Lesson 5 - Teamwork & Communication
Trust & Teamwork Challenges
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Large rope circles, chalk circles on playground
Have ready for warm-up activity distribution
Alternative: Coloured bibs, scarves, different coloured PE kit
Place in containers for easy distribution to collection activity
Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, foam balls
Keep available for differentiation in collection activity
Alternative: Large foam ball, beach ball
Mark start and finish lines clearly for all activities
Alternative: Hoops as markers, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas, instructions, and feedback clearly with team members
A planned approach to solving a problem or completing a challenge
Working together willingly to achieve a shared goal
Helping and encouraging team members, especially when they struggle
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
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