How to Teach Shoelace Tying – Free Printable Activity Included!
This is all about how to teach shoelace tying to your kiddo! Our guide is here to equip you with effective methods, practical tips, and an engaging printable for helping your child master this essential practical life skill.
Is your child ready to start tying shoes?
Typically, children begin showing interest and the necessary motor skills around the ages of 4 to 6 years old. However, with so many lace-less shoe options dominating the shoe market, even an older child might have not found the need to learn and, in effect, has not learned yet or even showed interest.
Look for signs of readiness, such as the ability to follow simple instructions, manipulate small objects with their hands, and show an interest in learning new skills. Additionally, observe if they can tie simple knots with other materials like ribbons or strings. Once you notice these signs, it’s a good indication that your child may be ready to start learning how to tie their shoes. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and supportive as they embark on this new skill.
Free Printable Resource for Learning How to Tie Shoes!
Here are the step-by-step instructions for using your printable resource to help kids practice tying shoes:
(1) Download and print the “How to Tie Shoes” printable;
(2) Carefully cut out the shoe images along the outer edges.
(3) Take a hole punch and punch holes in each of the lace holes indicated on the paper shoe cutouts.
(4) Take a pair of old shoelaces and thread them through the lace holes in the paper shoe cutouts. Pro Tip: if your kiddo is having trouble handling the laces, try swapping in different colored pipe cleaners to use instead. The metal of the pipe cleaner keeps the shape of the loops well for early learners!
(5) Securely tape each paper shoe to a sturdy board, such as a piece of cardboard or a foam board.
Now, your kiddo is ready to practice tying shoes! They can use the paper shoe cutouts with laces to practice the steps of tying shoelaces independently.
Free Printable Resource for Learning How to Tie Shoes!
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to set up this printable resource to help kids practice tying shoes:
(1) Download and print the “How to Tie Shoes” printable;
(2) Carefully cut out the shoe images along the outer edges.
(3) Take a hole punch and punch holes in each of the lace holes indicated on the paper shoe cutouts.
(4) Take a pair of old shoelaces and thread them through the lace holes in the paper shoe cutouts. Pro Tip: if your kiddo is having trouble handling the laces, try swapping in different colored pipe cleaners to use instead. The metal of the pipe cleaner keeps the shape of the loops well for early learners!
(5) Securely tape each paper shoe to a sturdy board, such as a piece of cardboard or a foam board.
Now, your kiddo is ready to practice tying shoes! They can use the paper shoe cutouts with laces to practice the steps of tying shoelaces independently.
How to Teach Shoelace Tying
Sit facing your child with the printable shoes or a real shoe in hand and show them the following steps slowly and clearly, emphasizing each movement:
- Cross the laces.
- The back lace goes around the front lace and then pull them tight.
- Form two loops with each lace. You can also refer to the loops as bunny ears. Make sure to grab low, close to the knot to make the loops. Also make sure there is some tie left below the loops.
- Cross one loop over the other. Pinch the cross with one hand to keep it steady.
- Use the other hand to take one loop and pull it under the other loop.
- Pull both loops to tighten the knot.
Encourage your child to mimic each step as you guide them through the process. Positive reinforcement and repetition is key to mastery. If your kiddo is struggling with holding the laces and/or getting the laces mixed together, try the pipe cleaner hack I mentioned in the previous section!
What is an Alternative Method to Tying Shoes?
Above I described the double loop aka Bunny Ear method which includes teaching kids to make two bunny ears with the laces and tie them together. However, you can alternatively show them the one loop or bowknot method:
Make a loop with one end of the shoelace, wrap the other end around the loop, and pull a loop through the “hole” in the middle.
The Importance of Learning How to Tie Shoes
Learning how to tie shoes is a crucial skill for children that goes beyond mere practicality. It fosters independence and self-reliance, empowering children to take charge of their own daily tasks.
Tying shoes also promotes fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Moreover, mastering this skill builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment in children as they conquer a task that once seemed challenging.
Additionally, knowing how to tie shoes properly ensures comfort and safety by preventing tripping hazards and keeping shoes securely fastened during active play and daily activities.
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
The Importance of Learning How to Tie Shoes
Learning how to tie shoes is a crucial skill for children that goes beyond mere practicality. It fosters independence and self-reliance, empowering children to take charge of their own daily tasks.
Tying shoes also promotes fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Moreover, mastering this skill builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment in children as they conquer a task that once seemed challenging.
Additionally, knowing how to tie shoes properly ensures comfort and safety by preventing tripping hazards and keeping shoes securely fastened during active play and daily activities.
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Top Picks for Strengthening Practical Life Skills
Here are some great gifts for continuing to strengthen practical life skills!
Fabric Busy Book
This high quality fabric busy book is jam packed with practical life and fine motor skill activities! From dressing, to tying, buckling, and beyond!
Sensory Bowls and Tools
Scooping, pouring, and transferring are all important practice life skills! This set of wooden bowls, scoops, and a tong are great for sensory play!
Screw Driver Board
This car shaped screw driver board is a fun way for kids to learn how to screw and thread real life objects while using real life tools!
Activity Board
This alligator shaped busy board will help young kids learn even more practical life skills. It is lightweight and folds into a book for easy carrying on the go!
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