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Lesson 4 - Trust and Dependence in Team Challenges

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 does trust and clear communication help teams achieve seemingly impossible goals together?

Learning Objectives

Develop trust and dependence skills through team challenges
Communicate effectively using clear instructions and active listening
Demonstrate control and poise when working in challenging team situations

Key Outcomes

Students will put their trust in others during blindfolded activities
Students will understand the importance of clear instructions for team success
Students will perform with control and poise in group challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Blindfolds

15 (1 per pair)

Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable

Alternative: Scarves, fabric strips, or ask students to close eyes

Cones

15-20

Use for obstacles and boundary markers

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or plastic bottles

Rope

8 pieces (2m each)

Check ropes are safe with no frayed ends

Alternative: Skipping ropes tied together, or marked tape lines

Tennis Balls

Place on cones for challenge activities

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, or foam balls

Hoops

Large enough for multiple balls

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked areas

Mats

8-10

For safe balancing activities

Alternative: Marked floor areas or carpet squares

Key Vocabulary

Trust

Having confidence that someone will keep you safe and help you succeed

Dependence

Relying on others to achieve a goal that cannot be accomplished alone

Communication

Sharing information clearly through words, gestures, and listening

Strategy

A plan or method for achieving a goal

Guidance

Helping someone by giving directions and support

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic communication skills in pairs
Understanding of personal space and safety
Experience with simple team activities

Current Skills

Trust-building through blindfolded activities
Clear verbal communication under pressure
Problem-solving in constrained team challenges

Next Steps

Leading complex team expeditions
Advanced orienteering and navigation skills
Multi-team collaborative challenges

Milestone Indicators

Can guide blindfolded partner safely and confidently

Uses specific, helpful language when giving instructions

Shows trust by following others' guidance without hesitation

Key Teaching Points

Safety is always the absolute priority in trust activities
Trust must be built gradually - never force participation
Clear communication becomes essential when visual cues are removed
Every team member has something valuable to contribute
The process of working together is more important than task completion
Trust and dependence are strengths, not weaknesses
Good teamwork requires both effective speaking and active listening

Common Misconceptions

Trust activities are just for fun - actually they develop essential life skills
Being blindfolded is scary - with proper support it builds confidence
Some people are natural leaders and others aren't - leadership can be learned
If you can't complete the task, you've failed - learning happens through attempting challenges
Trust means following blindly - actually it requires active communication and awareness

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, physical movement opportunities

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, allow breaks if trust activities cause anxiety

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for all setup, provide tactile exploration of equipment before use

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt trust activities for wheelchair users, ensure all students can participate meaningfully

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear verbal communication, listening skills, following and giving complex instructions

Maths

Spatial awareness, problem-solving strategies, geometric shapes and their properties

Science

Forces and motion in balance activities, sensory perception and adaptation to environment

PSHE

Building relationships, trust and cooperation, emotional regulation during challenging situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups to monitor safety and provide encouragement

Observation Focus

Watch for trust development, communication quality, and emotional comfort levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students show signs of distress, unsafe practice, or exclusion

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate trust activities yourself first, show vulnerability and trust in students

Verbal Cues

•'Take your time, safety first'
•'Talk to your partner, tell them what you need'
•'Great trust! I can see you're working together'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or sports field, minimum 15m x 20m clear space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, completely clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable
•Ensure ropes have no frayed ends or knots
•Test all cones are stable and not cracked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during blindfolded activities
•Collisions between students or with equipment
•Emotional distress from trust activities
•Rope injuries from inappropriate use

Risk Mitigation

•Constant supervision during all blindfolded activities
•Clear rules about appropriate touching and guidance
•Alternative activities for students uncomfortable with blindfolds
•Gradual progression building trust slowly

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight of all groups during activities
•Move actively between groups during blindfolded work
•Monitor emotional responses and intervene if needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if any safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or emotional support