Lesson 5 - Team Communication and Tactical Problem Solving
Strategic Communication and Collaborative Problem-Solving
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective communication and tactical thinking help teams overcome complex challenges together?
Learning Objectives
- Develop clear communication skills to coordinate team movements and strategy
- Create and implement tactical solutions to overcome physical challenges
- Demonstrate leadership and responsibility within a team environment
Key Outcomes
- Students will communicate effectively using verbal and non-verbal methods during team challenges
- Students will create and adapt tactical approaches to solve complex problems
- Students will take on leadership roles and support team members throughout challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Store at team starting positions, check for damage and appropriate size
Alternative: Large mats, rope circles, or marked floor spaces
Distribute across playing area for treasure collection activities
Alternative: Bean bags, small objects, or laminated cards
Different point values - ensure clearly distinguishable from cones
Alternative: Soft balls, foam blocks, or tennis balls
For displaying mathematical problems and point targets
Alternative: Large paper and pens, or pre-written challenge cards
For timed challenges and progression tracking
Alternative: Mobile phone timer or classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies and methods used to achieve team objectives
Sharing information clearly through words, gestures, and signals
Working together effectively towards a common goal
Taking responsibility to guide and motivate team members
Overall approach or plan for achieving success
Organising team movements and actions to work together smoothly
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic teamwork skills from previous OAA units
- Understanding of personal space and safety in movement
- Experience following simple instructions and rules
Current Skills
- Advanced communication techniques for coordination
- Tactical thinking and problem-solving under pressure
- Leadership skills and responsibility for team success
Next Steps
- Complex multi-stage OAA challenges requiring sustained teamwork
- Competitive team sports requiring advanced tactical awareness
- Leadership roles in school sports and activity programmes
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective communication combines clear verbal instructions with positive body language
- Successful teams plan tactics together and adapt when circumstances change
- Leadership can be shown through encouragement, decision-making, and supporting others
- Mathematical problem-solving becomes more effective when teams work systematically
- Physical challenges are overcome through coordination and mutual support
- Tactical thinking improves when teams reflect on what works and what doesn't
- Team success requires everyone to understand and fulfil their specific role
Common Misconceptions
- Teams think speed is more important than accuracy in problem-solving challenges
- Students believe only loud, directive people can be effective leaders
- Teams assume the first tactical plan will work without need for adaptation
- Students think competition means teams cannot help or learn from each other
- Teams believe mathematical challenges require individual rather than collaborative solutions
- Students assume communication means only giving instructions rather than listening
- Teams think successful tactics are too complex for others to understand or replicate
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break challenges into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear start/stop signals
dyspraxia
- Allow additional planning time, provide step-by-step visual guides, assign supportive team roles
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet spaces for breaks, use visual schedules for activity progression
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of spatial layouts, assign sighted partners for guidance
hearing impairment
- Establish clear visual signals and gestures, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Adapt hoop movement methods, modify treasure collection techniques, adjust team roles to match capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear verbal communication, listening skills, giving and following instructions precisely
Maths
Problem-solving with number operations, calculating point totals, strategic thinking with numerical constraints
Science
Forces and motion in coordinated movement, teamwork parallels in animal behaviour studies
Geography
Spatial awareness and navigation, understanding boundaries and territories
PSHE
Leadership skills, communication in relationships, resilience and perseverance, cooperation and collaboration
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sightlines to all teams, mobile to provide individual team support as needed
Observation Focus
Team communication effectiveness, tactical problem-solving, leadership emergence, and safety compliance throughout
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, communication breaks down, or teams become stuck in unproductive patterns
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent team communication, show tactical thinking processes, demonstrate positive leadership behaviours throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to communicate clearly with your team'
- •'Think about your tactics - what's working well?'
- •'How can you support your teammates right now?'
- •'Focus on accuracy, not just speed'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large open area minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles and with defined boundaries
Surface Check
Level, non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for energetic movement and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Hoops checked for cracks or damage that could cause injury
- •Treasure objects large enough to avoid choking hazards
- •Boundary markers positioned to avoid tripping risks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between teams during competitive challenges
- •Trips and falls from scattered equipment or boundary markers
- •Overexertion from sustained physical and mental challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear team boundaries and movement pathways established
- •Progressive challenge structure building physical and mental demands gradually
- •Constant supervision with emphasis on safety over speed
- •Regular fatigue monitoring with rest breaks as needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all teams simultaneously during challenges
- •Monitor for signs of team conflict or negative competitive behaviour
- •Watch for fatigue affecting coordination or decision-making
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if needed