When Teaching Children How to Tie Their Shoes Several Techniques Can Be Used. Here Are

TYING SHOES

When teaching children how to tie their shoes several techniques can be used. Here are some tips that can be helpful.

Shoes: If the child is unable to tie their shoe at all, begin with a spare shoe they can sit on their lap or on the table. Tennis shoes are easier than boots when first learning.

Laces: The shoe laces should be extra long. Children tend to make their loops too long when first learning. The laces should be firm, or somewhat stiff – this makes the loops hold their shape better. Contrasting lace colors also help the child distinguish the first from the second lace.

Always give the child encouragement. Learning how to tie shoes is a complex and frustrating task for some children. Many times children will only do 2-3 repetitions and then need a break. After a quick break, have them do it 2-3 more times.

Always finish the task. Allow the child to do as much as they can and then assist to finish the task. For example, if the child can do Steps 1-5, but needs help with Step 6 – help with step 6, then allow the child to do Step 7 if able. It sometimes would seem more appropriated to work on only one step at a time (i.e. Step 3) until the child is successful; however the child will benefit much more if he/she sees the “whole sequence” of the task repetitively and the “end product” even if you are doing most of it.

Perform the task daily. Shoe tying as with most everything else takes a lot of practice. The child should practice at least twice a day if their schedule can accommodate it.

Step 1: In preparation for tying the shoe, have the child “shake” out the laces (one lace with the left hand and one with the right hand).

Step 2: “Cross and Drop” – have the child make an “X” with the laces (crossing the shoe laces) and drop them on either side of the shoe.

Step 3: “Over and Under” – have the child take one lace and go over and under the other lace. Then pull the laces tight. This completes the first knot.

Step 4: “Make the Tree” – have the child make a loop with one hand making sure to instruct him/her to hold on to the loop. Refer to this as a tree that is planed in the dirt, explaining that the loop must be on the shoe. If they make a loop at the end of the lace it would be a cloud and we don’t want clouds when typing our shoes.

Step 5: “The rabbit runs around the tree” – have the child take the other lace and “run” it around the base of the loop. It helps if you say “now the rabbit runs around the tree”. This is a typical time for the child to let go of the loop with the other hand. Remind them not to let go of the “tree”.

Step 6: “The rabbit jumps in the hole” – have the child push the second lace through the hole. This seems to be the hardest part. The contrasting shoe laces really help with this step. Also, you can make a dot on the second lace with a marker and have them push the dot through the hole. Make sure the child pushes the lace through the hold far enough so he/she can pull it through the other side.

Step 7 Pull both loops to tighten the bow.