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Lesson 1 - Communication and Trust Building

Team Resilience & Problem Solving

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Blindfolds

Check blindfolds are clean and comfortable before use

Alternative: Bands, scarves, or ask students to close eyes

Cones

8-12

Ensure variety of colours for cone collect activity

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or different coloured objects

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing information clearly through speaking and listening

Trust

Having confidence that your partner will keep you safe

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving a goal

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Problem-solving

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

Can give clear, helpful directions to guide partner safely

Shows active listening and builds on others' ideas

Demonstrates trust and responsibility for team safety

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