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Lesson 4 - Team Communication and Code Breaking

Strategic Communication and Leadership in Outdoor Adventure

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective communication and collaboration help teams solve complex challenges together?

Learning Objectives

Develop students' ability to communicate clearly and effectively within their team
Learn to solve problems through collaborative teamwork and strategic thinking
Understand the importance of clear communication for successful team outcomes

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Students will show improved collaboration and problem-solving abilities
Students will understand the characteristics of successful teamwork

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

24-32 (6-8 per team of 4)

Different colours preferred for easier identification

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured markers, or hoops

Benches

1 per team (4 total)

Must block team's view of leader's sequence

Alternative: PE mats stood upright, or large whiteboard

Cards

8-12 different patterns

Laminated cards showing various cone sequences

Alternative: Teacher-created pattern sheets or tablet/phone images

Stopwatch

For timing challenges and adding competitive element

Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing information, ideas, or feelings clearly with others through speaking, gestures, or signals

Collaboration

Working together as a team to achieve a common goal, sharing ideas and responsibilities

Team Leader

The person responsible for guiding their team and making key decisions during the challenge

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving success in the challenge

Non-verbal Communication

Sharing information without speaking, using gestures, body language, or signals

Sequence

A particular order or pattern that needs to be matched or followed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork from previous OAA units
Experience working in small groups
Basic listening and following instruction skills

Current Skills

Non-verbal communication techniques
Problem-solving through collaboration
Leadership and team member responsibilities
Strategic thinking and tactical planning

Next Steps

Advanced team challenge activities
Leadership rotation and responsibility sharing
Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges

Milestone Indicators

Clear, purposeful communication observed

Teams showing improved collaboration over time

Students demonstrating leadership qualities

Evidence of tactical thinking and strategy development

Key Teaching Points

Effective communication involves both speaking/gesturing clearly and listening actively
Team success depends on everyone contributing ideas and taking turns
Leaders must communicate clearly but team members must also watch and listen carefully
Problem-solving is more effective when teams discuss strategy between attempts
Different communication methods (verbal, non-verbal, visual) work better in different situations
Patience and persistence are essential when facing challenging problems
Good teams celebrate everyone's contributions, not just the final success

Common Misconceptions

That communication is only about talking clearly - emphasise listening and non-verbal communication
That fastest completion means best teamwork - focus on collaboration quality over speed
That leaders should do all the thinking - teams should work together to develop strategies
That making mistakes means failure - frame errors as learning opportunities
That only confident students can be good leaders - show different leadership styles work
That these skills only matter in PE - connect to classroom and life situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear immediate feedback systems, leadership roles for engagement, fidget-friendly positioning

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in initial challenges

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, predictable routine structure, quiet reflection spaces available, reduced sensory overload options

visual impairment

Use high-contrast coloured cones, verbal descriptions of patterns, tactile markers for positioning, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Enhanced visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear gesture vocabulary established, vibrating timer signals

physical disability

Adapted patterns using larger equipment, seated participation options, alternative methods for moving cones, modified team roles focusing on strategic thinking

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development for communication terms, listening and speaking skills, following and giving instructions

Maths

Pattern recognition and sequencing, logical problem-solving strategies, counting and ordering skills

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, leadership qualities and responsibilities, respect for others' ideas and contributions, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all four team stations, mobile observation around teams during activities

Observation Focus

Communication effectiveness, collaboration quality, leadership emergence, problem-solving strategies, emotional regulation

Intervention Points

["When teams struggle with communication - provide strategy hints", "If leaders speak instead of using gestures - gentle reminder of rules", "When teams show frustration - offer encouragement and simpler challenges", "If collaboration breaks down - facilitate discussion about team roles"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated non-verbal communication when modelling, show enthusiasm for problem-solving process over speed, emphasise collaboration over competition

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to watch your leader carefully!'
•'What strategy could help your team?'
•'Excellent collaboration - you're working as a real team!'
•'Leaders, show us those clear gestures!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m, or outdoor playground area clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from trip hazards, adequate grip for safe movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and positioned safely away from walls
•Ensure cones have no cracks or sharp edges
•Verify activity cards are laminated with no sharp corners

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision with benches during excited movement
•Tripping over scattered cones
•Frustration leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around each team area
•Adequate spacing between teams to prevent interference
•Regular monitoring of emotional states and providing support
•Clear rules about safe movement around equipment

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all four team areas simultaneously
•Monitor bench stability and positioning throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of frustration and intervene supportively

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury/situation, provide appropriate first aid or emotional support, adapt activity if needed