Team Building & Collaboration Foundations
•Year 7
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Distribute to students at the start of warm-up
Alternative: Whiteboards and markers, clipboards
Have available in containers around the space
Alternative: Whiteboard markers if using whiteboards
Stack at side of hall for distribution during skill development
Alternative: Large cardboard sheets, popup screens
Check hygiene - use clean blindfolds or disposable options
Alternative: Sleep masks, fabric strips, eyes-closed option
Place as obstacles for sheep pen game, ensure stability
Alternative: Cones in lines, skipping ropes laid out
Mark boundaries and target zones for sheep pen
Alternative: Spots, domes, chalk marks
Position safely as obstacles - ensure no sharp edges
Alternative: Additional benches, large cones
The process of exchanging information, ideas, or instructions with others
Using spoken words to convey messages and instructions
Using body language, gestures, actions, or demonstrations instead of words
Working together effectively towards a common goal
Fully concentrating on and processing what is being communicated
A planned approach to solving a problem or achieving a goal
Guiding and directing others with clear instructions and encouragement
Understanding where you are in relation to objects and other people
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Precise descriptive language, giving clear instructions, active listening skills, vocabulary development (spatial and anatomical terms), verbal and non-verbal communication analysis
Spatial awareness and positioning (coordinates on paper for Draw It activity), angles and degrees in body positions (90-degree knee bend), geometry of shapes being described, measurement concepts (distance, size), directional language (left, right, forward, backward)
Sensory systems - how we process auditory and visual information differently, impact of removing one sense (sight) on other sensory reliance, proprioception and body awareness when blindfolded, nervous system signal processing
Communication protocols and systems (similar to shepherd signal systems), importance of clear instructions in programming, debugging communication failures, systematic problem-solving
Non-verbal communication techniques, use of gesture and mime, creating and interpreting signals, performance under observation, communication without words
Directional language and navigation, spatial relationships, mapping movement through space, following routes and giving directions
Teamwork and cooperation skills, leadership and followership, trust building between partners and groups, resilience when communication fails, empathy for others' challenges, conflict resolution through communication, respecting others' contributions
Position yourself where you can see all students simultaneously - corner or side of hall works well during Sheep Pen activity. During circle discussions, sit as part of the circle to create inclusive atmosphere. Move around constantly during partner work to monitor and provide feedback.
Watch for: communication clarity (are instructions specific and actionable?), listening skills (are students processing and responding appropriately?), safety awareness (particularly during Sheep Pen), cooperation and positive interactions, improvement between attempts, strategic thinking and problem-solving, inclusion of all students.
Step in immediately if: safety is compromised, communication breakdown causes frustration, any student is excluded or isolated, equipment is being misused, activity becomes too chaotic to learn effectively, blindfolded student is in danger. Otherwise, allow productive struggle and problem-solving.
Demonstrate all activities clearly using student volunteers. For Draw It, show good vs poor descriptions side-by-side. For Duplicate, demonstrate the full process before students attempt. For Sheep Pen, use one group to show all elements including safety positioning. Use exaggerated movements and clear verbal commentary during demonstrations.
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space (standard sports hall). Multiple zones required for Sheep Pen activity with 3-4m separation between groups. Clear boundary markings.
Dry, even, non-slip surface essential, particularly for blindfolded activities. Check for any hazards, wet patches, or obstacles before lesson begins. Sweep for small objects that could cause trips.
Immediate STOP command if any student in danger - all students trained to freeze on this command. Assess any incidents calmly. First aid available for minor bumps or scrapes. Contact office for serious injuries. Comfort and support for any distressed students. Incident reporting as per school policy.
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.