Lesson 2 - Communication and Teamwork
Building Team Trust Through Communication Challenges
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and trust help us solve problems together?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective communication skills during team challenges
- To build trust and cooperation with different partners and groups
- To demonstrate problem-solving strategies through physical activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will communicate clearly and listen actively during team tasks
- Students will work cooperatively with different partners showing respect for others
- Students will demonstrate problem-solving skills in physical challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Place around hall perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Large plastic rings, rope circles
Check knots are secure before use
Alternative: Skipping ropes tied together, resistance bands
Ensure balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated
Alternative: Balloons, foam balls, tennis balls
Check for any damage or rough edges
Alternative: Pool noodles cut in half, soft balls
Have scissors nearby for quick removal if needed
Alternative: Large elastic bands, stretchy fabric strips
Use to create clear activity zones
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas clearly through words, gestures, or actions so others understand
Working together towards a shared goal, combining everyone's efforts
Believing that your partner will do their part and keep you safe
Finding ways to overcome challenges by trying different approaches
Helpful comments that help someone improve or continue doing well
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of taking turns and sharing
- Experience working in pairs during PE activities
- Ability to follow simple instructions and safety rules
Current Skills
- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication during team tasks
- Building trust through physical cooperation activities
- Problem-solving strategies for overcoming challenges together
Next Steps
- Leading team challenges and supporting others
- Complex problem-solving requiring multiple steps
- Evaluating team performance and suggesting improvements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication requires both speaking clearly and listening actively to others
- Trust in teamwork develops gradually through shared successful experiences
- Equal effort from all team members leads to better results than one person leading
- Problem-solving together is more effective than individual attempts
- Positive encouragement helps teams persist through difficult challenges
- Good teams adapt their approach when the first attempt doesn't work
- Respect for others' ideas strengthens team cooperation and creativity
Common Misconceptions
- Teams only succeed when everyone is physically strong - correct: communication and cooperation matter more than individual strength
- Competition means trying to beat others - correct: best competition focuses on improving your own team's performance
- Leaders should make all the decisions - correct: effective teams share leadership and listen to everyone's ideas
- Physical challenges are only about being coordinated - correct: trust and communication are equally important
- Teams that struggle are failing - correct: learning happens through attempting challenges and adapting approaches
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in regular movement breaks, provide clear, short instructions, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow for fidget tools during reflection time
dyspraxia
- Allow additional practice time for coordination, simplify multi-step instructions, provide adult support for complex movements, celebrate effort over achievement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, allow breaks if sensory overwhelm occurs, offer predictable partnerships, prepare for activities with visual schedules
visual impairment
- Use bright, contrasting equipment for visibility, provide detailed verbal descriptions of all activities, ensure consistent partner for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and clear gestures, establish simple hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards as backup
physical disability
- Adapt physical challenges to seated or supported positions, modify equipment size and weight, focus on communication rather than physical achievement
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Speaking and listening skills development, following and giving instructions clearly, vocabulary development around cooperation and communication
Maths
Geometry work with rope shapes, measurements for square and rectangle challenges, area and perimeter calculations during shape-making activities
Science
Forces and motion during back-to-back challenges, balance and centre of gravity in cooperation tasks, teamwork in scientific investigation methods
PSHE
Building relationships, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during challenges, showing respect for others, building confidence and resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate continuously to observe all groups, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations, stay mobile during circuit activities
Observation Focus
Watch for effective communication patterns, note trust-building development, monitor safety during physical challenges, assess cooperation vs individual effort
Intervention Points
Step in if any student shows discomfort with physical contact, guide groups struggling with communication, support pairs who are mismatched in size or ability
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with appropriate-sized partner, emphasise communication during demonstrations, show multiple attempts to model persistence, highlight safety considerations clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Talk to your partner about your plan!'
- •'What could you say to help your team?'
- •'Equal effort from both partners!'
- •'Celebrate your teamwork, not just success!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground area minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for floor-based activities, check for any water or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure rope knots are secure and rope condition is good
- •Verify beach balls are properly inflated but not over-pressurised
- •Test cling film application with adult first to ensure easy removal
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during back-to-back standing challenges
- •Collisions between moving pairs during circuit activities
- •Anxiety or claustrophobia with cling film activities
- •Strain from physical cooperation requiring equal effort
Risk Mitigation
- •Match partners by similar size and ability for physical challenges
- •Provide clear boundaries and spacing for all movement activities
- •Have scissors immediately available for quick cling film removal
- •Demonstrate all activities clearly before student attempts
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all pairs during physical challenges
- •Circulate continuously during equipment-based activities
- •Monitor emotional comfort levels throughout lesson
- •Be ready to provide immediate support for any struggles
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student shows distress, discomfort, or safety concern. Remove cling film immediately if requested. First aid available for any minor injuries from falls or equipment contact.