Lesson 2 - Partner Communication and Trust
Trust & Teamwork Challenges
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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How can we use clear communication to help our partner succeed in challenging situations?
Learning Objectives
- To work effectively with a partner using clear communication
- To develop trust and cooperation through physical challenges
- To give and follow precise instructions in movement activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective partner communication during physical challenges
- Students will show trust and responsibility when guiding a blindfolded partner
- Students will reflect on successful communication strategies and teamwork
Equipment & Resources Required
Position as obstacles in course, ensure stable and safe
Alternative: Gym mats, low tables, or sturdy boxes
Clean and ready for distribution, check for comfort
Alternative: Sleep masks, bandanas, or PE blindfolds
Various colours for course markers and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags as markers
Mix of sizes for course obstacles and targets
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked areas
Set at ankle height for safety, adjustable if needed
Alternative: Cones with ropes, benches, or marked lines to step over
Key Vocabulary
Sharing information clearly through speaking and listening
Believing that your partner will keep you safe and help you succeed
Clear directions that tell someone exactly what to do
Helping someone by giving them directions and support
Working together towards the same goal
Thinking about what went well and what could be improved
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic listening skills in PE contexts
- Understanding of simple movement vocabulary
- Experience working in pairs for short activities
- Basic safety awareness in movement
Current Skills
- Clear verbal communication during physical activities
- Trust-building through guided movement challenges
- Following multi-step instructions accurately
- Problem-solving collaboratively with a partner
Next Steps
- Leading small groups through complex challenges
- Using communication skills in competitive team activities
- Developing advanced trust exercises and problem-solving
- Mentoring younger students in communication skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Trust is built through consistent, safe actions and clear communication
- Specific instructions work better than general directions
- Both partners are responsible for successful teamwork
- Communication includes tone of voice, not just words
- Problem-solving together is more effective than individual efforts
- Safety and comfort are always more important than speed or success
- Good partners encourage and support each other through challenges
Common Misconceptions
- That being blindfolded is scary rather than a trust-building opportunity - emphasise safety and partner responsibility
- That loud instructions are clearer - teach that calm, specific directions work better
- That one partner should lead all the time - stress shared responsibility and role swapping
- That mistakes mean failure - frame challenges as learning opportunities
- That trust happens instantly - explain that trust builds through repeated positive experiences
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Slower movement pace encouraged, extra practice time for coordination, simplified obstacle arrangements
autism spectrum
- Clear routine explanation, quiet space available if overwhelmed, visual schedule of activities, familiar partner when possible
visual impairment
- Extra verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system with sighted guide, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all activities, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Adapted obstacle course with wheelchair access, seated versions of partner challenges, modified movement requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear speaking and listening, following instructions, descriptive language, vocabulary development
Maths
Directional language, counting steps, spatial awareness, measuring distances in instructions
Science
Understanding balance and coordination, how communication affects the brain and body
PSHE
Trust building, cooperation, empathy, responsibility for others' safety and wellbeing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Mobile throughout space to supervise all pairs, particularly close during blindfold activities
Observation Focus
Quality of communication, trust development, safety awareness, positive partnership behaviours
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe guidance, emotional distress, or exclusion occurs
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent communication during activities, show clear instruction examples, demonstrate trust and safety
Verbal Cues
- •'Guides, keep your partner safe'
- •'Use specific instructions like forward three steps'
- •'Trust your partner, they want to help you succeed'
- •'Celebrate when your partner helps you'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m, or outdoor area with safe surface
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for blindfold activities, clear of trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Blindfolds checked for cleanliness and proper fit
- •Obstacle course equipment stable and appropriate height
- •Benches secured and not wobbly
- •Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during blindfold activities
- •Collisions between pairs
- •Emotional distress from trust activities
- •Inappropriate guidance leading to unsafe situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Guides trained in safety responsibilities
- •Clear boundaries and obstacle-free areas
- •Walking pace only during blindfold activities
- •Teacher positioned for optimal supervision
- •Students comfortable removing blindfolds if needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all blindfold activities
- •Move between pairs during obstacle course
- •Monitor emotional responses to trust challenges
- •Ensure guides taking safety responsibilities seriously
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity, assess situation, remove blindfolds if needed, apply first aid or comfort as appropriate