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Lesson 2 - Problem Solving and Team Communication

Advanced Team Problem Solving Through Physical Challenges

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Cards

4 complete suits (52 cards minimum)

Pre-sort into suits before lesson, ensure all cards are present

Alternative: Number cards 1-13, laminated number tiles

Benches

4-6 benches

Position safely with adequate space around each bench

Alternative: Balance beams, wooden planks, chalk lines on ground

Sun Markers

4 small whiteboards

Available for differentiation support

Alternative: Paper and pencils, mini chalkboards

Stopwatch

For timing challenges and creating urgency

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Cones

16-20 cones

Mark team areas and card placement zones

Alternative: Bean bags, rope circles, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Strategy

A planned approach or method for achieving a goal

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Communication

The clear sharing of ideas, both speaking and listening

Tactical thinking

Planning specific actions to overcome challenges

Leadership

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

Students consistently apply learned strategies

Teams show improved cooperation over multiple attempts

Students can explain why certain approaches work better

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