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Lesson 6 - Team Building and Communication

Mastering Team Communication and Strategic Collaboration

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Diving Rings

6-8 rings

One ring per team of 4-5 students

Alternative: Small hoops or rope circles

Tennis Balls

6-8 balls

One ball per curtain ring

Alternative: Bean bags or small playground balls

Fabric Pieces

30-40 pieces (1m each)

4-5 pieces attached to each curtain ring

Alternative: Thin rope or thick wool

Hoops

7 hoops

Target destinations at far end of hall

Alternative: Marked circles on floor with tape

Crates

18 crates (3 per team)

Must support student weight safely

Alternative: PE benches or sturdy cardboard boxes

Wooden Planks

12 planks (2 per team)

1.5-2m long, safe for bridging gaps

Alternative: PE benches or foam balance beams

Ropes

6 ropes

4-5m long for team of 5 students

Alternative: Long thick ropes or climbing ropes

Gym Mats

12 mats (3 per team)

Standard gym mats for stepping stones

Alternative: Carpet tiles or marked safe zones

Game Balls

12 balls (3 per team)

Safe for throwing at students

Alternative: Soft foam balls or bean bags

Foam Mats

4 batons

Soft material for safe tagging

Alternative: Pool noodles or rolled newspaper

Cones

12 targets (3 per game)

Tall enough to be visible targets

Alternative: Plastic bottles or posts

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

For assessment grouping at lesson end

Alternative: Coloured spots or hoops

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing ideas clearly and listening to others to work together effectively

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal

Leadership

Guiding and motivating others to achieve team success

Perseverance

Continuing to try and work hard despite difficulties or failures

Collaboration

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

Can communicate effectively during pressure situations

Shows resilience when initial strategies fail

Demonstrates leadership by motivating others

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