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Lesson 4 - Collab Problem Solving

Trust & Creative Challenges

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Gymnastics Mats

4 large mats

Position at corners of hall to create 'pirate islands'

Alternative: Carpet squares or marked floor areas

Hoops

5 large hoops

Place in centre of hall containing identical treasure sets

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, rope circles

Items

5 sets of identical items (beanbags, tennis balls, basketballs, etc.)

Each hoop contains one complete set of items

Alternative: Any small PE equipment that can be carried safely

Dish Cones

50 cones (10 per team)

Each team gets 10 cones of the same colour for shape recreation

Alternative: Small markers, bean bags in different colours

Water Containers

2 large containers plus 5 smaller containers

Large containers filled with water, smaller ones for teams to fill

Alternative: Large buckets and ice cream tubs or plastic bottles

Plastic Cups with Holes

15-20 cups

Holes should allow water to drip but not pour out completely

Alternative: Sponges or cups with small holes punched in bottom

Coloured Bibs

Enough for 5 teams

Clearly identify teams and the 'Navy' taggers

Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together effectively as a team to achieve a common goal

Communication

Sharing information clearly and listening carefully to others

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving success in a challenge

Memory techniques

Methods for remembering and recalling information accurately

Problem-solving

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

Students can give precise, helpful instructions under time pressure

Teams show improved efficiency on second attempts at tasks

Students demonstrate leadership qualities when supporting teammates

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