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Lesson 4 - Problem Solving and Team Strategies

Leadership & Navigation Skills

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can effective teamwork and strategic planning help us overcome challenging problems?

Learning Objectives

To develop strategies and planning skills in problem-solving contexts
To work collaboratively as a team to solve complex challenges
To reflect on and improve problem-solving methods through critical thinking

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective team planning and strategy development
Students will show improved problem-solving skills through reflection and adaptation
Students will work cooperatively to achieve shared goals

Equipment & Resources Required

Team bands

6 (2 green, 2 red, 2 yellow)

Have ready for immediate distribution during warm-up

Alternative: Coloured bibs or pinnards

Cones

Place in corners and centre of activity area before lesson

Alternative: Markers or spot markers

Hockey sticks

Check all sticks are in good condition and appropriate length

Alternative: Unihoc sticks or long poles

Hoops

Position pairs 8m apart for Hot Coal activity

Alternative: Cones or marked circles on floor

Balls

Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for lifting with sticks

Alternative: Large foam balls or size 4 footballs

Key Vocabulary

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgement

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Reflection

Serious thought or consideration about what has happened

Problem-solving

The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic teamwork and cooperation skills
Understanding of simple problem-solving steps
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Strategic planning and decision-making
Critical thinking and reflection
Advanced teamwork and leadership skills

Next Steps

Leading complex multi-team challenges
Creating own problem-solving activities
Mentoring younger students in OAA skills

Milestone Indicators

Teams consistently plan before attempting challenges

Groups adapt strategies based on reflection

All team members contribute meaningfully to discussions

Key Teaching Points

Effective planning always comes before action in problem-solving
Teams succeed when everyone contributes ideas and supports each other
Adaptation and flexibility are crucial when initial strategies don't work
Communication during challenges is just as important as planning beforehand
Leadership can emerge from any team member depending on their strengths
Reflection helps teams improve and learn from both successes and failures
Different challenges require different types of teamwork and strategy

Common Misconceptions

That the fastest or loudest person should always be the leader - teach that different situations need different leadership styles
That planning wastes time - demonstrate how good planning saves time and improves success
That if something doesn't work first time it's a failure - emphasise adaptation and learning
That everyone must contribute in the same way - show that different people bring different strengths
That physical challenges are only about physical ability - highlight the importance of strategy and thinking

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break challenges into shorter segments, provide movement breaks, use clear and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Simplify equipment handling requirements, allow extra practice time, focus on verbal contributions to team planning

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for each challenge, use visual schedules, offer quiet reflection spaces if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use high-contrast equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layouts, assign sighted buddies for navigation challenges

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written instructions, ensure clear line of sight to teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Adapt challenges for wheelchair users, modify equipment handling requirements, focus on strategic planning roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, explaining strategies, reflective speaking and listening

Maths

Strategic thinking, logical problem-solving, spatial awareness and measuring distances

Science

Forces and motion in equipment challenges, teamwork as a system with interdependent parts

Geography

Navigation and direction concepts, mapping movement patterns and strategies

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between teams during challenges to observe planning and provide support

Observation Focus

Focus on team dynamics, problem-solving processes, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if teams are struggling with planning, safety concerns arise, or conflicts develop

Demonstration Notes

Model collaborative problem-solving by thinking aloud and showing planning processes

Verbal Cues

•'What's your team's strategy?'
•'How can you adapt this approach?'
•'What would happen if you tried...?'
•'How is everyone contributing?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard surface area, minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure playground balls are properly inflated
•Verify resistance bands have no tears or weak points

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during Traffic Light Tag
•Falls during Magic Corners when holding hands
•Equipment strikes during Hot Coal challenge
•Trips and falls in Lifejackets challenge

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Emphasise controlled movement and communication
•Proper demonstration of equipment handling
•Adequate spacing between team activity areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all teams during challenges
•Monitor physical exertion levels and provide rest as needed
•Watch for safe equipment handling throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed