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Lesson 3 - Teamwork and Communication Challenges

Collaborative Problem Solving Through Adventure Challenges

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective teamwork and communication help us solve complex physical challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective team collaboration and communication skills through problem-solving challenges
To understand the characteristics and responsibilities of effective team members
To apply tactical thinking and strategic planning to overcome physical challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully work as a team to complete complex problem-solving challenges
Students will demonstrate understanding of their role and responsibilities within a team
Students will show leadership qualities and support team members effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

4-6 benches

Position benches with adequate spacing for safety, ensure stability

Alternative: Gymnastics benches, playground benches, or low stable platforms

Dish Cones

6-8 pens

Check pens can stand upright and are safe to handle

Alternative: Plastic bottles, small cones, or similar cylindrical objects

Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark start lines, boundaries, and successful attempts

Alternative: Small markers, discs, or bean bags

Measuring Tapes

2-3 tapes

For measuring distances accurately and tracking progress

Alternative: Metre rulers or pre-marked lines on ground

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together effectively towards a common goal

Strategy

A planned approach or method to solve a problem or complete a challenge

Leadership

Guiding and motivating others to achieve team goals

Tactical thinking

Using careful planning and considering different options to solve problems

Communication

Sharing ideas clearly and listening actively to others

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork from previous OAA lessons
Experience working in pairs and small groups
Fundamental movement skills for balance and coordination

Current Skills

Advanced team communication and collaboration
Strategic thinking and tactical planning
Leadership and responsibility taking

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Leading teams independently in outdoor activities
Advanced risk assessment and safety management

Milestone Indicators

Communicates clearly and listens actively to team members

Takes initiative and shows leadership when appropriate

Adapts strategies based on team feedback and results

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise safety and controlled movement on benches at all times
Model and reinforce effective non-verbal communication throughout
Celebrate different problem-solving approaches rather than just success
Ensure every student has opportunity to contribute meaningfully to team efforts
Connect physical challenges to broader life skills of collaboration and persistence
Provide specific, positive feedback on team processes not just outcomes
Adapt challenges in real-time based on team success and engagement levels

Common Misconceptions

That loudest or most confident students make the best team leaders
That physical strength is more important than strategic thinking
That teams must complete challenges quickly to be successful
That making mistakes means failure rather than learning opportunities
That competition means teams cannot help or learn from each other

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles within teams, fidget tools available, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Additional time for processing instructions, simplified movement patterns, partner support for balance, reduced complexity in challenges

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use tactile markers for boundaries, provide verbal descriptions of team formations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals, written instruction cards, visual progress tracking

physical disability

Adapted seating or support devices for bench activities, modified reaching distances, alternative roles within teams

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Non-verbal communication, listening skills, collaborative discussion, explaining strategies and reasoning

Maths

Measuring distances accurately, comparing lengths, ordering from tallest to shortest, understanding spatial relationships

Science

Forces and balance when supporting team members, levers and fulcrums in pen challenge, gravity and stability concepts

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding direction and distance, mapping team formations

PSHE

Leadership skills, responsibility taking, managing emotions under pressure, building positive relationships

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during introductions, mobile supervision during challenges, strategic positioning to observe all teams

Observation Focus

Safety compliance during bench activities; Quality of team communication and collaboration; Individual student engagement and contribution; Problem-solving strategies and persistence

Intervention Points

["When safety rules are not being followed", "If teams become frustrated or arguments develop", "When students are not participating or being excluded", "To provide encouragement during difficult moments"]

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear non-verbal communication gestures, safe bench movement, strategic positioning for challenges, positive team interaction

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to communicate without words!'
•'Think about how each person can help!'
•'Safety first - small steps and balance!'
•'Great teamwork - keep supporting each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, with additional areas for multiple team activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for bench work, clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all benches are stable and secure before use
•Ensure marker pens are safe and non-toxic
•Inspect cones for damage or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from benches during height ordering activity
•Collisions between team members during challenges
•Overexertion during pen placement attempts
•Unsafe stretching or leaning positions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety briefing before each challenge
•Adequate spacing between team activity areas
•Teacher supervision and intervention when needed
•Restart rule enforces safe participation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all teams simultaneously
•Move between groups to monitor safety compliance
•Identify students who may need additional support
•Maintain clear view of bench activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, ensure other students continue safely under supervision