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Lesson 3 - Memory and Navigation Skills

Trust & Creative Challenges

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we use memory strategies to become better navigators and problem solvers?

Learning Objectives

Use memory and recall skills to navigate to destinations using visual clues
Apply memory methods to remember and recall objects and locations
Identify real-life situations where memory and recall skills are important

Key Outcomes

Students will navigate successfully using photo clues and memory techniques
Students will demonstrate improved recall through repeated practice
Students will make connections between memory skills and real-world applications

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

10 photos showing school locations

Print and laminate, place face down in centre of activity area

Alternative: Picture cards, object cards, or digital images on tablets

Sun Markers

8-10 cones

Place at actual locations shown in photos, slightly hidden to encourage searching

Alternative: Laminated cards, cones with attached information, QR codes

Score Sheets

1 per student (30 sheets)

Provide pencils or pens, ensure sheets are numbered 1-10

Alternative: Small notebooks, clipboards with paper, digital recording apps

Stopwatch

1 per group leader

For timing memory challenges and staggered starts

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Navigation

The process of planning and following a route from one place to another

Memory recall

The ability to retrieve and remember information that has been stored in memory

Visual clues

Information we can see that helps us identify locations or solve problems

Control point

A specific location marked for navigation activities where information is collected

Strategy

A planned approach or method to achieve a goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of school layout and familiar areas
Experience with simple memory games
Ability to follow visual instructions

Current Skills

Using visual clues for navigation
Applying memory strategies for recall
Understanding practical applications of memory skills

Next Steps

Map reading and compass work
Route planning and way-finding
Advanced orienteering techniques

Milestone Indicators

Can identify locations from partial visual information

Shows improvement in memory recall over repeated attempts

Makes connections between activities and real-world situations

Key Teaching Points

Memory is a skill that improves with practice and strategic thinking
Visual observation skills directly support navigation and problem-solving
Systematic approaches are more effective than random guessing
Safety rules enable everyone to participate confidently in activities
Real-world applications make school learning relevant and meaningful
Cooperation and support help everyone achieve better results
Reflection on learning helps consolidate skills and build confidence

Common Misconceptions

Memory ability is fixed and cannot be improved - demonstrate improvement through practice
Navigation is just about running fast - emphasise observation and systematic searching
Competition is more important than cooperation - focus on personal improvement and helping others
PE skills don't connect to other subjects - explicitly link to geography, science, and daily life
Making mistakes means failure - frame errors as learning opportunities and steps toward success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular check-ins, clear physical boundaries, immediate feedback and encouragement, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for memory activities, simplified navigation routes, additional verbal instructions, celebration of all achievements

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, advance warning of transitions, quiet zones available, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Larger, high-contrast photo cards, partner support for navigation, tactile clues at control points, verbal descriptions of locations

hearing impairment

Visual signal cards for instructions, written activity cards, clear demonstration of all activities, buddy system for communication

physical disability

Modified river crossing with seated or walking version, accessible photo locations only, extended time for movement between locations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with navigation terms, descriptive language for locations, following complex instructions

Maths

Number sequencing with photo cards, time management during challenges, data comparison of before/after scores

Science

Memory and brain function, how practice improves performance, observation and recording skills

Geography

Map reading skills, understanding of directions and locations, use of visual clues for navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, helping others and building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during group activities for maximum visibility, mobile during navigation phase to monitor and support

Observation Focus

Safety compliance during movement activities, systematic approach to problem-solving, quality of cooperation and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe behaviour during tagging, provide hints for navigation difficulties, support students struggling with memory challenges

Demonstration Notes

Model detective enthusiasm and curiosity, show systematic observation techniques, demonstrate safe movement and sporting behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Think like a detective - observe carefully!'
•'Safe tagging only - remember our rules!'
•'Study the photo thoroughly before setting off!'
•'What memory strategies are working for you?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area for river crossing (minimum 15m x 20m), access to various school locations for photo trail

Surface Check

Check playground/outdoor surfaces for wet, uneven, or hazardous areas before navigation activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure laminated photo cards have no sharp edges
•Check control point markers are securely attached and visible
•Verify boundary markers are stable and clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls during river crossing game
•Collisions between students during chase activity
•Students entering unsafe or restricted areas during navigation
•Getting lost or separated during photo trail activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety rules for tagging (waist to shoulders only)
•Establish and maintain clear boundaries for all activities
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility during activities
•Regular headcounts and check-ins during navigation phase

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Central position during river crossing for full activity visibility
•Mobile supervision during photo trail with regular student location checks
•Clear emergency assembly point established and communicated

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established for immediate activity halt, first aid kit accessible, clear route to school office, mobile phone for emergency contact