Instructions
Pulling requires good balance, grip, good upper body strength and a strong, firm base. An object is usually pulled to move the object from one place to another.
- Having a good firm grip
- Stand sideways-on with feet just over a shoulder-width apart
- Take the strain and lean away from the object
- Use front leg and arm to pull the object
- The front leg is slightly bent
- Keep a stable balanced body position
Safety
Ensure…
- skin is protected from surfaces when being pulled along the floor so as not to develop friction burns
- avoid excessive or sudden pulling
- children work with partners of same and similar strength
- children attempt to pull appropriate loads
Opportunity to develop
- Co-ordination
- Physical control
- Manipulative and motor skills
- Balance
- Strength
Physical Development Area of Learning
- contributes to ‘Personal’ and ‘Adventurous and physical play’ skills sections
If you see
| Observation | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Little power when pulling an object | The child simply leans away from object and bottom arm straightens too much | Practise gripping wall bars and pulling away |
| Falls over or loses balance | The child’s feet placed too close together | Place markings on floor to encourage wide stance |
| No movement of the object being pulled | The child’s feet are placed too wide apart and hands too straight | Explore with child how to pull objects the best |
Can you see?
- the child showing a wide balanced stance with feet
- the child able to maintain their balance
- the child using an underhand grip when pulling an object
- the child’s front arm slightly bent
- the child’s front leg slightly bent
- the child demonstrating an effective pulling action
-
Mostly No
- Sit opposite a partner and grasp their wrists. Sing ‘Row row row the boat’ and gently pull one another to and fro.
- Pull toys and trucks, etc. along different surfaces.
-
Yes and No
- Child sits on the floor. Partner grasps their wrists and attempts to pull them to their feet.
- Attach ropes to a box. Fill the box with objects. Ask the children to pull the box towards them.
- Make the rope longer to increase difficulty or add more weight.
-
Mostly Yes
- Stand side-on to a partner and grasp their wrist. Ask them to lean away slowly from their partner.
- Stand face-on to a partner and grasp each other’s wrist; lean away from your partner. Practitioner to stand alongside.
- In pairs, one child sits on a slippery surface in a tight ball shape. Other child grasps their wrists and tries to gently pull them along the floor for a short distance. Pairs must work responsibly and safely.
-
Challenge
- Hold a hoop between two. One tries to gently pull partner applying force through the hoop/stick/ fit ball etc., other tries to resist force and maintain good body position. ‘Puller’ tries to make the resister lose their balance.
- Resister holds different positions, for example standing on one leg, angry cat, etc.
- As above but ‘resister’ standing on a line, low beam, wobble spot or sitting, lying on a fit ball.
- As above with eyes closed.
- Apply gentle pulling force to Locomotor, Body Management or Manipulative skills.