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Lesson 2 - Teamwork and Problem Solving

Leadership & Navigation Skills

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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57 min

Big Question

How can we work together effectively to overcome challenges and what makes a successful team?

Learning Objectives

To work as a team to solve problems and overcome challenges
To suggest ideas, listen to others and communicate effectively
To reflect on team performance and identify areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork skills in problem-solving activities
Students will communicate clearly and listen respectfully to team members
Students will evaluate team performance and suggest improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

Distribute to catchers for warm-up, then use in pass the parcel activity

Alternative: Soft balls, bean-filled stress balls

Cones

Mark boundaries and equipment collection areas

Alternative: Plastic bottles, chalk marks

Hoops

2 hoops per group for pass the parcel, extras for hang it up

Alternative: Drawn circles, rope circles

Quoits

Equipment for transferring in pass the parcel activity

Alternative: Rope rings, rubber rings

Relay Baton

Additional equipment for hang it up challenge

Alternative: Cardboard tubes, foam noodles cut short

Ropes

Equipment for hang it up challenge - test hanging capability

Alternative: Long ropes, resistance bands

Sun Markers

1 set

For recording teamwork key words during introduction

Alternative: Large paper and felt pens

Key Vocabulary

Teamwork

Working together effectively towards a common goal, sharing ideas and supporting each other

Strategy

A plan or method chosen to achieve a particular goal or solve a problem

Communication

Sharing information, ideas and feelings clearly with others through speaking and listening

Problem-solving

Finding solutions to challenges by thinking, planning and trying different approaches

Reflection

Thinking carefully about what happened, what worked well, and what could be improved

Leadership

Guiding and supporting others to work together effectively towards achieving goals

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of cooperation and turn-taking
Experience working in pairs during previous PE lessons
Basic listening and communication skills

Current Skills

Advanced teamwork and collaboration strategies
Problem-solving under pressure and time constraints
Leadership and communication in group settings
Reflection and evaluation of team performance

Next Steps

Leading outdoor education expeditions and challenges
Complex multi-stage problem-solving activities
Peer coaching and mentoring younger students
Independent team leadership in various sports

Milestone Indicators

Students naturally adopt leadership roles when needed

Teams develop strategies without teacher prompting

Groups self-evaluate and adjust tactics mid-activity

Students support struggling team members unprompted

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that effective teams communicate constantly and listen to all members
Stress the importance of planning before action in all problem-solving activities
Highlight that reflection and adaptation are key to continuous improvement
Model positive leadership behaviours and encourage these in all students
Celebrate diverse contributions and different types of team roles
Focus on process and improvement rather than just winning outcomes
Encourage persistence and resilience when challenges become difficult

Common Misconceptions

Teams are successful only when they win - correct by focusing on cooperation and improvement
Only loud students can be leaders - show that quiet, supportive leadership is equally valuable
Good teams never disagree - explain that healthy discussion and different ideas strengthen teams
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - demonstrate how coordination beats individual talent
Teams should have one person making all decisions - show the value of shared leadership and different perspectives

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, offer fidget tools during reflection time

dyspraxia

Demonstrate activities multiple times, allow extra time for coordination, pair with supportive teammates

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet retreat space if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of layout, assign sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written strategy cards

physical disability

Adapt hanging heights for coat stand activity, allow alternative movements in row the boat, provide assistive equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing speaking and listening skills through team discussions, using descriptive language to explain strategies

Maths

Counting equipment and timing challenges, measuring distances for optimal strategy, calculating team performance statistics

Science

Understanding forces and momentum in row the boat race, exploring balance and coordination in physical challenges

PSHE

Building resilience through challenge persistence, developing empathy and support for teammates, understanding diverse leadership styles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between teams during activities to observe and encourage, position at corner of area during whole-class instructions for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for emergence of natural leaders, quality of communication, adaptation of strategies, inclusion of all team members

Intervention Points

Step in if teams become frustrated or stuck, guide reflection discussions, ensure safety protocols maintained, support struggling individuals

Demonstration Notes

Use enthusiastic, encouraging tone throughout, demonstrate physical skills clearly before activities, model good listening and reflection during discussions

Verbal Cues

•'What's your team strategy?'
•'How can you communicate better?'
•'What worked well that time?'
•'How could you adapt that approach?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from debris and hazards, adequate grip for running activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all equipment for damage before use
•Ensure hoops are crack-free and smooth edges
•Verify beanbags are securely sealed
•Confirm balls are properly inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during circle release warm-up game
•Falls during row the boat race coordination
•Equipment dropped on feet during pass the parcel
•Collisions during hang it up running

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones for all activities
•Adequate spacing between teams during parallel activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges
•Clear rules about equipment handling and movement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during active games
•Monitor high-activity areas during running challenges
•Ensure adequate spacing maintained between teams
•Watch for fatigue during extended physical challenges

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required