Cooperative Pushing and Pulling

Learning Outcomes

cooperatively pushing and pulling, space awareness, cooperative balancing, counterbalance.

Description Of Activity

Tow truck: Place a piece of cardboard or a hoop on the door. One partner stands on this and holds the end of a rope. The other takes the other end of the rope and tries to slowly pull their partner off the cardboard/hoop. Sawing logs: Partners face each other, one foot forward, grasping both of the hands of the other, with their elbows high. As one arm is pulled back, the other is extended well forward. Following a number of movements (510), they change the foot that is forward. Chainsaws: Partners follow the same procedure as for sawing logs but, instead of backward and forwards, they make circular hand movements.

 Back-to-back get-up: Evenly matched (for height) pairs stand back-to-back and link elbows. They push back against each other, then lower to a half squat and stand up again. Seesaws: Partners face each other and hold hands. One child stands while the other crouches down. The standing child helps pull their partner up and, at the same time, crouches down. Both lean back slightly. Repeat several times, including a change in roles. 

Pedal power: Partners sit facing each other, or sit leaning on their elbows for support. Each partner places the soles of their feet against their partners; knees remain partly bent throughout. 

Can you? 

• push against your partner's feet, alternating bent and straightening legs with your partners try different ways of pushing
• push hard and fast for 20 counts, then slowly for 20 counts
• do double pushes in each position (i.e. two counts before changing leg position)
• try combinations (e.g. double push, double push, single, single, single)

Can you see? 

• stable foot and body position
• safe practices
• counterbalancing
• pairs matched in size

You could ask Which activities did you enjoy the most? Which activities required balance skills? How can you perform these activities safely? COOL DOWN/ CLOSURE Review Skill/Activity, stretching, and questions.

Equipment/Material Required

Ropes, cardboard, and hoops. Children in pairs work on the door or in a grass area.