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Lesson 4 - Knot Tying & Teamwork

Creative Challenge Design

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together effectively to overcome physical and mental challenges?

Learning Objectives

Work collaboratively to complete a range of paired and group activities
Work efficiently as part of a team to eliminate opposition
Use correct rules and demonstrate fair play in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully complete collaborative standing challenge with a partner
Students will demonstrate the ability to tie a reef knot independently
Students will show effective teamwork and communication skills throughout activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

Place one in each corner of playing area

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Rope

15 (1 per pair)

2 metres long, ideally with coloured ends for identification

Alternative: Thick string, climbing rope

Cones

Mark corners of playing area

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

CD Player

Set up to show reef knot video if available

Alternative: Teacher demonstration only

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together with others to achieve a common goal

Reef knot

A binding knot used to hold things together, also known as a square knot

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal

Communication

The sharing of information and ideas between people

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 physical challenges
Awareness of safety in physical activities

Current Skills

Collaborative problem-solving techniques
Effective communication in group activities
Basic knot-tying skills and practical applications

Next Steps

Advanced team building challenges
Complex knot-tying techniques
Leadership roles in outdoor activities

Milestone Indicators

Students communicate effectively during challenges

Groups show persistence when activities are difficult

Students can explain the practical uses of reef knots

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise collaboration over competition in all activities
Focus on technique and safety rather than speed
Encourage persistence when challenges become difficult
Connect knot-tying skills to real-world practical applications
Celebrate effort and improvement alongside achievement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the standing challenge is about strength rather than technique and coordination
Believing reef knots can be used to join two different ropes together safely
Assuming faster movement leads to better results in collaborative challenges
Not understanding the importance of communication in partner activities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries for movement, regular check-ins and encouragement

dyspraxia

Break down knot-tying into smaller steps, use larger rope, provide additional practice time and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear step-by-step visual guides, allow practice time before group activities, quiet space available

visual impairment

Provide rope with different textures, clear verbal descriptions of knot technique, partner guidance system

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key techniques

physical disability

Adapt standing challenge to seated position, provide thicker rope for easier gripping, allow assistant support

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting during freeze periods, measuring rope lengths, understanding patterns in knot sequences

Science

Forces and resistance in standing challenge, properties of materials in rope work

PSHE

Teamwork, perseverance, supporting others, communication skills, problem-solving confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, position for clear demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for collaboration skills, technical progress, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students frustrated, provide technique reminders, ensure safety

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow movements for demonstrations, repeat as necessary, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Work together, not against each other'
•'Right over left, then left over right'
•'Use your backs to push against each other'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 10m x 10m clear space, soft flooring preferred

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all ropes for fraying or damage
•Ensure soft balls are appropriate size and softness
•Verify adequate space between working pairs

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during standing challenge attempts
•Rope entanglement during knot practice
•Collisions during Time Bomb activity

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled movements only
•Monitor group sizes for safety
•Ensure adequate spacing between activities
•Stop unsafe attempts immediately

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during standing challenge
•Monitor rope handling for safety
•Watch for over-enthusiastic attempts

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed