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Lesson 3 - Team Problem Solving Under Pressure

Building Team Trust Through Communication Challenges

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can effective communication and strategic planning help us solve problems under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To perform calmly under pressure whilst solving team challenges
To create and implement effective strategies through collaborative planning
To evaluate team performance and identify improvements for future challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate calm decision-making during timed challenges
Students will work collaboratively to develop and execute strategic plans
Students will reflect on team performance and suggest specific improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

18 (for 3x3 grids)

Arrange in 3x3 grids between competing teams

Alternative: Cones, chalk circles, tape squares

Coloured Bibs

10 per team (2 different colours)

Each team needs distinctly different colours

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured cones, laminated cards

Cards

4 complete suits (Ace to King)

One suit per team, placed face down at far end

Alternative: Number cards 1-13, laminated sequence cards

Cones

50 (10 per group)

Create keypad areas for each team

Alternative: Hoops, laminated circles, chalk marks

Team bibs

50 (numbers 1-10 per team)

Place randomly under cones in keypad areas

Alternative: Laminated cards, sticky notes

Gym Mats

10 (2 per team)

Ensure mats are large enough for multiple students

Alternative: Carpet tiles, foam boards, cardboard sheets

Stopwatch

For timing challenges and discussion periods

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim

Evaluate

To judge or assess the success or failure of something

Non-verbal communication

Communicating without using words, through gestures, signals or expressions

Chronological order

Arranging things in the order they happen in time

Pressure

The feeling of stress or urgency that makes tasks more challenging

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic teamwork skills from previous OAA lessons
Understanding of following instructions and rules
Experience with simple problem-solving activities

Current Skills

Strategic planning under time pressure
Non-verbal communication techniques
Team evaluation and reflection skills

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Leadership rotation in team scenarios
Advanced strategic thinking in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges with minimal teacher intervention

Students demonstrate clear strategic thinking

Groups show measurable improvement between attempts

Key Teaching Points

Strategic planning significantly improves team performance under pressure
Non-verbal communication requires practice and clear signals between team members
Evaluation and reflection are essential for continuous improvement
Teams succeed through collaboration, support, and shared decision-making
Persistence and resilience are crucial when facing challenging problems
Effective leadership involves listening to all team members' ideas
Problem-solving skills transfer from PE to academic and life situations

Common Misconceptions

Teams think rushing is faster than planning - emphasise that planning prevents mistakes
Students believe only winners demonstrate good skills - highlight effort and improvement
Teams assume one person should make all decisions - promote collaborative leadership
Students think talking louder helps communication - demonstrate clear, calm signal systems
Teams believe physical ability is most important - emphasise strategic thinking value

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break challenges into shorter segments, provide clear role definitions, use visual signals for attention and transitions

dyspraxia

Simplified non-verbal signals, additional planning time, buddy support for spatial challenges

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedules for lesson structure, allow practice time for new activities, designate quiet reflection spaces

visual impairment

Use textured markers for keypad areas, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layouts, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all signals, written instruction cards, use of visual timers instead of verbal countdowns

physical disability

Adapted roles such as strategy coordinator, modify distances for accessibility, alternative signaling methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Non-verbal communication techniques, evaluation and reflection skills, expressing ideas clearly to others

Maths

Sequencing numbers 1-10, spatial awareness in grid patterns, strategic thinking and problem-solving approaches

Science

Communication systems and signal transmission, cause and effect relationships in planning and outcomes

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience under pressure, communication skills and active listening

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all team areas, move between teams during planning phases

Observation Focus

Strategic thinking development, non-verbal communication effectiveness, team collaboration and support

Intervention Points

Step in if teams become frustrated, provide encouragement for struggling groups, ensure safety rules are followed

Demonstration Notes

Model positive communication, show non-verbal signal examples, demonstrate strategic thinking processes clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Think strategy first, action second!'
•'How can you signal that to your teammate?'
•'Great teams plan together and support each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size 20m x 30m with clear areas for 5 separate team challenges

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface essential for mat-based activities and running relays

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check gym mats are clean and have no tears that could cause tripping
•Ensure cones are stable and placed securely
•Verify hoops are flat against floor to prevent catching feet
•Check playing cards are not damaged with sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between teams during relay activities
•Slips and falls on gym mats during swamp crossing
•Overcrowding around keypad areas
•Frustration leading to unsafe rushing behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear pathways established between all team areas
•Teams start activities in staggered fashion to prevent crowding
•Teacher positioned for optimal visibility of all team activities
•Emphasis on taking time rather than rushing through challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all 5 team areas simultaneously
•Move between teams during strategy discussions to monitor dynamics
•Watch particularly carefully during swamp crossing for mat stability
•Monitor frustration levels and provide encouragement before problems escalate

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other teams remain calm and seated