Lesson 2 - Teamwork and Problem Solving
Leadership & Navigation Skills
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distribute to catchers for warm-up, then use in pass the parcel activity
Alternative: Soft balls, bean-filled stress balls
Mark boundaries and equipment collection areas
Alternative: Plastic bottles, chalk marks
2 hoops per group for pass the parcel, extras for hang it up
Alternative: Drawn circles, rope circles
Equipment for transferring in pass the parcel activity
Alternative: Rope rings, rubber rings
Additional equipment for hang it up challenge
Alternative: Cardboard tubes, foam noodles cut short
Equipment for hang it up challenge - test hanging capability
Alternative: Long ropes, resistance bands
For recording teamwork key words during introduction
Alternative: Large paper and felt pens
Key Vocabulary
Working together effectively towards a common goal, sharing ideas and supporting each other
A plan or method chosen to achieve a particular goal or solve a problem
Sharing information, ideas and feelings clearly with others through speaking and listening
Finding solutions to challenges by thinking, planning and trying different approaches
Thinking carefully about what happened, what worked well, and what could be improved
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
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