Lesson 5 - Team Communication and Strategic Planning
Building Team Trust Through Communication Challenges
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can effective communication and planning help teams achieve their goals in challenging situations?
Learning Objectives
- Work collaboratively with others to apply a strategic plan effectively
- Communicate clearly and listen actively to team members during problem-solving activities
- Demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence in competitive team situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully implement team plans to solve complex challenges
- Students will communicate effectively and show good listening skills throughout activities
- Students will display confidence and motivation when facing competitive scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in 3x3 grid formation with 2m spacing between grids
Alternative: Floor spots, poly spots, or chalk circles
Shuffle and distribute randomly to players
Alternative: Laminated numbers, coloured bibs with numbers
Check for hygiene and ensure comfortable fit
Alternative: Eye masks, bandanas, or scarves
Attach securely to clothing without causing discomfort
Alternative: Velcro strips, sticky notes, or ribbon pieces
Ensure all edges are soft and safe for tagging
Alternative: Pool noodles, rolled newspaper, or soft play sticks
Use for gauntlet, boundaries, and jail areas
Alternative: Markers, chairs, or other boundary markers
Place in designated flag zones at each end
Alternative: Bean bags, balls, or coloured objects
Visible to teacher for timing activities
Alternative: Mobile phone timer or wall clock
Key Vocabulary
A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal or outcome
The successful sharing of information and ideas between team members
Working together cooperatively to achieve a common goal
The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex challenges
Specific actions or methods used to implement a strategy
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
- Experience with simple problem-solving activities
- Awareness of basic communication skills
Current Skills
- Strategic planning and implementation in team contexts
- Advanced communication and active listening techniques
- Self-motivation and confidence in competitive scenarios
Next Steps
- Leadership skills in complex team challenges
- Adaptation of strategies based on changing circumstances
- Mentoring and coaching teammates
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective teams always plan before taking action
- Clear communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively
- Different team members can contribute in different ways to achieve success
- Strategies need to be adapted based on changing circumstances
- Trust and support between team members builds confidence
- Reflection and evaluation help teams improve their performance
- Competition can be motivating while maintaining respect for others
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that the loudest person is the best communicator - teach that clear, calm communication is more effective
- Believing that physical ability is the only way to contribute to team success - emphasise strategic thinking and support roles
- Assuming that plans shouldn't change once made - teach flexibility and adaptation
- Thinking that winning is more important than learning - focus on process over outcome
- Believing that teamwork means everyone doing the same thing - teach about different roles and contributions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear role definitions, allow for movement breaks, use high-energy activities constructively for engagement
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment where possible, focus on strategic rather than physical contributions
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, give advance warning of competitive elements, create quiet zones for breaks if needed, use visual schedules for activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment and high-contrast markers, provide detailed verbal descriptions of all layouts, assign sighted partner for guidance during complex activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and hand gestures for communication, provide written instructions for complex rules, ensure visual demonstration of all activities
physical disability
- Adapt movement requirements based on individual needs, allow wheelchair users alternative roles such as strategic coordinator, modify tagging rules as appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear verbal communication skills, active listening techniques, descriptive language for giving instructions, vocabulary development for strategic terminology
Maths
Problem-solving strategies, spatial awareness in grid puzzles, time management during planning phases, calculating optimal team formations and movement patterns
Science
Understanding of human senses and how blindfolding affects spatial awareness, forces and motion in competitive movement, reaction time and decision-making processes
PSHE
Leadership skills development, conflict resolution, building trust and confidence, emotional regulation during competitive situations, celebrating diversity in team roles
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between groups during activities, positioning to observe blindfolded activities closely while maintaining awareness of all students
Observation Focus
Watch for effective team communication, strategic thinking development, confidence building, and safe participation in all activities
Intervention Points
Step in when teams struggle with planning, if safety concerns arise, when students become frustrated, or to facilitate deeper strategic discussions
Demonstration Notes
Model clear communication techniques, show safe tagging methods, demonstrate strategic thinking approaches, and exhibit positive coaching behaviours
Verbal Cues
- •'Plan first, then act!'
- •'What information does your team need?'
- •'How can you communicate that more clearly?'
- •'What's your backup plan?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for Capture the Flag, plus additional space for warm-up activities
Surface Check
Ensure playing surface is dry, even, and free from obstacles. Check for adequate grip to prevent slipping during competitive games
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Inspect all blindfolds for cleanliness and comfort
- •Check foam batons are intact with no hard edges
- •Ensure hoops lie flat and won't cause tripping
- •Verify clothes pegs are secure but won't damage clothing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during blindfolded activities
- •Falls during competitive chasing games
- •Overexcitement leading to unsafe play
- •Disputes during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Constant supervision during blindfolded activities
- •Clear boundaries and safety zones established
- •Regular safety reminders during competitive play
- •Immediate intervention for unsafe behaviour
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all blindfolded activities simultaneously
- •Monitor competitive games for fair play and safety
- •Be ready to pause activities if safety concerns arise
- •Ensure additional adult support for complex activities if available
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess and provide appropriate first aid. Ensure other students are safely occupied while dealing with emergencies.