Lesson 6 - Team Building and Communication
Mastering Team Communication and Strategic Collaboration
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and perseverance help us overcome challenging team situations?
Learning Objectives
- To develop communication skills and teamwork when facing challenges
- To demonstrate perseverance when activities don't go as planned
- To show leadership qualities and encourage teammates effectively
Key Outcomes
- Students will communicate clearly and listen effectively to solve team challenges
- Students will demonstrate resilience and motivation in competitive situations
- Students will work collaboratively to develop successful strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
One ring per team of 4-5 students
Alternative: Small hoops or rope circles
One ball per curtain ring
Alternative: Bean bags or small playground balls
4-5 pieces attached to each curtain ring
Alternative: Thin rope or thick wool
Target destinations at far end of hall
Alternative: Marked circles on floor with tape
Must support student weight safely
Alternative: PE benches or sturdy cardboard boxes
1.5-2m long, safe for bridging gaps
Alternative: PE benches or foam balance beams
4-5m long for team of 5 students
Alternative: Long thick ropes or climbing ropes
Standard gym mats for stepping stones
Alternative: Carpet tiles or marked safe zones
Safe for throwing at students
Alternative: Soft foam balls or bean bags
Soft material for safe tagging
Alternative: Pool noodles or rolled newspaper
Tall enough to be visible targets
Alternative: Plastic bottles or posts
For assessment grouping at lesson end
Alternative: Coloured spots or hoops
Key Vocabulary
Sharing ideas clearly and listening to others to work together effectively
A plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal
Guiding and motivating others to achieve team success
Continuing to try and work hard despite difficulties or failures
Working together by combining different skills and ideas
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic teamwork skills and following simple instructions
- Understanding of turn-taking and fair play
- Experience with problem-solving activities
Current Skills
- Advanced communication under pressure
- Leadership and encouraging teammates
- Strategic thinking in challenging situations
Next Steps
- Applying teamwork skills in competitive sports
- Leading younger students in team activities
- Transferring team skills to academic group work
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication requires both speaking clearly and listening actively
- Leadership can be shown in many ways - encouraging, planning, helping others
- Perseverance means trying again with a new approach, not just repeating the same action
- Team strategies should consider all team members' strengths and needs
- Competition should enhance teamwork skills, not replace them
- Self-assessment and reflection are essential for improving teamwork skills
- These communication and leadership skills transfer to all areas of life
Common Misconceptions
- Leadership always means being the loudest person - correct with examples of quiet, effective leaders
- If a strategy doesn't work immediately, it's wrong - emphasise adaptation rather than abandonment
- Competition is only about winning - focus on skill development and good sportsmanship
- Some people are natural leaders and others aren't - show that leadership skills can be developed
- Communication is just about giving instructions - highlight the importance of listening
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks built in
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment handling, extra practice time, break complex instructions into steps
autism spectrum
- Clear predictable structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all activities, written instruction cards, use of gesture signals
physical disability
- Adapted equipment sizes, alternative roles within teams, seated versions where appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Verbal communication skills, giving clear instructions, active listening
Maths
Problem-solving strategies, spatial awareness in equipment positioning, timing and coordination
Science
Forces and friction with rope activities, stability and balance with crates and planks
PSHE
Leadership qualities, resilience and perseverance, working collaboratively in teams
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing observation of all teams, move between groups during activities
Observation Focus
Communication patterns, leadership emergence, strategic thinking, resilience when plans fail
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, guide struggling teams with questioning, celebrate positive examples
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples, film effective communication for evidence, model leadership behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'What strategy could work here?'
- •'How can you encourage your teammate?'
- •'What would happen if you tried...?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full sports hall or large playground area, minimum 20m x 15m clear space
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Test crate stability before student use
- •Check wooden planks for splinters or damage
- •Inspect ropes for fraying or weak points
- •Ensure sponge balls are soft and intact
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls from crates or planks during river crossing
- •Rope friction burns during knot challenge
- •Collisions during competitive Storm the Castle game
- •Inappropriate throwing of balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear safety briefing before each activity
- •Teacher demonstration of safe equipment use
- •Adequate spacing between team activities
- •Continuous supervision during physical challenges
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all teams
- •Monitor equipment use especially crates and planks
- •Watch for appropriate competitive behaviour
- •Ensure safe collection and storage of equipment
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained