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Lesson 2 - Communication and Teamwork

Building Team Trust Through Communication Challenges

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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1h 18min

Big Question

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

Hoops

7 (1 per group of 4-5 students)

Place around hall perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Large plastic rings, rope circles

Rope

7 lengths (2-3m each, tied in circles)

Check knots are secure before use

Alternative: Skipping ropes tied together, resistance bands

Beach Ball

15 (1 per pair)

Ensure balls are properly inflated but not over-inflated

Alternative: Balloons, foam balls, tennis balls

Foam Mats

15 (1 per pair)

Check for any damage or rough edges

Alternative: Pool noodles cut in half, soft balls

Cling Film

2-3 rolls

Have scissors nearby for quick removal if needed

Alternative: Large elastic bands, stretchy fabric strips

Cones

8-10 for marking boundaries and circuits

Use to create clear activity zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas clearly through words, gestures, or actions so others understand

Cooperation

Working together towards a shared goal, combining everyone's efforts

Trust

Believing that your partner will do their part and keep you safe

Problem-solving

Finding ways to overcome challenges by trying different approaches

Feedback

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

Students naturally help partners who are struggling

Groups self-regulate and solve problems without teacher intervention

Clear evidence of students building on each other's ideas

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.