlight strategic thinking and communication contributions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Build in movement breaks, use visual timers, provide specific roles to maintain focus, celebrate frequent small successes

dyspraxia

Allow extra planning time, provide step-by-step visual guides, focus on strategic rather than physical contributions

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zones for breaks, use clear routine structures for each challenge

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones for boundaries, provide verbal descriptions of space layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for start/stop, provide written instructions on cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt challenges for wheelchair users with ramp access, modify equipment heights, focus on strategic thinking roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development for describing strategies, verbal communication skills, listening and following instructions

Maths

Ordering by height, measuring distances for river crossing, timing challenges and calculating differences

Science

Understanding forces and leverage when moving on benches, exploring balance and weight distribution

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation, understanding terrain challenges, map-reading concepts applied to course layout

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, responsibility for others, conflict resolution and communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all teams, mobile to provide individual team support

Observation Focus

Watch for inclusive behaviour, effective communication, strategic thinking, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, facilitate struggling teams without solving for them, redirect off-task behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic body language, demonstrate team cooperation yourself, model positive encouragement and problem-solving thinking

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your team roles!'
•'What's your strategy?'
•'How can you include everyone?'
•'Safety first, team!'
•'Great communication, [team name]!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor space minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, even flooring checked for hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Benches checked for stability and secure positioning
•Mats inspected for tears or slippery surfaces
•All equipment arranged with adequate safety space around

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from benches during height ordering challenge
•Collisions between team members during river crossing
•Equipment slipping or moving during challenges
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety briefing before each challenge
•Designated safety spotters within each team
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all teams
•Immediate restart consequences for unsafe behaviour
•Adequate spacing between teams during challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all teams simultaneously during challenges
•Monitor bench stability and safe movement during height ordering
•Watch for equipment misuse during river crossing
•Ensure safety spotter role is actively maintained

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established for immediate activity cessation, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route maintained