What Are Push and Pull? Simple Examples for Kids to Understand

Have you ever watched a child slide a door shut, pedal a tricycle, or tug a toy across the floor? If so, you've seen push and pull in action—two of the most fundamental forc
es in our everyday lives.

At Kidzee, we believe learning starts with what children experience around them. 

Whether you're a parent exploring science at home or a teacher guiding little learners in the classroom, understanding push and pull is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of physical science.

Understanding Push and Pull: What Do These Forces Mean?

In simple terms:

• A push is when you apply force to move something away from you.
• A pull is when you apply force to move something towards you.

These two actions may sound basic, but they form the foundation of how we interact with objects around us. From lifting a schoolbag to shutting a cupboard, push and pull forces are everywhere and children experience them daily.

Let’s look at a few relatable examples of push and pull force:

• Pushing a toy truck across the floor? That’s a push.
• Pulling open a door or dragging a trolley? That’s a pull.

These simple physical actions are not just fun—they’re science in motion.

Easy Examples of Push and Pull for Pre-schoolers

Children learn best through play and interaction. Daily activities are full of examples of push and pull that can be pointed out, explored, and enjoyed:

Examples of Push:

• Pushing a chair under the table
• Rolling a ball away
• Pressing buttons on a toy or remote

Examples of Pull:

• Pulling a toy towards you using a string
• Opening a drawer
• Tugging on a zip or shoelace

Each action involves using force—a push or pull that causes something to move. This is known as a contact force because it requires physical contact between the object and the person moving it.

Using Push Pull Pictures to Make Learning Visual

Children are visual learners. Using push pull pictures, like illustrations of a child pushing a swing or pulling a cart, can make these concepts more concrete. At Kidzee, we often use visual aids such as:

• Picture books
• Posters in the classroom
• Real-life photo examples
• Children’s drawings of pushing and pulling

Encourage children to observe and draw what they see. A sketch of them pushing a shopping trolley or pulling their backpack can become a powerful tool for understanding these routine forces.

Fun and Interactive Activities to Reinforce Push and Pull

Here are a few playful ideas you can try at home or in school to help children grasp the difference between pushing and pulling:

1) Push and Pull Scavenger Hunt

Walk around the house or classroom and identify objects you can push and pull. This simple activity sharpens observation and vocabulary.

2) Toy Car Push-and-Pull

Push a toy car to make it move, then pull it back using a string. It’s a hands-on example of how different forces work.

3) Tug-of-War

This classic game is a brilliant way to demonstrate pull forces, teamwork, and strength.

4) Sorting Game

Use picture cards showing various actions and ask children to sort them into 'push' and 'pull' categories.

These engaging activities not only make science fun but also help children relate actions to words and ideas.
The Science Behind It All

When children understand push pull force, they start recognising patterns in how things move. By encouraging them to explore and ask questions like:

“What happens if you push it gently?”

“Can you show me something you pull every day?”

You’re helping them build critical thinking and observational skills that they will require in the future. They may not realise it yet, but by playing with force, they’re already thinking like little scientists!

Why Teaching Push and Pull Matters

By introducing pre-schoolers to the concept of push and pull, we help them:

• Build awareness of their environment
• Develop fine motor skills
• Strengthen vocabulary and communication
• Prepare for more advanced scientific learning

At Kidzee, we believe that science begins with wonder. Through storytelling, active play, visual learning, and discovery, children not only learn what push and pull means—they experience it. And in doing so, they begin to make sense of the physical world around them.

Keep the Curiosity Moving

Whether it's in the classroom or your living room, learning about push and pull doesn’t require special equipment or labs. All it takes is a little observation, a few thoughtful questions, and some playful interaction.

So go ahead—push open the door to learning and pull children into a lifelong journey of growth.