Lesson 2 - Team Problem Solving and Communication
Collaborative Problem Solving Through Adventure Challenges
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does effective communication transform a group of individuals into a successful team?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective communication skills within team challenges
- To understand the characteristics and responsibilities of effective team members
- To apply tactical thinking and problem-solving strategies in collaborative activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate clear verbal and non-verbal communication during team challenges
- Students will identify and exhibit leadership qualities whilst supporting all team members
- Students will evaluate team performance and suggest improvements for future challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-sort into 4 complete suits before lesson
Alternative: Number cards 1-13, laminated number tiles
Place benches in corners of activity area, ensure stability
Alternative: Low balance beams, painted lines on floor
Use to mark team areas and card placement zones
Alternative: Marker spots, rope circles
For timing challenges and creating urgency
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, wall clock with second hand
For recording strategies and team discussions
Alternative: Large paper sheets, clipboards
Key Vocabulary
A planned approach to solving a problem or completing a challenge
Working together effectively, sharing ideas and supporting each other
Sharing information clearly through speaking, listening, and body language
Guiding and supporting others whilst taking responsibility for group success
Specific methods or techniques used to achieve a goal
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of working in pairs and small groups
- Experience following simple instructions and rules
- Awareness of taking turns and sharing equipment
Current Skills
- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication in pressured situations
- Strategic thinking and tactical planning as a team
- Leadership skills and supporting teammates who need help
Next Steps
- Leading multi-team collaborative challenges
- Developing conflict resolution strategies
- Creating original problem-solving challenges for others
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively to teammates
- Successful teams adapt their strategies when initial approaches don't work
- Leadership can be shared and everyone has opportunities to contribute to team success
- Problem-solving requires systematic thinking rather than random trial and error
- Supporting struggling teammates strengthens the whole team's performance
- Resilience and positive attitude are as important as physical skills in team challenges
- Strategic planning before action leads to more successful outcomes than rushing ahead
Common Misconceptions
- Teams succeed only because of individual talent rather than effective collaboration
- Communication means only giving instructions rather than listening and responding
- Leadership means being the loudest or most dominant person in the group
- Winning is more important than learning effective teamwork processes
- Teams that complete challenges fastest are automatically the most effective
- Helping struggling teammates slows down the whole team rather than strengthening it
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks, use engaging variation
dyspraxia
- Simplify coordination requirements, provide extra practice time, offer supportive equipment, allow alternative movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet break areas, use visual schedules, prepare for changes in activity
visual impairment
- Use large print number cards, provide tactile markers for positions, assign sighted buddy support, ensure clear verbal descriptions
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and gestures, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication, assign communication partner
physical disability
- Adapt bench activities for seated participation, provide alternative card handling methods, modify relay distances, ensure wheelchair accessible routes
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Verbal communication skills, listening comprehension, vocabulary development, instruction following
Maths
Logical sequencing, number patterns, time measurement, spatial awareness in clock face arrangement
Science
Problem-solving methodology, hypothesis testing, cause and effect relationships, systematic investigation
PSHE
Teamwork, leadership, resilience, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, empathy development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with ability to move quickly between teams, maintain visual contact with all groups
Observation Focus
Communication effectiveness, inclusive behaviour, strategic thinking development, safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in when teams struggle with communication, provide encouragement during setbacks, mediate conflicts
Demonstration Notes
Model positive communication, show strategic thinking processes, demonstrate resilience and encouragement
Verbal Cues
- •'How can you help your teammate understand?'
- •'What strategy might work better?'
- •'I notice excellent listening here!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m or outdoor area with level surface
Surface Check
Ensure floor/ground is dry, level, and free from obstacles or trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check gymnasium benches are stable and in good condition
- •Ensure playing cards are in good condition without sharp edges
- •Verify cones are visible and positioned to avoid collision risks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from benches during balance challenges
- •Collisions during relay activities
- •Emotional frustration leading to conflict between team members
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear movement protocols and safety rules for bench activities
- •Maintain adequate spacing between teams and activity areas
- •Provide emotional support and conflict resolution strategies
- •Ensure adult supervision is positioned for maximum visibility
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position teacher with clear view of all team areas during challenges
- •Circulate regularly to monitor both physical safety and emotional wellbeing
- •Be particularly attentive during bench activities and relay running
Emergency Procedures
Clear stop signal established, first aid readily available, emergency contact procedures known