Lesson 3 - Developing Team Communication Through Rock, Paper, Scissors
Strategic Communication and Collaborative Problem-Solving
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Used to mark team zones and playing boundaries
Alternative: Spots, tennis balls, or bean bags for marking zones
Arranged in a row for Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors activity
Alternative: Cones placed in line, chalk circles, or rope circles
For timing rounds and adding urgency to decision-making
Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock with second hand
For recording team tactics and displaying body poses
Alternative: Large paper and pens, or verbal instruction
Key Vocabulary
Sharing information, ideas, or feelings with others effectively
Working together towards a common goal or objective
Planned strategies or methods used to achieve success
Guiding and inspiring others to achieve shared goals
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
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