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Lesson 5 - Team Problem Solving

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 we use teamwork and critical thinking to overcome challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To share ideas and work as a team to solve problems effectively
To develop critical thinking skills when approaching complex challenges
To reflect on problem-solving methods and adapt strategies for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork by sharing ideas and agreeing on strategies
Students will apply critical thinking to analyse challenges and develop solutions
Students will reflect on their problem-solving approaches and make improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

Store safely at activity stations, check inflation before use

Alternative: Large playground balls, medicine balls

Balls

Various colours for sorting activities, place in central collection area

Alternative: Small bean-filled toys, weighted objects

Benches

Position securely, check stability before use

Alternative: Gym mats laid in lines, rope on ground

Cones

Various colours for different activities, ensure good visibility

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Hockey sticks

Age-appropriate sizes, check for damage before use

Alternative: Long-handled implements, reaching tools

Hoops

Various sizes available, check for cracks or sharp edges

Alternative: Rope circles, marked circular areas

Ropes

Various lengths available, check for fraying

Alternative: Long ropes, elastic bands, fabric strips

Tennis Balls

Good bounce essential, store in container between activities

Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls

Key Vocabulary

Critical thinking

Carefully analysing a problem to understand it fully before finding solutions

Strategy

A planned approach or method for achieving a goal

Collaboration

Working together effectively by sharing ideas and responsibilities

Reflection

Thinking carefully about what worked well and what could be improved

Adaptation

Changing your approach based on what you've learned

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cooperation skills with partners
Simple problem-solving in individual contexts
Following instructions and basic rules

Current Skills

Team collaboration and idea sharing
Critical thinking and analysis
Strategic planning and reflection

Next Steps

Leadership roles in problem-solving scenarios
Complex multi-stage challenge resolution
Peer coaching and mentoring in teamwork

Milestone Indicators

Students actively contribute ideas during team discussions

Teams can adapt strategies when initial attempts are unsuccessful

Students can articulate why certain approaches worked better than others

Key Teaching Points

Effective teamwork requires listening to all team members' ideas and perspectives
Critical thinking involves understanding the problem fully before jumping to solutions
Reflection and adaptation are essential parts of successful problem-solving
Different team members bring unique strengths that contribute to collective success
Persistence and trying multiple approaches leads to better outcomes than giving up quickly
Communication during challenges is just as important as planning beforehand
Learning from other teams' strategies enhances your own problem-solving toolkit

Common Misconceptions

Believing that the fastest solution is always the best solution
Thinking that only physical strength matters in team challenges
Assuming that if something doesn't work immediately, it's the wrong approach
Believing that teamwork means everyone doing the same thing
Thinking that reflection is only needed when something goes wrong
Assuming that there's only one correct solution to each challenge

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments with clear transitions, kinesthetic learning opportunities, leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Extra planning time, simplified equipment handling, clear step-by-step instructions, additional practice opportunities

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedules for activities, quiet reflection zones available, predictable team groupings

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of challenges, tactile exploration of equipment, buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all activities, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for activity changes

physical disability

Adapted roles in team challenges, modified equipment where needed, alternative participation methods for physical activities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening, vocabulary development, articulating ideas clearly

Maths

Spatial reasoning, measuring distances, geometric concepts in bridge challenges

Science

Forces and motion, leverage principles, physics of tool combinations

PSHE

Teamwork, communication skills, resilience, celebrating diversity of strengths

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between teams to observe collaboration, position for maximum visibility during physical challenges

Observation Focus

Watch for effective communication, creative problem-solving, safe physical positioning, and inclusive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if teams struggle with collaboration, provide safety reminders during physical challenges, guide reflection discussions

Demonstration Notes

Model effective communication, demonstrate safe physical techniques, show problem-solving thinking process aloud

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to listen to everyone's ideas!'
•'What's your strategy here?'
•'How can you adapt that approach?'
•'Show me safe supporting positions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 30m with clear sight lines

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate space around activity areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All equipment checked for damage before use
•Hockey sticks age-appropriate and undamaged
•Basketballs properly inflated
•Ropes and hoops checked for fraying or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during team challenges
•Unsafe body positioning during bridge challenge
•Equipment misuse during pond rescue
•Slips and falls on equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear activity boundaries and adequate spacing between teams
•Explicit safety instructions for physical positioning and support
•Supervised tool use with clear guidelines
•Progressive challenge difficulty with safety checks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all team activities
•Monitor physical challenges for safe body positioning
•Ensure safe equipment handling throughout activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, adjust activity if necessary