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Lesson 1 - Cooperation and Teamwork Skills

Trust & Teamwork Challenges

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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53 min

Big Question

What makes a team truly effective when solving challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced cooperation and teamwork skills through problem-solving challenges
To communicate effectively in a group setting and actively listen to others' ideas
To reflect on successful strategies and apply learning to new situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate clear communication and active listening during team challenges
Students will successfully complete collaborative problem-solving tasks using teamwork strategies
Students will reflect on and articulate what made their team successful

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Benches

Place benches parallel with 3-4 metres between each, ensure stable positioning

Alternative: Long wooden planks, balance beams, or marked lines on floor

Blindfolds

9 (optional)

Check for cleanliness and comfort, have extras available

Alternative: Scrunchies, bandanas, or students can close eyes

Cones

Mark clear boundaries for Team Tag game area

Alternative: Bean bags, spots, or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Cooperation

Working together effectively towards a common goal

Communication

Sharing ideas clearly and listening carefully to others

Active Listening

Paying full attention to what someone is saying and showing you understand

Problem-solving

Finding solutions to challenges by thinking through different approaches

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving a goal successfully

Reflection

Thinking carefully about what happened and why it worked or didn't work

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following simple instructions
Experience working in pairs or small groups
Awareness of taking turns and sharing

Current Skills

Giving and receiving clear instructions
Active listening and building on others' ideas
Problem-solving through collaborative discussion
Reflecting on team success strategies

Next Steps

Leading teams through complex multi-stage challenges
Adapting communication styles for different team members
Teaching teamwork strategies to others

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges through effective communication rather than trial and error

Students can explain specific strategies that helped their team succeed

Groups show respect for all members' contributions

Key Teaching Points

Effective teams plan together before taking action
Good communication means both talking clearly and listening actively
Everyone's ideas are valuable and should be heard respectfully
Teams support each other when individuals are struggling
Problem-solving often requires trying different approaches
Reflection helps teams understand what made them successful
Teamwork skills transfer to many areas of life beyond PE

Common Misconceptions

Teams work best when the loudest person leads - actually need to hear all voices
Speed is most important in challenges - actually planning and cooperation lead to better outcomes
Some people are naturally bad at teamwork - actually these are skills everyone can develop
Team activities are just for fun - actually develop essential life and learning skills
You can only work with people you like - actually can cooperate effectively with anyone using the right strategies

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear structure and expectations, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement for focus and cooperation

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for physical movements, provide additional verbal cueing, pair with supportive partner, focus on planning and communication rather than perfect execution

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, allow quiet observation time before joining, establish predictable routines, offer quiet space if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all activities, provide tactile boundaries for Team Tag, ensure clear audio cues, pair with sighted buddy for bench activities

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations for all instructions, establish clear hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt bench activities to wheelchair level using mats or low platforms, modify Team Tag to seated version, ensure all students can participate in planning discussions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, collaborative discussion, giving clear instructions, active listening techniques, descriptive vocabulary development

Maths

Ordering and sequencing, comparing sizes and measurements, spatial awareness and positioning, problem-solving strategies, logical thinking processes

Science

Understanding forces and balance during bench activities, exploring stability and centre of gravity, observing cause and effect in team dynamics

Computing

Logical problem-solving approaches, debugging strategies when first attempts don't work, following and creating clear step-by-step instructions

PSHE

Working collaboratively, respecting others' ideas, building confidence in group situations, developing empathy and mutual support, conflict resolution strategies

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups to listen to communication and offer encouragement, position to see all activities while staying close enough to hear planning discussions

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, inclusive decision-making, creative problem-solving, and mutual support between team members

Intervention Points

Step in when teams are stuck without any ideas, when communication breaks down completely, when students are excluded from decision-making, or when safety rules are forgotten

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent teamwork behaviours yourself - ask students for their ideas, listen actively, build on suggestions, show respect for all contributions, demonstrate problem-solving thinking aloud

Verbal Cues

•'What ideas is your team suggesting?'
•'How can you help each other succeed?'
•'What strategy worked well last time?'
•'Make sure everyone's voice is heard'
•'Plan first, then action'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall minimum 15m x 10m, or outdoor area with level surface

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for bench activities, clear of obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bench stability before use - all legs secure and level
•Ensure benches are appropriate height for age group
•Inspect blindfolds for cleanliness and comfort if using

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from benches during line-up activities
•Collisions during Team Tag warm-up
•Overstretching or strain during Human Knot
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear bench safety rules before activities begin
•Ensure adequate space between teams during all activities
•Teach and model safe supporting techniques for bench work
•Emphasise gentle movements during Human Knot
•Maintain calm, controlled atmosphere throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all benches during line-up challenges
•Move between groups during Human Knot to monitor strain
•Watch for student frustration levels and intervene early
•Ensure inclusive participation without pressure

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, have ice pack available for minor bumps, clear communication with school office if serious injury