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Lesson 4 - Trust and Communication in Team Challenges

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 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

Blindfolds

1 per 2 students (15)

Check for cleanliness and comfort before use

Alternative: Fabric strips, eye masks, or close eyes

Cones

12-15 mixed sizes

Small cones for obstacles, larger for area boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk circles

Balls

9-12 tennis balls

Must balance safely on cone tops

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, or soft play balls

Rope

8-10 (2m length)

Check for fraying and ensure appropriate length

Alternative: Skipping ropes, ribbon, or fabric strips

Hoops

3-4 large hoops

Position securely inside restricted areas

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or bucket targets

Low Obstacles

6-8 items

Create safe pathway with varied height challenges

Alternative: Benches, mats, cones, or PE apparatus

Key Vocabulary

Trust

Having confidence in someone else to keep you safe and help you succeed

Communication

Sharing information clearly so others can understand and respond

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal

Cooperation

Working together towards a common goal

Problem-solving

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

Shows confidence when being guided by others

Gives clear, safety-conscious instructions

Demonstrates effective team communication

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