Lesson 2 - Problem Solving and Team Communication
Advanced Team Problem Solving Through Physical Challenges
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does effective communication transform individual ideas into successful team solutions?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective communication strategies within a team environment
- To understand the importance of collaboration and collective thinking in problem solving
- To demonstrate leadership skills and take responsibility for team success
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully work as a team to complete multi-stage challenges
- Students will demonstrate effective listening and communication skills throughout activities
- Students will understand and apply tactical thinking to overcome obstacles
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-sort into suits before lesson, ensure all cards are present
Alternative: Number cards 1-13, laminated number tiles
Position safely with adequate space around each bench
Alternative: Balance beams, wooden planks, chalk lines on ground
Available for differentiation support
Alternative: Paper and pencils, mini chalkboards
For timing challenges and creating urgency
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand
Mark team areas and card placement zones
Alternative: Bean bags, rope circles, chalk marks
Key Vocabulary
A planned approach or method for achieving a goal
Working together effectively to achieve a common goal
The clear sharing of ideas, both speaking and listening
Planning specific actions to overcome challenges
Guiding and supporting others to achieve team success
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
- Experience with simple problem-solving activities
- Knowledge of taking turns and following rules
Current Skills
- Advanced communication and listening techniques
- Strategic thinking and tactical planning
- Leadership and responsibility within teams
Next Steps
- Complex multi-stage problem-solving scenarios
- Independent team leadership roles
- Creating and teaching strategies to other teams
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively to others
- Strategic thinking involves planning ahead and learning from mistakes to improve performance
- Every team member has valuable contributions regardless of their communication style
- Trust and support are essential for teams to take on challenging tasks safely
- Leadership can be shown through encouraging others, not just giving instructions
- Resilience means adapting strategies when first attempts don't work as planned
- Celebrating team success includes recognising individual contributions to group achievements
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that being loud means communicating effectively - explain that listening is equally important
- Believing that the fastest team is automatically the best - emphasise process over speed
- Assuming that leadership means telling others what to do - demonstrate supportive leadership styles
- Thinking that making mistakes means failure - frame errors as learning opportunities
- Believing some people are naturally better at teamwork - explain that collaboration skills can be developed
- Assuming physical challenges are just about strength or coordination - highlight the mental and social aspects
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Build in regular movement breaks, use shorter activity segments, provide clear time boundaries, offer fidget tools during reflection
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for physical coordination, provide demonstration of movements, use simplified card arrangements, offer peer support partnerships
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet break spaces, use visual schedules for challenge sequences, prepare for activity transitions
visual impairment
- Use tactile markers for card positions, provide verbal descriptions of all visual elements, ensure clear pathways and obstacles removed
hearing impairment
- Use visual hand signals and gestures, provide written challenge instructions, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt bench challenge to seated or supported positions, use larger cards for easier handling, allow additional movement support
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Verbal communication skills, listening comprehension, giving clear instructions, collaborative discussion
Maths
Sequential ordering, number patterns, spatial awareness, logical problem-solving strategies
Science
Problem-solving methodology, hypothesis testing, observation and evaluation skills
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience and perseverance, respecting others' contributions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing 360-degree observation of all teams, move closer to bench activities during physical challenges
Observation Focus
Communication patterns, leadership emergence, strategic thinking development, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when teams struggle with communication breakdown, provide strategic hints without solving problems, ensure safety during physical challenges
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Effective communication techniques, strategic thinking processes, positive encouragement methods, safe physical movement
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your communication strategies'
- •'What would an effective team do here?'
- •'Safety first, challenge second'
- •'Build on that idea together'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space (sports hall) or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m with level surface
Surface Check
Non-slip, clean surface free from obstacles, check for wet patches or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bench stability and weight limits before use
- •Ensure cards are not slippery or damaged
- •Verify adequate spacing between activity stations
- •Confirm first aid kit accessibility
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from benches during height ordering
- •Collisions between teams during challenges
- •Frustration leading to unsafe rushing
- •Slips on scattered cards
Risk Mitigation
- •Constant supervision during bench activities
- •Clear safety briefing before physical challenges
- •Adequate spacing between all team areas
- •Cards secured or collected immediately after use
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sightlines to all teams
- •Maintain proximity to bench activities
- •Monitor emotional states during challenges
- •Be prepared to stop activities if safety concerns arise
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injured student, provide appropriate first aid, send for additional help if needed