Lesson 4 - Trust and Communication in Team Challenges
Building Team Trust Through Communication Challenges
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does trust and clear communication help teams solve problems together?
Learning Objectives
- To develop trust and communication skills through collaborative challenges
- To understand the importance of giving and following clear instructions
- To demonstrate control and poise when performing team-building activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will show they can put their trust in others during guided activities
- Students will communicate effectively to help team members complete challenges
- Students will perform activities with control and poise showing awareness of safety
Equipment & Resources Required
Check for cleanliness and comfort before use
Alternative: Fabric strips, eye masks, or close eyes
Small cones for obstacles, larger for area boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk circles
Must balance safely on cone tops
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or soft play balls
Check for fraying and ensure appropriate length
Alternative: Skipping ropes, ribbon, or fabric strips
Position securely inside restricted areas
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or bucket targets
Create safe pathway with varied height challenges
Alternative: Benches, mats, cones, or PE apparatus
Key Vocabulary
Having confidence in someone else to keep you safe and help you succeed
Sharing information clearly so others can understand and respond
A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal
Working together towards a common goal
Finding solutions to challenges through thinking and teamwork
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 trust activities
- Ability to follow safety instructions
Current Skills
- Developing trust through guided movement activities
- Learning to give and receive clear instructions
- Building communication skills for problem-solving
Next Steps
- Advanced problem-solving challenges
- Leadership roles in outdoor activities
- Independent risk assessment skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety must always be the top priority during all trust activities
- Communication should be clear, kind, and specific to help team members
- Trust develops gradually through successful experiences together
- Problem-solving works best when everyone contributes ideas
- Teams succeed when each member supports the others
- Reflection helps students understand their learning and growth
- Celebrating effort as well as achievement builds confidence
Common Misconceptions
- "Trust activities are just games" - Explain they develop real life skills for working with others
- "Some people are naturally better at teamwork" - Show that communication skills can be learned and improved
- "Trust means doing dangerous things" - Emphasise that trust should always involve safety and respect
- "Talking more means better communication" - Teach that clear, purposeful communication is more effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include regular movement breaks, provide clear role definitions, use shorter activity segments with frequent check-ins
dyspraxia
- Simplify coordination requirements, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment and clearer boundaries
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet breaks if needed, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Provide clear verbal descriptions of all setups, use tactile markers for boundaries, ensure guides give extra detailed instructions
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure visual contact during communication
physical disability
- Adapt trust activities for different mobility levels, use wheelchair-accessible obstacles, modify balance challenges as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing speaking and listening skills through clear instruction giving, following complex verbal directions, discussing strategies and reflecting on experiences
Maths
Spatial awareness and geometry through shape-making activities, problem-solving and logical thinking in challenges
Science
Understanding balance and forces during trust activities, exploring sensory awareness when sight is removed
PSHE
Building trust and relationships, developing communication skills, understanding cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions during challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between groups to observe communication and provide encouragement, position to see all blindfolded activities clearly
Observation Focus
Watch for effective communication, development of trust, inclusive participation, and creative problem-solving strategies
Intervention Points
Step in if students feel unsafe, support groups struggling with communication, encourage inclusive participation
Demonstration Notes
Model calm, supportive communication throughout, demonstrate safety procedures clearly, show enthusiasm for teamwork efforts
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to communicate clearly and kindly'
- •'Trust your partner to keep you safe'
- •'Work together - everyone's ideas matter'
- •'Take your time and think about your strategy'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space (hall) or outdoor area minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip, clean surface suitable for sitting and blindfolded movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check blindfolds are clean and comfortable
- •Ensure all cones are stable and without sharp edges
- •Verify ropes have no fraying or knots that could cause injury
- •Test that balls balance securely on cone tops
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during blindfolded activities
- •Falls when balancing or moving without sight
- •Inappropriate physical contact during trust activities
- •Anxiety or fear related to trust challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all movement activities
- •Guides always positioned for maximum safety
- •Gradual progression from simple to complex trust activities
- •Constant supervision during blindfolded movement
- •Students paired appropriately for size and comfort
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during trust activities
- •Move between teams during problem-solving challenges
- •Stay close during blindfolded navigation activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if anyone feels unsafe, provide comfort and support, assess need for first aid if any physical incidents occur