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Lesson 3 - Developing Team Communication Through Rock, Paper, Scissors

Strategic Communication and Collaborative Problem-Solving

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective communication transform a team's performance and success?

Learning Objectives

Develop clear communication skills within team settings
Understand the characteristics and behaviours of effective team members
Apply collaborative decision-making processes under time pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate various methods of team communication
Students will identify and exhibit qualities of effective teamwork
Students will evaluate the impact of communication on team performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Used to mark team zones and playing boundaries

Alternative: Spots, tennis balls, or bean bags for marking zones

Hoops

8-12

Arranged in a row for Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors activity

Alternative: Cones placed in line, chalk circles, or rope circles

Stopwatch

For timing rounds and adding urgency to decision-making

Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock with second hand

Sun Markers

1 set

For recording team tactics and displaying body poses

Alternative: Large paper and pens, or verbal instruction

Key Vocabulary

Communication

Sharing information, ideas, or feelings with others effectively

Collaboration

Working together towards a common goal or objective

Tactics

Planned strategies or methods used to achieve success

Leadership

Guiding and inspiring others to achieve shared goals

Consensus

General agreement reached by a group through discussion

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork concepts
Experience with simple communication games
Knowledge of Rock, Paper, Scissors rules

Current Skills

Clear verbal communication under pressure
Non-verbal communication techniques
Collaborative decision-making processes
Leadership and encouragement skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical communication in competitive situations
Leading teams through complex outdoor challenges
Conflict resolution and team building skills

Milestone Indicators

Teams consistently make quick, unanimous decisions

Students naturally encourage and support teammates

Clear evidence of tactical thinking and adaptation

Key Teaching Points

Effective team communication requires active listening and inclusive decision-making processes
Time pressure can improve communication efficiency but should not compromise team inclusion
Non-verbal communication and positioning are as important as verbal strategies in team situations
Leadership in teams means facilitating others' contributions, not just making decisions alone
Tactical thinking involves adapting strategies based on changing circumstances and team dynamics
Successful teams celebrate individual strengths while working toward collective goals
Reflection and evaluation are essential for continuous improvement in team communication skills

Common Misconceptions

That the loudest person should always make team decisions - encourage rotation of leadership roles
That winning is more important than good communication - emphasise process over outcome
That teams should always agree immediately - teach the value of healthy discussion and debate
That only verbal communication matters - highlight importance of body language and positioning
That team communication is only needed during PE - connect skills to classroom and life situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks and fidget tools

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, provide additional practice time, offer alternative ways to participate in physical challenges

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer visual schedules for activity transitions, create quiet spaces for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of body poses, provide tactile guidance for positioning, ensure clear verbal communication from teammates

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures for communication, provide written instructions, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt poses to seated or supported positions, modify jumping activities to stepping or movement alternatives, allow longer decision-making time

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing speaking and listening skills, using persuasive language in team discussions, presenting ideas clearly to groups

Maths

Counting team points, timing activities, understanding probability in Rock Paper Scissors outcomes

Science

Understanding reaction times and decision-making processes, exploring human body responses to physical activity

PSHE

Building relationships, teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between teams during discussions to monitor inclusion and communication quality, position centrally during active games

Observation Focus

Watch for effective communication strategies, inclusive decision-making, and positive leadership behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in when teams struggle with consensus, address unsafe competitive behaviour, support excluded students

Demonstration Notes

Model clear communication, demonstrate safe movement techniques, show enthusiastic team support

Verbal Cues

•'Listen to all ideas before deciding!'
•'Remember, everyone's voice matters!'
•'Show me your best team communication!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area with clear boundaries and adequate space for team zones

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hoops are sturdy and appropriate size for safe jumping
•Ensure cones are visible and stable to prevent tripping
•Verify marking equipment is securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tagging games
•Falls while jumping through hoops or running
•Competitive pressure leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe zones
•Teach and reinforce safe tagging techniques
•Provide adequate space between teams during activities
•Monitor competitive intensity to maintain safe participation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all teams during strategy discussions
•Monitor active games for safe movement and tagging
•Watch for signs of exclusion or conflict within teams

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, and adapt activities as needed