Lesson 1 - Communication and Trust Building
Team Resilience & Problem Solving
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can effective communication and trust help us solve problems together as a team?
Learning Objectives
- To work effectively with a partner and small group
- To build communication and trust showing awareness of safety
- To develop problem-solving strategies through teamwork
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective communication skills with partners and groups
- Students will show trust and safety awareness during team challenges
- Students will apply collaborative problem-solving strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Check blindfolds are clean and comfortable before use
Alternative: Bands, scarves, or ask students to close eyes
Ensure variety of colours for cone collect activity
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or different coloured objects
Key Vocabulary
Sharing information clearly through speaking and listening
Having confidence that your partner will keep you safe
A plan or method for achieving a goal
Working together effectively to achieve a common goal
Finding solutions to challenges through thinking and planning
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic partner work and following simple instructions
- Understanding of personal space and safety
- Simple communication skills in group activities
Current Skills
- Effective partner and small group collaboration
- Clear verbal communication and active listening
- Trust-building and safety awareness in team activities
Next Steps
- Leading team discussions and problem-solving sessions
- Complex multi-team OAA challenges
- Developing leadership roles in outdoor activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety and trust must be established before any challenging activities begin
- Effective communication requires both clear speaking and active listening
- Every student has valuable ideas to contribute to team problem-solving
- Leadership can be shown through listening and including others, not just directing
- Reflection and adaptation are essential for improving team performance
- Trust is built through consistent care for others' safety and success
- Problem-solving improves when everyone feels heard and valued
Common Misconceptions
- That leadership means being the loudest or most dominant person
- That trust activities are just games rather than skill-building exercises
- That communication only involves giving instructions, not listening
- That faster completion is more important than safe, coordinated movement
- That only some students are capable of leadership roles
- That reflection time is less important than active challenges
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear, short instructions for each stage, regular movement breaks, defined boundaries and immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified coordination requirements, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions and patient partner matching
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable team groupings
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, ensure clear audio cues and partner guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards and visual boundary markers
physical disability
- Adapt body part requirements for wheelchair users, modify partner challenges for seated positions, alternative communication methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing precise vocabulary for directions, active listening skills, clear communication and explanation of strategies
Maths
Counting body parts accurately, measuring distances, timing challenges and calculating team scores
Science
Understanding balance and centre of gravity in partner stand, forces working together, coordination and brain-body connections
PSHE
Building trust and relationships, showing responsibility for others' safety, developing leadership skills and empathy
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Mobile positioning to maintain visual contact with all activities, particularly close monitoring during blindfold challenges
Observation Focus
Communication quality, safety awareness, inclusive participation, and problem-solving approaches
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe configurations attempted, support struggling partnerships, ensure all students contribute to planning
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent communication, show trust-building through positive interaction, demonstrate inclusive leadership during discussions
Verbal Cues
- •'Safety first, success second'
- •'Clear directions help teammates succeed'
- •'Everyone's ideas matter in our team'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m for team challenges
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check blindfolds are clean and comfortable
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify boundaries are clearly marked
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during blindfolded activity
- •Falls during partner stand challenge
- •Unsafe team configurations in group challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safety rules established
- •Emphasis on guide responsibility for partner safety
- •Monitoring of appropriate partner sizing
- •Controlled movement speeds throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for full visibility during blindfold activities
- •Circulate during partner challenges to ensure safety
- •Monitor team formations for stability
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed