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Lesson 5 - Team Communication and Tactical Problem Solving

Strategic Communication and Collaborative Problem-Solving

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Hoops

12-15 (3-4 per team)

Store at team starting positions, check for damage and appropriate size

Alternative: Large mats, rope circles, or marked floor spaces

Cones

20-30

Distribute across playing area for treasure collection activities

Alternative: Bean bags, small objects, or laminated cards

Balls

15-20

Different point values - ensure clearly distinguishable from cones

Alternative: Soft balls, foam blocks, or tennis balls

Sun Markers

8-10 cones

For displaying mathematical problems and point targets

Alternative: Large paper and pens, or pre-written challenge cards

Stopwatch

For timed challenges and progression tracking

Alternative: Mobile phone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies and methods used to achieve team objectives

Communication

Sharing information clearly through words, gestures, and signals

Collaboration

Working together effectively towards a common goal

Leadership

Taking responsibility to guide and motivate team members

Strategy

Overall approach or plan for achieving success

Coordination

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

Clear, purposeful communication during team challenges

Evidence of tactical thinking and adaptation

Natural leadership behaviours emerging within teams

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