Teamwork Challenge

Overview

This 60-minute lesson for Year 9 Health and Physical Education focuses on adventure-based learning (ABL) activities that develop teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills. Activities are designed to actively engage 25 students in cooperative problem-solving and reflection, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, supporting the development of key competencies and health-related learning outcomes.

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Collaborate effectively in team challenges.
• Use clear communication and decision-making in groups.
• Reflect on our own and others’ contributions to teamwork.
• Demonstrate respect, empathy, and positive interpersonal skills.

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Curriculum Links

Health and Physical Education (HPE)

• Strand: Relationships with Other People
• Achievement Objective:
  Actively contribute to positive relationships by applying personal and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain respectful relationships.
• Key Competencies:
  • Managing Self — taking responsibility for own learning and behaviour in group contexts.
  • Relating to Others — interacting effectively in teams, showing empathy and respect.
  • Participating and Contributing — working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
• Curriculum Values:
  • Respect — for self and others through positive communication and behaviour.

References

• New Zealand Curriculum Refresh Health and PE, key competencies and achievement objectives .

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Success Criteria

• I communicate clearly and listen to others.
• I contribute actively to my team’s efforts.
• I respect differences of opinion and work to resolve conflicts.
• I reflect honestly on my teamwork skills and areas to improve.

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Equipment Needed

• Blindfolds (for one activity)
• String or rope pieces
• Cones or markers to designate areas
• Timer/stopwatch
• Reflection sheets (printed with simple prompts)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Warm-up (10 minutes)

• Quick circle discussion: “What makes a good team?”
• Brief explanation of teamwork, communication, and trust in ABL.
• Warm-up game: “Mirror Move” where pairs mirror each other’s movements, building non-verbal communication skills.

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2. Activity 1: Blindfold Trust Walk (20 minutes)

Aim: Cultivate trust, verbal communication, and leadership skills.

Instructions:

• Divide class into groups of 5.
• Each group forms pairs; one partner is blindfolded.
• The sighted partner guides the blindfolded partner through a simple obstacle course using only verbal instructions.
• Partners swap roles halfway through.
• Groups reflect together on challenges and effective communication techniques.

Differentiation:

• For students with sensory sensitivities, alternative communication tools like gentle touch or guiding sticks are offered.
• Students with high abilities are encouraged to notice and suggest improvements in communication styles.

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3. Activity 2: Human Knot (20 minutes)

Aim: Improve problem-solving, teamwork, and cooperation under pressure.

Instructions:

• Groups of 5 (can reorganise from previous activity).
• Students stand in a circle, reach across to grab others’ hands to form a 'knot'.
• Task: untangle without releasing hands, requiring clear verbal planning and cooperation.
• Debrief on communication strategies, patience, and role-taking observed.

Differentiation:

• Students who find physical coordination challenging can be the “team coaches”, advising the group verbally.
• Extension: Challenge one group to complete the knot blindfolded with verbal support from the rest.

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4. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

Guided Reflection Prompts:

• What communication worked well? What could be better?
• How did your team solve disagreements or confusion?
• How did you feel about trusting others?
• What role did you take in your team?
• How will you apply these skills in other areas of life?

Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options:

• Use clear font, bullet points, and concise sentences on reflection sheets.
• Allow oral responses or use visuals to support reflection.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe students’ communication, cooperation, and leadership during activities.
• Collect reflection sheets noting critical thinking about team roles and communication.
• Use peer and self-assessment rubrics focusing on contribution and respect.

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Extension Ideas

• Design your own ABL challenge for another group incorporating teamwork skills.
• Write a short narrative reflecting on a time when teamwork helped you succeed outside class.
• Investigate Māori perspectives on teamwork (whanaungatanga) and present to the class.

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Teacher Notes

• Use inclusive grouping and monitor dynamics to ensure all voices are heard.
• Scaffold language for less confident communicators with sentence stems, e.g., “I think we should...”, “Can you explain...?”
• Model positive feedback and patience during all communication.
• Celebrate perseverance and collaborative problem-solving.

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References

• New Zealand Curriculum Refresh: Health and Physical Education – Key Competencies and Achievement Objectives.
• Te Mātaiaho English and Communication Strategies for Strengthening Interpersonal Communication .
• Adventure Based Learning principles with focus on communication and teamwork for adolescent learners.

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This plan combines physical engagement with vital interpersonal skills, reflecting New Zealand’s curriculum emphasis on inclusive, respectful, and community-oriented education. It supports diverse learning styles and abilities while fostering essential competencies for lifelong learning.