Living vs Non-Living Things: Understanding the Differences for Kids

“Young children often have difficulty characterising things as living or non-living. For example, they tend to describe anything that moves as alive. They also do not yet understand the cycle of life (birth, growth, death), and therefore classify as non-living anything that has died”
— PBS Learning Media

A 4.54 billion-year-old planet full of creatures and wonders of all kinds, truly, there is no place like Earth!

Did you know that the earth is home to approximately 8.7 million species of animals,  8 billion people and 3.04 trillion trees? That is fascinating, isn’t it?

What is even more fascinating is that this only covers one section of the inhabitants of this planet. That is the living beings, or the living things, as you might call them. Our planet is also home to non-living things. And to be honest, you cannot put a number on how many non-living things are on this planet. It would be an unimaginable figure! Especially if we take into account every single thing created on earth!

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. The point is the difference between living things and non-living things. And to truly know and understand what those differences are, you first need to know the definition of living and non-living things. So allow us to very humbly enlighten you.

What Are Living Things?

By definition alone, living things comprise any life form or an organism that possesses the features of life or displays signs of being alive. It is basically a biological living system. One that possesses an individual life form and goes through the cycle of birth and death. That is the broad definition. So if anyone asks you ‘what are living things?’ in the future, you can refer them to this answer. Now you know the living things definition for kids.

Read More – Exploring the Living World

What Are Non-Living Things?

Strictly biologically speaking, non-living things encompass any form that is completely devoid of life. This definition brings all inanimate objects or bodies under its purview. Think rocks, for example. Basically, all non-living things will completely lack any and every characteristic that makes up a living thing. That should clear up your query of ‘what is a non-living thing’. Other non-living things examples include plastic, metal, clothing and cars.

Characteristics Of Living And Non-Living Things

Both living and non-living things have their own distinct characteristics that set them apart. Knowing these characteristics individually will help you fully understand the difference between things.

Read More – Raising Eco-Conscious Kids: Tips for Sustainable Living

8 Key Characteristics Of Living Things

Living things display certain vital characteristics, which have been given below.

1. All living beings or things are made up of cells. Cells are fundamental microscopic structures that are responsible for conducting various chemical processes that help living organisms thrive. Cells are essential for life. That said, living things can be both single-cell organisms or multicellular creatures like us!
   
2. Due to their cellular makeup, living things are capable of growing. They experience different stages of development and mature over time.
   
3. Living creatures move, i.e. locomotory motion in their function. Take, for example, animals such as dogs and cats. They can move from one place to another on their four legs. Birds, on the other hand, can fly, thus denoting movement. Though the same cannot be said for trees and plants, which are also living things.
   
4. Respiration is something all living things experience. It is a chemical reaction wherein cells transform food into energy, which the living organism then uses to perform several activities essential for survival, including excretion of waste from the body.
   
5. Living things can feel. They are sensitive and can experience a wide range of emotions as well as sensations such as vision, touch, taste, hearing and smell. Though the same cannot be said with confidence for plants, many experts are of the opinion that plants can feel emotions too, be it stress or pain.
   
6. Living things can reproduce, which means they can produce offspring of their own species. The methods to reproduce can be both sexual (in the case of animals, birds and humans with exceptions) and asexual (applies to plants, trees and single-cell organisms with exceptions). The process of reproduction involves the passage of genetic information from the parent to the child or offspring.
   
7. They can acquire and absorb nutrients. All living organisms acquire and ingest nutritional resources that help them survive as well as go through the motions of life, which include digestion as well as expulsion of waste material from the body.
   
8. Certain living things, in particular, will possess tissues, organs, limbs and more. This generally applies to all non-plant-based living creatures.

Do your kids know about the difference between living and non-living things?

Read More – Ecosystem Explained: Structure, Types & Key Functions

Characteristics Of Non-Living Things – 6 Fundamental Ones

In comparison to living things, the characteristics of non-living things are vastly different. Check them out.

1. First thing you need to know is that non-living things do not have life, which means they are not made up of cells.
   
2. Since they do not have cells in their make-up, they do not perform cellular activities such as metabolism, respiration, reproduction and the like.
   
3. Certain non-living things may not have specific sizes and may acquire the shape and size of the container they are put in. Water or any other liquid is a great example of that. Even stones or rocks may not always be of the same size, as they are subjected to nature’s forces, such as erosion. In fact, any change of state in a non-living thing can be attributed to external forces rather than internal processes.
   
4. Non-living things do not experience development in stages. They do not grow of their own accord but in response to the impact of external forces, which can increase or decrease their size as we mentioned before.
   
5. Unlike living things, which eventually die, non-living things do not die on account of being lifeless. They do not have a specific lifespan. However, they can be destroyed by external forces.
6. Non-livings do not need nutrition as they do not have biological processes to carry out, which would be essential for their survival.

To make the difference between living things and non-living things even clearer, some examples of the latter include sand, rocks, glass, water, the moon, the sun and basically any object that you use in your daily life that does not have a life of its own.

Living Things And Non-Living Things Chart: Mapping The Difference

Given below is a table that can help you easily distinguish between the two.

LIVING THINGS	NON-LIVING THINGS
Have a life of their own.	Can be defined as lifeless.
Made up of cells.	Not made up of cells.
Capable of reproduction.	Cannot reproduce.
Depend on nutritional resources for survival.	Do not need nutrition to survive.
Go through growth development stages.	Do not experience growth, but a change of state due to external factors.
Experience sensory responses to external stimuli.	Are not capable of feeling any sensations or emotions.
Display locomotion, moving from one place to another of their own volition.	Cannot move from one place to another unless external forces are applied.
Experience chemical processes such as metabolism and respiration.	Do not go through any chemical processes whatsoever.
Living things die eventually.	Non-living things are immortal.
Examples: humans, animals, plants, birds, etc.	Examples: water, sun, moon, rocks, etc.

Read More – List of Animals That Live On Land And Water

Fun Activities To Teach Living And Non-Living Things

Helping children understand the difference between living and non-living things can be an enjoyable and interactive experience. One effective way is through a nature walk, where children are encouraged to observe the environment around them and identify what is alive and what is not. Flowers, trees, insects, and pets represent living things, whereas rocks, benches, and water fountains are non-living.

• Sorting gamescan also be highly effective, where children use flashcards or images to classify objects into living and non-living categories, enhancing their observation and critical thinking skills. 
• Storytellingprovides another engaging approach, as narratives about animals, plants, or inanimate objects like cars and buildings help children connect emotionally to the concepts. 
• Role playfurther reinforces understanding; when children act out movements of animals or mimic stationary objects, they internalise the differences between the two categories in a fun, memorable way.

Creative Hands-On Learning Activities

Transform your child’s understanding of living and non-living things with these playful, interactive activities!

1. Living or Non-Living Treasure Hunt

Hide pictures or small objects around your home or classroom. Give children a basket labelled “Living” and another labelled “Non-Living.” As they find each item, they must decide which basket it belongs in and explain why. This game builds decision-making skills and reinforces classification concepts through movement and discovery!

2. The Growth Experiment

Plant seeds in small pots and place a rock in another pot. Have children observe both daily and document changes. They’ll witness firsthand how the seed sprouts, grows leaves, and develops while the rock remains unchanged. This simple experiment beautifully illustrates the growth characteristic of living things in a tangible, memorable way.

3. Create a Living vs Non-Living Collage

Give children magazines, scissors, glue, and two large poster boards. One poster is for living things, the other for non-living. As they cut and paste pictures, encourage them to discuss why each item belongs in its category. Display their masterpieces proudly, they’re visual learning tools they created themselves!

4. Movement Freeze Game

Call out the names of living and non-living things. When you say a living thing (dog, tree, fish), children must move around like that creature. When you say a non-living thing (rock, table, cloud), it must freeze completely still. This energetic game connects physical movement with the concept of locomotion in living things.

5. Living Things Breathing Activity

Help children understand respiration by having them place their hands on their chests to feel their heartbeat and breathing. Then, have them try the same with a stuffed toy, a book, or a rock. This personal experience helps them grasp that living things breathe while non-living things don’t.

6. Mystery Box Challenge

Place various objects in a covered box. Children reach in, feel an object, and must guess whether it’s living or non-living before revealing it. Include items like leaves, toys, fruits, and stones. This sensory activity builds observation skills and critical thinking while keeping the element of surprise!

Understanding The Cycle Of Life

The most magical part about living things is how they go through a life cycle of birth, growth, reproduction and death.
Show your child with simple examples:

• A seedgrows into a plant, blooms, and produces new seeds.
• A caterpillarturns into a butterfly.
  These transformations help children see how life continues in cycles, something non-living things never experience.

Non-living things, on the other hand, may change shape or form due to external forces like erosion or freezing, but they do not experience growth, reproduction, or death. Relating these observations to everyday objects and living creatures helps children grasp the distinction and appreciate the natural order of life.

The Importance Of Teaching Living And Non-Living Things

Understanding the difference between living and non-living things helps children:

• Develop observation and critical thinking skills.
• Appreciate nature and life around them.
• Build the foundation for environmental awareness.

Parents and teachers can turn every moment into a mini-science adventure, from identifying living things in the garden to spotting non-living ones at home.

By understanding how living beings interact with their surroundings and how non-living things support life, children develop foundational knowledge that benefits them academically and personally. At EuroKids, educators ensure these lessons are not only educational but also enjoyable, enabling children to engage actively with the world in a meaningful way.

Everyday Examples To Reinforce Learning

Let’s turn everyday surroundings into a living science lab! Here’s where to spot living and non-living things in action:

1. At Home – Your Personal Discovery Zone!

Living Things to Explore:

• Your Pet– Watch it eat, sleep, play, and grow. Does it breathe? Yes! Does it need food? Absolutely!
• Houseplants– Notice how they grow towards sunlight, need water, and even get new leaves
• Vegetables in the Kitchen– Potatoes can sprout, carrots were once growing underground, fruits have seeds for new plants
• Tiny Visitors– Ants marching in lines, spiders spinning webs, or butterflies on flowers

Non-Living Things Around You:

• Furniture (chairs, tables, sofas) – They never grow bigger or need lunch!
• Toys and games – Fun to play with, but don’t eat, breathe, or have babies
• Kitchen utensils (spoons, plates, cups) – Helpful but lifeless
• Books and electronics – Packed with information but not alive

2. At School – Classroom Science Everywhere!

Living Things to Observe:

• Class Pets– Fish swimming, hamsters running on wheels, or classroom rabbits munching carrots
• School Garden– Seeds sprouting, plants growing taller, flowers blooming and attracting bees
• Classroom Plants– Green friends that need regular watering and sunlight
• You and Your Friends– The most amazing living things learning together!

Non-Living Things to Note:

• Desks and chairs – Sturdy but stationary
• Books and pencils – Tools for learning, not living
• Whiteboards and markers – Help us learn, but don’t need food
• Classroom toys – Entertaining but eternally the same

3. Outdoors – Nature’s Grand Classroom!

Living Things in Action:

• Birds– Flying, singing, building nests, and raising baby birds
• Trees– Growing taller each year, leaves changing with the seasons, providing homes for animals
• Insects– Busy bees collecting pollen, ants carrying food, butterflies sipping nectar
• Garden Creatures– Worms improving soil, ladybugs eating aphids, caterpillars munching leaves

Non-Living Things to Compare:

• Cars and buses – Move but need humans to drive them
• Benches and playground equipment – Fun to use, but never grow or change
• Buildings and houses – Provide shelter, but don’t breathe or eat
• Rocks, sand, and pebbles – Part of nature but without life

Engaging Learning Tools At EuroKids

At EuroKids, we transform science into an adventure! Every concept comes alive through colourful visuals, hands-on exploration, and joyful discovery:

• Story Time Magic:Enchanting tales like “Lila and the Talking Tree” help children form emotional bonds with living things, making nature their friend, not just a subject to study.
• Mini Scientists Corner:Young explorers observe sprouting seeds, touch fascinating rocks, examine leaves under magnifying glasses, and discover science through their own curiosity.
• Interactive Worksheets:Creative activities like matching games, drawing challenges, and labelling exercises turn learning into play while reinforcing key concepts.
• Digital Discovery:Engaging animated videos, colourful educational apps, and interactive online games bring living and non-living things to life on screen, making abstract ideas concrete and exciting.

Our Mission: We inspire every child to see the world through wonder-filled eyes, where every plant, animal, and object tells a story waiting to be discovered!

FAQs

How can living and non-living things images help children learn?

Images make learning instant and memorable! Colourful pictures help children quickly recognise animals, plants, rocks, and everyday objects. Kids can sort image cards, create scrapbooks, or play matching games. Visual learning is fun, interactive, and helps abstract concepts become concrete!

Where can I find a living things and non-living things chart?

Find charts online, in educational stores, or make your own! A good chart needs clear pictures, labels, and simple explanations. Many websites offer free printables. At EuroKids, we use colourful charts that display characteristics side-by-side for easy comparison!

What is the main difference between living and non-living things?

Living things have life; non-living things don’t! Living things are made of cells, grow, need food, breathe, reproduce, respond, and die. Non-living things don’t eat, grow, breathe, or reproduce. Think: pet dog (living) vs toy car (non-living)!

What is living things and non-living things in simple words?

Living things are alive—animals, plants, people, insects, and bacteria. They eat, grow, move, breathe and have babies. Non-living things have no life—rocks, water, toys, furniture, buildings. They just exist without needing food or air. Easy memory trick: if it’s born, grows, and dies, it’s living!

What are the key characteristics of living and non-living things?

Living things: made of cells, grow, move, breathe, need food, reproduce, and respond to their surroundings. Non-living things: no cells, no growth, can’t move alone, don’t breathe, don’t need food, can’t reproduce, and don’t respond. These traits make classification easy!

Can you provide a list of living things and non-living things?

Living: humans, dogs, cats, birds, fish, insects, trees, flowers, grass, mushrooms, bacteria, frogs, elephants, dolphins, butterflies. Non-living: rocks, water, air, soil, cars, books, toys, furniture, buildings, sun, moon, stars, plastic, metal, glass, paper. If it breathes and grows, it’s living!

Conclusion

The world of living things and non-living things is a fascinating one, and that is the lens we try to ensure our students view it from. In this article, we have provided detailed information on living and non-living things. We hope to have answered your question ‘What are non-living things?’

At EuroKids, we constantly try to come up with engaging ways to teach your kids about the world, such as the living things and non-living things chart given above. To know more about our teaching methods, drop by any one of our centres.

Tell us! Are you ready to encourage your children into the world of living and non-living things?

For informative and accurate articles on all things related to your newborn-toddler’s development, growth, health and nutrition, follow EuroKids Blogs and do check out our nationally recognised preschools – EuroKids for the first step in your kid’s educational journey!