Lesson 4 - Collab Problem Solving
Trust & Creative Challenges
•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 teamwork help us overcome challenging obstacles together?
Learning Objectives
- To solve problems collaboratively using clear communication strategies
- To work as a team to complete challenging tasks under pressure
- To recreate shapes and patterns from memory using descriptive language
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective communication skills when describing abstract concepts
- Students will show improved teamwork and collaborative problem-solving abilities
- Students will successfully complete team challenges using strategic thinking
Equipment & Resources Required
Position at corners of hall to create 'pirate islands'
Alternative: Carpet squares or marked floor areas
Place in centre of hall containing identical treasure sets
Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, rope circles
Each hoop contains one complete set of items
Alternative: Any small PE equipment that can be carried safely
Each team gets 10 cones of the same colour for shape recreation
Alternative: Small markers, bean bags in different colours
Large containers filled with water, smaller ones for teams to fill
Alternative: Large buckets and ice cream tubs or plastic bottles
Holes should allow water to drip but not pour out completely
Alternative: Sponges or cups with small holes punched in bottom
Clearly identify teams and the 'Navy' taggers
Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification
Key Vocabulary
Working together effectively as a team to achieve a common goal
Sharing information clearly and listening carefully to others
A plan or method for achieving success in a challenge
Methods for remembering and recalling information accurately
Finding solutions to challenges through thinking and trying different approaches
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
- Simple communication skills in PE contexts
- Experience with following and giving basic instructions
Current Skills
- Advanced communication strategies for complex tasks
- Problem-solving under time pressure
- Memory skills and descriptive language
- Collaborative decision-making processes
Next Steps
- Leading outdoor adventure activities with increased independence
- Managing complex multi-stage team challenges
- Applying communication skills in competitive OAA scenarios
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Model and celebrate excellent communication throughout all activities
- Emphasise that mistakes are learning opportunities, especially during problem-solving challenges
- Focus on improvement and strategy development rather than just winning
- Create an atmosphere where all students feel confident to share ideas and take leadership roles
- Use questioning to guide students toward discovering effective teamwork strategies themselves
- Balance challenge with achievability to maintain engagement and confidence
- Consistently reinforce the real-world applications of communication and collaboration skills
Common Misconceptions
- That louder communication is more effective - teach clarity over volume
- That the fastest approach is always best - emphasise strategy over speed
- That only one person should lead - encourage shared leadership and different strengths
- That perfect results are required - celebrate progress and good process
- That communication is only verbal - include non-verbal and visual communication strategies
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear, short instructions with regular check-ins, movement breaks, specific roles within teams to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, buddy support for complex instructions, focus on effort over precision
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent team groupings
visual impairment
- Use contrasting colours for equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all visual elements, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapted treasure items for different mobility needs, seated versions of activities, modified water containers
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive language, giving clear instructions, active listening skills, vocabulary development for spatial relationships
Maths
Spatial awareness, geometry through cone patterns, measurement during water transfer, problem-solving strategies
Science
Properties of materials (water flow through holes), cause and effect relationships, hypothesis testing in strategy development
PSHE
Teamwork, communication, resilience, leadership, conflict resolution, celebrating diversity in problem-solving approaches
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between teams during activities, central position during instructions, near water activities for spill management
Observation Focus
Watch for quality of communication, team collaboration, problem-solving strategies, emotional responses to challenges
Intervention Points
Step in if teams become frustrated, support struggling communicators, ensure fair play during treasure hunt
Demonstration Notes
Model clear communication, positive team behaviour, strategic thinking, resilience when facing challenges
Verbal Cues
- •'What specific words could help your team understand better?'
- •'How could you adapt your strategy based on what happened?'
- •'Show me excellent listening skills!'
- •'Celebrate your team's improvement!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space (school hall) minimum 15m x 20m for all activities
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface essential due to water activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all containers are stable and appropriate size for age group
- •Ensure holes in cups are smooth with no sharp edges
- •Verify treasure items are safe to carry and pass
- •Test that mats are secure and won't slip during movement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips and falls due to water spills
- •Collisions during treasure hunt game
- •Frustration or conflict during challenging team activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Immediate cleanup of water spills with towels available
- •Clear movement boundaries and safe tagging rules established
- •Teacher modelling of positive communication and conflict resolution
- •Progressive challenge structure builds confidence before complex tasks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all teams during water activities
- •Monitor emotional responses during challenging problem-solving tasks
- •Ensure equal participation and positive team dynamics
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if safety concerns arise, first aid available for any slips or collisions, clear evacuation route maintained