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Lesson 5 - Teamwork & Communication

Trust & Teamwork Challenges

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we work together effectively to solve problems and support every team member?

Learning Objectives

To work positively towards a team goal using effective communication
To involve all team members in collaborative activities
To develop problem-solving strategies through team cooperation

Key Outcomes

Students will communicate effectively with team members to solve movement challenges
Students will demonstrate inclusive teamwork by supporting all group members
Students will apply strategic thinking to overcome physical problem-solving tasks

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Large rope circles, chalk circles on playground

Team bibs

Have ready for warm-up activity distribution

Alternative: Coloured bibs, scarves, different coloured PE kit

Tennis Balls

Place in containers for easy distribution to collection activity

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, foam balls

Balls

1 (optional)

Keep available for differentiation in collection activity

Alternative: Large foam ball, beach ball

Cones

Mark start and finish lines clearly for all activities

Alternative: Hoops as markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas, instructions, and feedback clearly with team members

Strategy

A planned approach to solving a problem or completing a challenge

Cooperation

Working together willingly to achieve a shared goal

Support

Helping and encouraging team members, especially when they struggle

Inclusion

Making sure everyone is involved and has a role to play

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 on movement tasks
Awareness of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Effective verbal communication during physical tasks
Collaborative problem-solving in small groups
Supporting team members with different abilities

Next Steps

Leading team strategies in competitive situations
Adapting communication for different group dynamics
Evaluating and improving team performance

Milestone Indicators

Speaks clearly and listens actively during team challenges

Includes all team members in problem-solving discussions

Demonstrates patience and encouragement with struggling teammates

Key Teaching Points

Effective teamwork requires both talking and listening - model good communication constantly
Every team member has something valuable to contribute - ensure all students have active roles
Problem-solving improves with practice - encourage teams to try multiple strategies
Physical challenges become easier when teams communicate and support each other
Inclusion means adapting activities so everyone can participate meaningfully
Celebrating team effort is as important as celebrating team success
Teams work best when members are patient and encouraging with each other

Common Misconceptions

Students may think the loudest person should lead - teach that good leaders listen to everyone
Some students believe physical ability is most important - emphasise that communication and strategy matter more
Teams might rush to start without planning - stress that discussion time improves performance
Students may focus only on winning - redirect attention to teamwork process and inclusion
Some may think struggling teammates slow the team down - teach that supporting others makes teams stronger

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks between planning discussions

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination challenges, provide step-by-step instructions, use larger equipment where possible

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and predictable routines, offer quiet planning time before activities, use visual timetables for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activity areas, implement buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instructions, use hand signals for team communication

physical disability

Adapt rowing activity for wheelchair users, modify grip requirements for collection challenges, provide alternative roles in team activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills, vocabulary development through team discussions, clear communication and instruction giving

Science

Forces and motion during rowing activities, understanding of leverage and teamwork mechanics

Mathematics

Problem-solving strategies, spatial reasoning during movement challenges, counting and number work with equipment

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, respecting differences, building confidence, leadership skills and mutual support

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities to observe communication and teamwork, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Monitor quality of team communication, inclusion of all members, and safe execution of physical challenges

Intervention Points

Step in when teams struggle with communication, when safety is compromised, or when students are excluded from activities

Demonstration Notes

Use clear physical demonstrations for each challenge, involve students in demonstrating good teamwork examples

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your team!'
•'How can you help your teammate?'
•'What strategy will work best?'
•'Remember everyone needs to be involved!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space (hall) or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for rowing movements, check for hazards or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls contained to prevent rolling hazards
•Hoops checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Team bands secure but not too tight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during cat and mouse warm-up
•Strain on wrists/ankles during rowing activity
•Slipping on tennis balls during collection challenge

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and movement rules established
•Proper demonstration of safe gripping techniques
•Continuous supervision during physical contact activities
•Progressive difficulty allowing students to adapt gradually

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during team challenges
•Monitor physical contact during rowing activities
•Ensure ball collection areas remain clear of trip hazards

Emergency Procedures

Standard PE emergency procedures apply, with additional attention to ankle/wrist strain during partner work