Grade 2 Movement Activities Locomotion Skills – Pulling And Pushing Notes

Movement Activities — Locomotion Skills

Subtopic: Pulling and Pushing (Age 7, Kenya)

Simple explanation for learners (say this):

Pushing means making something move away from you (like pushing a ball). Pulling means making something come closer to you (like pulling a rope). We will practise both with safe games and help each other.

Specific Learning Outcomes

• Identify and tell the teacher examples of pushing and pulling from their school and home (e.g., pushing a ball, pulling a wheelbarrow).
• Show correct and safe ways to push and pull small objects (e.g., tyres, light boxes, ropes) during group play.
• Work with a partner to pull or push together, using communication and turn-taking.
• Describe the direction of movement (towards / away) and whether they used more or less force.
• Use simple safety rules when pushing and pulling (space, hands, feet, and listening to teacher).

Materials (Kenyan school-friendly)

• Soft playground ball, old car tyre, broom, light wooden box, small trolley or wheelbarrow (if available).
• Long skipping rope or tug-of-war rope (soft), cones or stones to mark lines, chalk for ground markings.
• Whistle, first-aid kit, water for children.

Suggested Learning Experiences (step by step)

1. Warm-up (5–7 minutes):
   • Run on the spot, stretch arms out, swing arms gently — tell children: "We warm our muscles for safe pushing and pulling."
2. Teacher demonstration (3–5 minutes):
   • Show "push" with a ball on the ground (use palms, arms straight but not locked) and say: "I push the ball away."
   • Show "pull" with a rope or tyre (bend knees slightly, keep back straight) and say: "I pull the tyre to me."
   • Use simple words: direction (away / towards), force (gentle / strong), and safety (look around, keep feet apart).
3. Activity 1 — Push the Ball Relay (10 minutes):
   • Divide class into small teams. Mark a start and finish line (use chalk or cones).
   • Each child pushes the ball with one or two hands from start to cone and back to tag next child.
   • Focus: pushing with control, not kicking; keep a safe distance from others.
   • Variation: push with palms, then push using the forearms (for children with weaker hands).
4. Activity 2 — Pull the Tyre / Box (10 minutes):
   • Have children work in pairs. One child gently pulls a small tyre or light box toward a marker while partner watches and guides.
   • Teach them to bend knees, keep back straight, and hold the rope/edge firmly.
   • Swap roles so everyone practises pulling.
5. Activity 3 — Tug-of-War (group play with safety) (8–10 minutes):
   • Make small teams, mark a middle line. Use a soft rope and make rules: no wrapping rope around hands, stop when teacher calls.
   • After each round, talk about which team pulled harder and why (strength, teamwork, foot position).
   • Use gentle matches for younger or smaller children; teacher supervises closely.
6. Activity 4 — Partner Push/Pull Games (8 minutes):
   • Children pair up to do: one child gently pushes partner’s hands while partner resists (then swap). This shows how force affects movement.
   • Play "Simon Says" with push/pull commands: "Simon says push the ball," "Simon says pull the rope."
7. Cool down and reflection (5 minutes):
   • Stretch arms and legs. Sit in circle and ask simple questions: "Show me pulling" (children demonstrate), "When do we push at home?"
   • Sing a short song or rhyme about teamwork and being safe.

Assessment (simple, for age 7)

• Teacher observes each child once per lesson using a 3-point checklist: Can identify push/pull, Can perform safely, Can work with a partner.
• Use quick checkpoints: thumbs up/down or smiley stickers to show understanding and participation.

Safety and inclusion

• Always clear the play area of stones and sharp objects. Keep water and first aid nearby.
• For children with limited strength or mobility: let them lead a team, do slower versions, or use lighter objects. Pair them with a buddy for assistance.
• Teacher supervises tug-of-war and wheelbarrow-like activities to prevent falls and collisions.

Links to Kenyan life and examples

• At home a child may push a small bucket of water carefully or pull a small chair — these are examples of push and pull.
• On the school compound children may push a ball during football practice or pull a tyre from a lorry as a play object (always under supervision).

Teacher notes (short)

• Keep language simple, demonstrate often, praise safety and teamwork.
• Use local materials where safe and available; adapt activities to small spaces if needed.