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Lesson 5 - Team Communication and Tactical Problem Solving

Strategic Communication and Leadership in Outdoor Adventure

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can clear communication and tactical thinking help teams overcome complex challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills within a team environment
To create and implement simple tactical approaches to problem-solving challenges
To understand individual roles and responsibilities within collaborative team activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate clear verbal and non-verbal communication during team challenges
Students will work collaboratively to develop and execute tactical solutions
Students will understand their specific role within the team and its importance to overall success

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

9 (3 per team for 3 teams)

Each team starts with 3 hoops at one end of the playing area

Alternative: Carpet squares, mats, or chalk circles

Cones

20-30

Scattered across the 'ocean' area for treasure collection activity

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags

Balls

15-20

Mixed with cones across playing area, worth different point values

Alternative: Soft balls, foam blocks

Sun Markers

Mark the 'river' boundaries clearly - approximately 15m wide

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas, instructions, or information clearly with your team members

Tactics

A planned approach or strategy to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge

Collaboration

Working together as a team, sharing ideas and supporting each other

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding and motivating your team towards success

Role

Your specific job or responsibility within the team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
Ability to follow simple instructions and rules
Experience with problem-solving activities

Current Skills

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication in team situations
Understanding of individual roles within team dynamics
Creating and implementing tactical approaches to challenges

Next Steps

Leading larger groups in complex outdoor adventure activities
Developing advanced tactical thinking for competitive scenarios
Teaching and mentoring other students in communication skills

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges through clear communication rather than trial and error

Students naturally take on leadership roles when needed

Tactical discussions happen before attempting challenges

Key Teaching Points

Effective communication requires both clear speaking and active listening
Good tactics involve specific roles for each team member, not just general plans
Teams succeed when everyone contributes ideas and supports each other
Leadership can be shared and adapts to different situations and challenges
Problem-solving improves when teams reflect on what works and adapt their approach
Safety and teamwork are more important than speed or winning
Communication skills learned in PE transfer to many other areas of learning and life

Common Misconceptions

That the loudest person is automatically the best leader - teach that good leaders listen and adapt their communication style
That tactics must be complex to be effective - demonstrate that simple, clear plans often work better than complicated ones
That making mistakes means failure - emphasise that teams learn and improve through mistakes when they communicate well
That competition means teams can't help each other - show that good sportsmanship includes encouraging all teams
That some people are 'natural' communicators - teach that communication is a skill everyone can develop with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement-based learning maintained, regular check-ins and refocusing, specific roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for hoop techniques, peer support for complex movements, focus on verbal communication strengths

autism spectrum

Clear, structured routines for each challenge, visual schedule showing activity progression, quiet planning areas available, consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured hoops and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of layout and challenges, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all activities, hand signals for communication practice, written instruction cards, ensure good visual contact for lip reading

physical disability

Seated variations using upper body movements, modified hoops or larger safe areas, buddy support for movement, alternative roles like tactics coordinator or team encourager

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Verbal communication skills, listening and responding, giving clear instructions, collaborative discussion and planning, vocabulary development for tactical and teamwork terms

Science

Understanding balance and forces during hoop movements, cause and effect in tactical decision-making, collaborative investigation and problem-solving approaches

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation during crossing challenges, understanding of directions and positioning, mapping movement strategies and tactical plans

Mathematics

Point calculations, addition and subtraction during treasure collection, problem-solving with numerical targets, time measurement during competitive challenges

PSHE

Cooperation and collaboration, leadership skills development, conflict resolution through communication, resilience when facing challenges, appreciation of different strengths and contributions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all teams clearly, move around to monitor different perspectives, position near most challenging activities

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, tactical development, team support, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if communication breaks down, if teams become frustrated, if unsafe practices develop, or if students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for safety demonstrations, model excellent communication by speaking clearly and checking for understanding, show positive team dynamics through your interactions with students

Verbal Cues

•'Great communication, I can see everyone understands the plan!'
•'Remember to talk to each other - that's how teams succeed!'
•'Excellent tactical thinking - you adapted when your first plan needed changing!'
•'I love how you're encouraging each other through the challenges!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m clear area for river crossing activities, additional space for treasure items

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from obstacles and hazards that could cause slips during hoop movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hoops for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure treasure items (cones and bean bags) are soft and in good condition
•Position boundary markers clearly to prevent confusion about safe areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls when moving between hoops
•Collisions during team activities
•Students becoming frustrated and taking unsafe risks
•Unsafe lifting or helping of teammates

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about safe helping techniques demonstrated before activities
•Restart rule ensures students don't take dangerous risks to avoid restarting
•Teacher positioned to monitor all teams for unsafe practices
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all teams during challenges
•Monitor teams that may become overly competitive or frustrated
•Watch for safe movement techniques, especially during transitions between hoops

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe practice observed, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, modify activities if safety concerns arise