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Lesson 1 - Non-Verbal Communication

Trust & Team Navigation

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we communicate effectively without using words to solve complex challenges as a team?

Learning Objectives

To develop non-verbal communication skills to solve problems effectively
To demonstrate teamwork and cooperation in challenging situations
To show agility, balance, coordination and precision in problem-solving activities

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully use non-verbal communication strategies to complete team challenges
Students will demonstrate improved agility, balance, coordination and precision
Students will understand the importance of planning before undertaking challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Benches

4-6 benches

Place benches in clear areas with safety mats around

Alternative: Low balance beams, long wooden planks, or marked lines on floor

Hoops

4-6 large hoops, 2-3 smaller hoops

Have different sizes available for progression

Alternative: Rope circles, marked circles on ground

Rope

12.5 metres

Must be easily adjustable in height

Alternative: String, bungee cord, or marked tape

Posts

2 sets

Ensure secure fixing points for rope attachment

Alternative: Wall brackets, trees, or weighted poles

Dish Cones

20-30 spots

Different colours for creating clear 'gates'

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks, or tape markers

Blindfolds

11 blindfolds

Ensure comfortable fit and complete vision blocking

Alternative: Bandanas, eye masks, or students closing eyes

Safety Mats

8-10 mats

Place around all activity areas for safety

Alternative: Gym mats or soft landing areas

Key Vocabulary

Non-verbal communication

Passing information to others without using spoken words, through gestures, signals or body language

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal or overcome a challenge

Agility

The ability to move quickly and easily, changing direction with control

Coordination

The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Precision

The quality of being exact and accurate in movement and positioning

Cooperation

Working together towards a common goal, helping and supporting teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic teamwork skills from previous OAA lessons
Understanding of following instructions
Basic balance and coordination skills

Current Skills

Non-verbal communication techniques
Strategic planning for challenges
Advanced agility, balance, coordination and precision

Next Steps

Leading complex multi-stage challenges
Teaching communication skills to younger students
Creating their own team-building challenges

Milestone Indicators

Successful completion of challenges without verbal communication

Demonstration of improved movement quality

Evidence of strategic thinking and planning

Key Teaching Points

Non-verbal communication requires patience and clear, large gestures
Strategic planning before attempting challenges improves success rates
Supporting teammates is as important as individual skill demonstration
Agility, balance, coordination and precision develop through repeated practice
Problem-solving skills transfer between different types of challenges
Safety must always come before speed or success in activities
Reflection and self-assessment help consolidate learning and skill development

Common Misconceptions

Non-verbal communication is easier than verbal - actually requires more skill and patience
Teamwork means everyone doing the same thing - roles and responsibilities vary
Speed is more important than strategy - planning usually leads to better outcomes
If you can't speak, you can't communicate effectively - many forms of communication available
Individual skill is separate from team success - they are interconnected
Balance activities are only about physical skill - mental focus is equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular refocusing activities, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, additional support for balance activities, modified equipment if needed

autism spectrum

Clear routine explanation, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks, predictable structure throughout lesson

visual impairment

Enhanced verbal descriptions of activities, audio signals for boundaries, partnering with sighted buddy for safety

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, clear sight lines for lip reading, use of visual signal cards

physical disability

Adapted versions using wheelchairs, modified balance activities, alternative communication methods that suit physical abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Listening skills, following complex instructions, non-verbal communication techniques

Maths

Counting strategies, spatial awareness, direction and position, problem-solving approaches

Science

Forces and balance, communication systems, teamwork in scientific investigation

Geography

Direction vocabulary, spatial mapping, navigation skills

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience and perseverance, empathy and support

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to observe all groups, stay close during bench and blindfolded activities

Observation Focus

Watch for safe movement techniques, effective communication strategies, team cooperation and individual skill development

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, when teams need strategy support, or when communication breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Show exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate safe passing techniques on benches, model patient communication strategies

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to support each other'
•'Think about your strategy first'
•'Make your signals clear and large'
•'Safety first, then success'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m with clear sight lines

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, even floor free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bench stability and weight limits before use
•Ensure ropes/elastic are securely fastened to fixed points
•Blindfolds clean and comfortable fitting
•Safety mats positioned around raised equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls from benches during balancing activities
•Collisions during blindfolded activities
•Rope/elastic snapping or coming loose
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Safety mats placed around all benches
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Adult supervision during all blindfolded activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear safety rules established and reinforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activity areas
•Monitor bench activities for balance and support
•Stay close to blindfolded activities
•Watch for signs of frustration or overexcitement

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, record incident if required