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Lesson 1 - Navigation and Symbol Recognition

Map Skills & Team Solutions

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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1h 2min

Big Question

How can we use symbols and maps to navigate successfully as a team?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively as part of a team using communication and cooperation
To use the process of elimination to identify unknown symbols and navigate using maps
To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in physical challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate using ordnance survey symbols and maps
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
Students will show improved physical competence in challenging activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

Placed in central hoop at start of warm-up

Alternative: Bean bags, small foam balls

Hoops

Team hoops spaced around perimeter, central hoop in middle

Alternative: Cones with rope circles, chalk circles

Cards

6 (one per station)

Distributed around playing area perimeter with numbers

Alternative: Laminated printouts of common OS symbols

Sun Markers

One per group for recording answers

Alternative: Pencils, washable pens

Elastic Bands

Each with 5 x 30cm strings attached

Alternative: Bungee cords, stretchy resistance bands

Plastic Beakers

30 (5 per team)

Placed 20m away from start positions

Alternative: Plastic cups, lightweight containers

Cones

Mark safe zones and course boundaries

Alternative: Sports markers, rope boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Ordnance Survey

Official mapping organisation that creates detailed maps with special symbols

Process of elimination

Working out unknown answers by ruling out what they cannot be

Navigation

Finding your way from one place to another using maps or symbols

Coordination

Different parts of your body working together smoothly

Precision

Doing something exactly right with great accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of working in small groups
Recognition of simple symbols and pictures
Fundamental movement skills like running and carrying objects

Current Skills

Navigation using symbols and maps
Advanced teamwork and communication
Precision handling of equipment under pressure

Next Steps

Complex route planning and orienteering
Leadership roles in challenging situations
Independent problem-solving in OAA contexts

Milestone Indicators

Students correctly identify 80% of symbols without assistance

Teams complete challenges without dropping equipment

Students can explain their navigation strategy to others

Key Teaching Points

Process of elimination is a systematic problem-solving strategy applicable across subjects
Effective teamwork requires clear communication and shared responsibility
Precision and control are more valuable than speed in complex physical challenges
Navigation skills combine map reading, symbol recognition, and spatial awareness
Resilience and determination help overcome setbacks in challenging activities
Ordnance Survey symbols provide universal language for understanding landscapes
Mathematical skills have practical applications in real-world navigation scenarios

Common Misconceptions

Navigation is just about running fast - actually requires systematic thinking and teamwork
Symbols are random pictures - they're actually standardised representations with specific meanings
Physical strength matters most - coordination and communication are more important
Mistakes mean failure - errors are opportunities to practice problem-solving skills
Only the fastest teams succeed - accuracy and persistence often win over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback, fidget-friendly team roles, structured movement patterns

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time with elastic bands, simplified navigation routes, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable team formations, advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Large print bingo cards, high contrast symbols, buddy system for navigation, verbal descriptions of courses and equipment

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for team communication, written instructions available, vibrant visual cues

physical disability

Modified elastic band equipment with easier grip, shorter collection distances, seated calculation stations, alternative stacking challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Mental calculation under pressure, process of elimination problem-solving, number operations, practical application of mathematical skills

Science

Forces and tension in elastic materials, balance and coordination, teamwork in scientific investigation

Geography

Map reading and navigation skills, understanding symbols and representations, spatial awareness and direction-finding

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, communication skills, celebrating diverse contributions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during navigation for oversight, move between teams during equipment work, maintain visibility of all students throughout

Observation Focus

Team communication effectiveness, safe equipment handling, mathematical accuracy, inclusive participation by all students

Intervention Points

Step in if elastic bands show stress, support teams struggling with calculations, ensure equal participation, address unsafe movement

Demonstration Notes

Model coordinated teamwork with elastic bands, show systematic symbol identification, demonstrate map reading techniques clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Work as one expedition team!'
•'Precision over speed!'
•'Check your calculations together!'
•'Great navigators communicate clearly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles, adequate height for elastic band activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, good grip for running activities, no loose equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check elastic bands for wear, cracks, or weak points before use
•Ensure all hoops are complete circles without sharp edges
•Verify calculation cards are securely attached and visible
•Check beakers for cracks that could cause injury when handled

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Elastic band snapping during tension activities
•Collisions between teams during navigation challenges
•Trips and falls during running activities
•Overcrowding at popular symbol locations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear team lanes established with adequate spacing
•Demonstration of safe elastic band handling before activity
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision coverage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally during navigation activities for oversight of all teams
•Move between teams during equipment challenges to monitor technique
•Maintain clear sight lines to all activity areas
•Monitor high-energy activities closely for safe participation

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal (whistle) for immediate halt, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified, mobile phone for emergency contact