🧭

Lesson 4 - Problem Solving and Communication

Map Skills & Team Solutions

•

Year 4

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

Big Question

How can effective communication and teamwork help us solve complex challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively with others to solve problems using clear communication
To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision through physical challenges
To follow rules and develop strategies for team success

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate effectively within a team to complete problem-solving tasks
Students will demonstrate improved physical skills through cooperative challenges
Students will understand the importance of listening and clear communication in teamwork

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

Place all balls in central hoop at start

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, foam balls

Hoops

11 (1 central, 10 team hoops)

One large central hoop, smaller hoops spaced around perimeter

Alternative: Cones to mark circles, chalk circles on ground

Rope

5 (one per group)

Each rope approximately 8-10 metres long

Alternative: Skipping ropes tied together, thick string

Blindfolds

30 (one per student)

Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable

Alternative: PE bands, scarves, ask students to close eyes tightly

Cones

20-30

Set up in grid pattern for quiz activity

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk marks

Cards

30 cards

Laminate cards and place under designated cones

Alternative: Self-made question cards, tablet with questions

Maps for Cone Quiz

6 different routes

Each map shows different route through 6 cones

Alternative: Simple drawn maps, written instructions

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas and information clearly with others

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a goal

Cooperation

Working together towards a common goal

Precision

Accuracy and exactness in movement or action

Agility

The ability to move quickly and easily

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
Simple communication skills in PE contexts
Fundamental movement skills including running and balancing

Current Skills

Advanced problem-solving through physical challenges
Clear communication under pressure
Demonstrating precision and control in cooperative tasks

Next Steps

Leadership roles in complex team challenges
Strategic thinking in competitive situations
Mentoring others in problem-solving techniques

Milestone Indicators

Student initiates helpful communication without prompting

Demonstrates consistent accuracy in physical tasks

Shows resilience when initial strategies don't work

Key Teaching Points

Communication is essential for successful teamwork, especially in challenging situations
Problem-solving often requires multiple attempts and strategy adjustments
Physical skills improve through practice and team support
Listening to others is as important as speaking clearly
Working together can achieve more than individual efforts
Challenges help us discover new abilities and build confidence
Supporting teammates creates a positive learning environment for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Students may think the loudest voice should lead - emphasise that good communication means everyone contributes
Some may believe physical challenges are individual tasks - stress the cooperative element throughout
Students might think perfect results are required - focus on effort, strategy and improvement rather than perfection
Some may assume communication is only verbal - highlight non-verbal communication and active listening
Students may think competition means not helping others - emphasise positive competition and sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Build in regular movement breaks, provide clear time boundaries, offer specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for coordination challenges, provide step-by-step instructions, celebrate effort over accuracy

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if needed, use visual schedules for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use tactile markers on ropes, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for navigation challenges

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures, provide written instructions for quiz questions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt rope challenges for seated participation, modify running activities to suit mobility, ensure inclusive team roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear verbal communication, listening skills, following complex instructions, explaining problem-solving strategies

Maths

Shape recognition and naming, addition of numerical quiz answers, spatial awareness during formation activities

Science

Understanding of balance and coordination, forces involved in rope challenges, spatial relationships

Geography

Map reading skills during cone quiz, understanding of spatial relationships and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during activities, especially during blindfolded challenges for safety monitoring

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, evidence of problem-solving strategies, and consistent demonstration of physical skills

Intervention Points

Step in if safety is compromised, if groups are not communicating effectively, or if competitive spirit becomes negative

Demonstration Notes

Model clear communication strategies, show examples of good teamwork, demonstrate safe movement during challenges

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your team!'
•'What strategy could work here?'
•'How can you help your teammates?'
•'Safety first - move slowly and carefully!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, especially for blindfolded activities, check for any wet or damaged areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all ropes are in good condition without fraying or knots
•Ensure blindfolds are clean and comfortable
•Verify tennis balls are not damaged and hoops are stable
•Confirm cones are visible and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during blindfolded activities
•Trips and falls while moving between activities
•Entanglement in ropes during shape challenges
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Constant supervision during blindfolded activities
•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during blindfolded challenges
•Monitor rope activities closely for entanglement risks
•Watch for competitive behaviour becoming unsafe
•Ensure no equipment is left on floor as trip hazard

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed away from incident