🧭

Lesson 5 - Team Building and Strategy

Mastering Team Communication and Strategic Collaboration

•

Year 6

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

Big Question

How can effective communication and strategic planning help teams achieve success in challenging situations?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective communication skills within team contexts
To understand the importance of strategic planning before beginning activities
To apply tactical thinking in competitive team situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate clear communication during team activities
Students will contribute to team strategy discussions and planning
Students will show adaptability when tactics need to change during activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

36 (9 per group of 8)

Arrange in 3x3 grid formation for each group

Alternative: Floor spots, chalk circles, poly spots

Cards

8 cards per group

Distribute randomly to students in each group

Alternative: Laminated numbers, bibs with numbers, cones with numbers

Blindfolds

6-8

Check comfort and ensure no vision through gaps

Alternative: Eye masks, scarves, fabric strips

Pegs

30 (5 per blindfolded player)

Attach securely to clothing around body

Alternative: Velcro strips, fabric tags, foam shapes

Foam Mats

6-8

Check for safety - no sharp edges

Alternative: Pool noodles, rolled newspaper, soft foam tubes

Cones

40-50

Various colours for different purposes - boundaries, jails, gauntlet

Alternative: Markers, posts, chalk lines

Mats

Place in designated zones, easily visible and grabbable

Alternative: Coloured bibs, bean bags, small balls

Key Vocabulary

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a team goal

Tactics

Specific methods used to carry out a strategy during an activity

Communication

Sharing information clearly and listening effectively to teammates

Coordination

Working together in a well-organised way to achieve team success

Adaptation

Changing your approach when the original plan isn't working

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cooperation skills from previous OAA lessons
Understanding of simple team roles and responsibilities
Experience with problem-solving activities

Current Skills

Strategic planning and communication
Tactical thinking under pressure
Leadership and followership skills

Next Steps

Complex multi-team strategies
Independent team leadership
Advanced tactical analysis and adaptation

Milestone Indicators

Clear, purposeful communication during activities

Evidence of strategic thinking in team discussions

Ability to adapt plans when circumstances change

Key Teaching Points

Effective teams plan before they act and communicate throughout
Strategic thinking involves observation, planning, execution, and adaptation
Every team member has valuable contributions regardless of physical ability
Communication under pressure requires practice and specific techniques
Great teams learn from every attempt and adapt their strategies
Leadership can be shared and different situations require different leaders
Team success depends on everyone understanding and fulfilling their role

Common Misconceptions

Strategy means complexity - actually, simple clear plans often work best
The loudest person should lead - effective leadership can be quiet and thoughtful
Teams should stick to original plans - adaptability is crucial for success
Only athletic students can contribute - strategic thinking is equally valuable
Competition means individual excellence - team sports require collective success
Communication means talking constantly - listening and timing are equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Defined roles with clear responsibilities, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback on strategic contributions

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra time for strategy processing, buddy support for coordination activities

autism spectrum

Clear structure for strategy discussions, predictable role assignments, quiet zones available for processing

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layouts, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for communication, written strategy cards, clear visual demonstrations of tactics

physical disability

Adapted roles within teams, modified equipment as needed, focus on strategic contribution rather than physical action

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, listening and speaking in team contexts, vocabulary development for strategy and tactics

Maths

Strategic planning sequences, geometric understanding of space and positioning, timing and coordination calculations

Science

Understanding of sound and hearing in blindfolded activities, forces and movement in game tactics

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation, understanding of territory and boundaries in games

PSHE

Leadership skills, cooperation and teamwork, resilience when strategies don't work, inclusion and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to observe strategic discussions and provide guidance

Observation Focus

Watch for communication effectiveness, strategic thinking development, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in when teams struggle with strategy, communication breaks down, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate strategic thinking processes, effective communication methods, and tactical adaptations observed during activities

Verbal Cues

•'What's your team strategy?'
•'How can you communicate that better?'
•'Great teams adapt when needed!'
•'Include everyone in your planning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor/outdoor space minimum 30m x 20m for multiple activities

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check blindfolds are clean and comfortable
•Ensure foam batons have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify pegs attach securely without causing discomfort
•Confirm cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during blindfolded activities
•Overexertion during competitive games
•Contact during tagging activities
•Trips and falls in complex game areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Proper demonstration of safe tagging techniques
•Regular monitoring of blindfolded participants
•Adequate spacing between activity areas
•Progressive difficulty increase throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor blindfolded activities closely
•Watch for appropriate contact during tagging
•Ensure fair play and inclusion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, clear communication with other students