Teaching Push and Pull Factors: Simplifying Concepts for Middle Schoolers

Are push and pull factors important? Migration would not exist without push and pull factors, so the answer is: YES! Teach your 6th -8th graders about push and pull factors of migration whether you are discussing ancient history, geography, or American history. Understanding push and pull factors of migration is critical because it allows us to gain insight into why people choose to move from one place to another. Push factors, such as poverty, violence, lack of opportunities, war, political unrest, or environmental disasters, compel individuals to leave their homes in search of better and safer places. On the other hand, pull factors like economic opportunities, political stability, or improved quality of life attract migrants to specific destinations. Ultimately, acknowledging these drivers helps foster empathy and compassion toward those embarking on their journeys.

Should I teach these concepts to my middle school students or is it too hard for them? Teaching push and pull factors in middle school can be a slightly challenging concept for students to grasp, but it doesn’t have to be too hard. By breaking down the information into simpler terms and using relatable examples of everyday situations they understand, middle schoolers can easily see how push and pull factors influence decisions. For example, explaining how factors like a lack of job opportunities or family reasons can push 🫵🏻 someone to move away from their current location while factors like better schools or a desirable climate can pull ✈️ someone toward a new place can make the concept easier to understand. Discussing showing video clips of current events such as citizens fleeing Zimbabwe due to political unrest and people being killed for speaking out against the government, or by incorporating real-world scenarios and engaging activities into lessons, teachers can effectively convey the complexities of push and pull factors in a way that keeps students interested and helps them fully comprehend the material.

Images and quotes as those below, can be used as attention grabbers to introduce push and pull factors. Even political cartoons are helpful in introducing the concepts of push and pull migration. The image on the left is about the boys of the Second Sudanese Civil War was a conflict from 1983 to 2005. Either they were captured by the government and forced into the military or they were fleeing the country due to the fear of being killed as many of their family members were. Many watch the militia murder their parents and burn their houses. This is an example of being “pushed out” of the country; a feeling forced to move. On the right, is an image of a city. This brings a feeling of opportunity. Discuss why someone may be “pulled toward” living in or near the city.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb

“If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet.” ~ Rachel Wolchin

Ask students to share reasons people move and write them on an index card. Have students switch cards. Allow them to present and as a class decide if it is a “push” factor or a “pull” factor? Have them place the card under the correct column as seen below. This will allow students to draw into their experiences and previous knowledge.

Push Factors

War
Famine
Danger/Persecution
Lack of Religious & Political Freedom
Famine
natural disasters
discrimination
Lack of education and resources

Pull Factors

New Job/ Search of employment opportunities
College/Educational Opportunities
Moving near family
Purchasing a new home
Better healthcare, education, and infrastructure
Attracted to locations that offer a range of amenities, such as cities

Here are some lessons that will help you teach your middle school (and high school students) about push migration and pull migration:

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