Lesson 6 - Trust and Communication
Leadership & Navigation Skills
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can trust and effective communication help us overcome challenges together?
Learning Objectives
- To develop trust through collaborative problem-solving activities
- To improve listening skills and ability to follow clear instructions
- To enhance critical thinking when approaching team challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate trust by participating safely in blindfold activities
- Students will show improved communication skills through clear instruction giving
- Students will apply critical thinking to solve complex team challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable before use
Alternative: Large fabric squares, bandanas, or sleep masks
Use bright colours for clear visibility of boundaries
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk marks
Different colours for each team if possible
Alternative: Small cones, tennis balls, or bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Confidence in the reliability and safety of your teammates
Sharing information clearly and listening actively to others
Carefully analysing problems to find the best solutions
A planned approach to achieving a goal or solving a problem
Working together effectively to achieve common goals
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of teamwork principles
- Experience following simple instructions
- Awareness of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Trust-building through physical challenges
- Advanced communication and instruction-giving
- Critical thinking in problem-solving contexts
Next Steps
- Leadership roles in outdoor adventure activities
- Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
- Independent risk assessment skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Trust must be built gradually through positive experiences and consistent safety
- Effective communication requires both clear sending and active listening
- Problem-solving is enhanced when teams combine different perspectives and ideas
- Leadership emerges through supporting others rather than dominating decisions
- Collaboration skills transfer to academic and social situations beyond PE
- Reflection deepens learning by connecting experiences to broader understanding
- Safety awareness and emotional intelligence are essential for trust activities
Common Misconceptions
- Trust means doing anything asked without question - actually means feeling safe with reasonable challenges
- Good communication means talking loudly - actually means speaking clearly and listening actively
- Leadership means being in charge - actually means helping everyone succeed together
- Blindfold activities are just fun games - actually develop serious life skills like trust and communication
- Teams should compete against each other - focus should be on collaborative problem-solving and mutual support
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, movement breaks between reflections
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual demonstration supports
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of activities, offer sensory break options, clear routine establishment
visual impairment
- Use audio signals for boundaries, provide tactile markers for home area, buddy system with sighted guide
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for instructions, written rule cards, sign language interpreter if available
physical disability
- Wheelchair accessible routes, modified connection requirements, seated leadership roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing precise instructional language, active listening skills, articulating reflection responses
Maths
Measuring distances in cone challenge, counting body parts systematically, estimating and comparing distances
Science
Understanding how different senses compensate when one is restricted, exploring balance and spatial awareness
Geography
Using directional language and spatial concepts, understanding navigation principles
PSHE
Building trust and respect, developing empathy, understanding emotional responses to vulnerability
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around area edge to observe all groups, never leave blindfolded students unsupervised
Observation Focus
Monitor trust demonstrations, communication effectiveness, collaborative problem-solving, and emotional responses
Intervention Points
Step in if students show distress, if safety rules are broken, or if communication breaks down completely
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All blindfold safety procedures, clear instruction giving, collaborative planning process
Verbal Cues
- •'Slow movements only'
- •'One voice per person'
- •'Safety first, winning second'
- •'Trust your team'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large clear area minimum 20m x 20m, completely free from obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for blindfolded movement, no trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Test blindfolds don't restrict breathing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between blindfolded students
- •Falls due to loss of balance
- •Anxiety or discomfort from blindfolding
- •Unsafe stretching during cone challenge
Risk Mitigation
- •Constant adult supervision during blindfold activities
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Slow movement pace enforced
- •Immediate stop signal established
- •Alternative for students uncomfortable with blindfolds
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all blindfolded students
- •Move actively around space during navigation activities
- •Monitor emotional responses to trust challenges
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop call if collision risk observed, trained first aider present, clear path to exit maintained