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      Partner activities: developing communication

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can communicate successfully with a partner so that we can move together.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: balancing on floor markers with a partner requires good body control and coordination.
      2. Think: using imagination to try new ideas shows a good sense of curiosity.
      3. Feel: trying our hardest throughout the activity requires self-belief.
      4. Connect: communicating ideas carefully means your partner can follow the correct instructions.

      Keywords

      • Communicate - sharing ideas through talk and actions

      • Cooperate - working with others to achieve a shared goal

      • Partner - someone you play or work with

      Common misconception

      Pupils shout too loudly, thinking this will improve communication. Pupils place floor markers too close together, resulting in slow movement across the river.

      Encourage the use of good sentences spoken at a normal talking volume. Highlight pupils who place floor markers an arm's length from each other and move across the river more efficiently.

      Teacher tip

      Use different colours of A4 or A3 paper if you don't have enough floor markers.

      Equipment

      30+ floor markers, soft animal toys or PE equipment to represent animals, cones

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we call someone you play or work with?

      a captain
      Correct answer: a partner
      a stranger

      Q2.
      Where do we look when we’re listening to someone?

      Correct answer: their face
      their feet
      their hands

      Q3.
      How can we make sure we understand our partner?

      ignore them
      Correct answer: listen to them
      take turns

      Q4.
      How do you use your imagination?

      by being brave
      Correct answer: by being creative
      by being silly

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How can we make sure our partner understands us?

      ignore them
      shout at them
      Correct answer: talk clearly

      Q2.
      How can we make sure we don’t bump into others in a game?

      look for friends
      Correct answer: look for space
      sit down

      Q3.
      What does cooperate mean?

      Correct Answer: working together, working with a partner, sharing and talking together

      Q4.
      What is the best distance to place floor markers as stepping stones?

      Correct answer: an arm's length
      a leg's length
      make them touch

      To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: Partner activities: developing communication, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...