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Lesson 3 - Navigation and Teamwork Skills

Map Skills & Team Solutions

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can we work together effectively to navigate and solve challenges as a team?

Learning Objectives

To develop navigation skills using compass points and direction following
To enhance teamwork and communication through collaborative problem-solving
To build self-motivation and physical confidence in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate using compass directions
Students will demonstrate effective group negotiation and planning skills
Students will show increased physical confidence in challenging activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Cones

30-40 in different colours

Arrange in grid formation across the playing area

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured markers, chalk circles

Cards

6 cards matching cone layout

One per group, showing grid layout of cones

Alternative: Paper maps in plastic wallets, clipboards with paper

Whiteboard Pens

One per group for marking routes on laminated cards

Alternative: Pencils, washable markers

Hoops

2-4 hoops

Medium-sized hoops for warm-up activity

Alternative: Rope circles, masking tape circles

Benches

3-4 benches

Stable benches for balancing activities

Alternative: Low balance beams, marked lines on floor

Stopwatch

For timing team challenges

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Navigation

The skill of finding your way from one place to another using directions

Compass Points

The eight main directions: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest

Route Map

A plan showing the path to take from start to finish

Negotiation

Discussing and agreeing on decisions as a group

Self-motivation

Encouraging yourself to keep trying even when activities are challenging

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of left and right directions
Experience working in small groups
Simple problem-solving activities

Current Skills

Using compass points for navigation
Group negotiation and planning
Physical confidence in challenging situations

Next Steps

Advanced orienteering with maps and compasses
Leading outdoor expeditions
Complex team-building challenges

Milestone Indicators

Correctly identifies all eight compass points

Successfully negotiates group decisions

Maintains positive attitude during challenges

Key Teaching Points

Establish clear compass point references using hall features and landmarks
Emphasise thinking before moving during navigation activities
Model and encourage positive communication during group challenges
Focus on problem-solving process rather than just successful completion
Connect navigation skills to real-world applications and future learning
Balance challenge with achievability to maintain engagement and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Confusing left/right with East/West - use consistent reference points and physical landmarks
Thinking faster movement equals better navigation - emphasise accuracy over speed
Believing only perfect completion counts as success - celebrate problem-solving attempts and learning
Assuming navigation is only about following directions - include route planning and map creation skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks between challenges

dyspraxia

Simplified compass directions initially, extra practice time, visual step-by-step guides

autism spectrum

Clear visual sequence cards, predictable routine structure, quiet spaces available if needed

visual impairment

Use tactile markers on cones, provide verbal descriptions of compass directions, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual compass direction cards, clear written instructions, use of gestures and visual cues

physical disability

Adapted routes using shorter distances, seated navigation activities, modified balance challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, negotiation language, descriptive vocabulary

Maths

Grid references, coordinate systems, measuring distances and angles

Science

Forces and motion during balance activities, magnetic properties of compasses

Geography

Compass points, map reading, route planning and navigation skills

PSHE

Teamwork, communication, resilience, problem-solving strategies

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for visibility of all groups during navigation, move closer to benches for balance activities

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate compass direction following, safe movement around equipment, positive group dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if students show confusion with compass points, unsafe movement on benches, or negative group interactions

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate compass points with exaggerated arm movements, show safe bench movement techniques, model positive group communication

Verbal Cues

•'Check your compass direction before moving'
•'Think before you move - safety first'
•'Use gestures to communicate with your team'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m for cone grid and activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, stable benches securely positioned

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are stable and not cracked
•Ensure benches are secure and non-slip
•Verify whiteboard pens have caps to prevent ingestion

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from benches during balance activities
•Collisions while moving around cone grid
•Slips on marking pen ink or wet surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around cone grid
•Adequate supervision during bench activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges
•Immediate reset protocol for unsafe movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during navigation activities
•Stay close to balance activities on benches
•Monitor group interactions for positive communication

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school procedures