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      Solving problems by cooperating in pairs

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can cooperate with a partner to score points.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: making and holding a shape requires body tension, balance and coordination.
      2. Think: a successful team adapts and experiments with ideas to improve performance.
      3. Feel: striving to be our best demonstrates self-discipline and perseverance.
      4. Connect: communicating ideas respectfully builds trust in a partnership.

      Keywords

      • Communication - sharing ideas, thoughts or feelings through talk or actions

      • Cooperation - working together towards a common goal or purpose

      • Perserverance - keeping going and not giving up, even when a task is challenging

      Common misconception

      Pupils can only stand when making letter shapes. Pupils create letter shapes back to front or they face the wrong way when they are showing others.

      Pupils can use a range of body parts and lie, sit or stand to make letter shapes. Stress the importance of reading letters from left to right.

      Teacher tip

      It's ok for pupils to work in 3's, rather than leaving out a friend. This ensures that PE is a positive experience for all.

      Equipment

      The body alphabet poster, individual letter cards, list of action words (see additional materials)

      Content guidance

      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.
      How do we create body tension?

      Correct answer: hold muscles tight
      relax muscles
      think about muscles

      Q2.
      What are we doing when we share ideas, thoughts and feelings with others?

      Correct answer: communicating
      cooperating
      controlling

      Q3.
      How do you work fairly with a partner?

      ignore them
      leave them out
      Correct answer: take turns

      Q4.
      What do we demonstrate by trying our best?

      imagination
      Correct answer: self-discipline
      gratitude

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What are we doing when we keep trying, even when it’s challenging?

      Correct answer: persevering
      playing
      planning

      Q2.
      What are we doing when we work with others towards a shared goal?

      communicating
      Correct answer: cooperating
      controlling

      Q3.
      Which of these words means moving different body parts together?

      Correct answer: coordination
      coach
      collaborate

      Q4.
      Apart from body tension, what else must we use to hold a shape?

      Correct Answer: balance, balancing

      To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Solving problems by cooperating in pairs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...