Lesson 4 - Problem Solving and Team Strategies
Leadership & Navigation Skills
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Have ready for immediate distribution during warm-up
Alternative: Coloured bibs or pinnards
Place in corners and centre of activity area before lesson
Alternative: Markers or spot markers
Check all sticks are in good condition and appropriate length
Alternative: Unihoc sticks or long poles
Position pairs 8m apart for Hot Coal activity
Alternative: Cones or marked circles on floor
Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for lifting with sticks
Alternative: Large foam balls or size 4 footballs
Key Vocabulary
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim
The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgement
Working together effectively to achieve a common goal
Serious thought or consideration about what has happened
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
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