Kay learned to tie her shoes this week.
I saw this video with an easy way to tie, and we gave it a shot together. She said, "No, I don't like this way. I want to do it my way." And she did.
She's been trying on and off for months. What made this day so different than all the others?
No idea.
I saw this video with an easy way to tie, and we gave it a shot together. She said, "No, I don't like this way. I want to do it my way." And she did.
She's been trying on and off for months. What made this day so different than all the others?
No idea.
When she first started to show an interest in learning to tie her shoes, I found myself at a loss. Apparently, I know how to tie my own shoes, but not how to explain the process! Good thing there are some creative ideas out there (which, of course, I want to share!)
* Coffee Cups and Crayons made a cardboard template to practice tying. Or let the kids get in on making it as a craft!
* Asimple empty tissue box can serve the same purpose.
* Practicing with a jump rope makes it much easier to see what you're doing!
* Some suggest using pipe cleaners in place of shoe laces to practice, because they're not as floppy as regular laces. Kay didn't like this method but it sounds like a great idea! (Just remember to fold over the pointed ends!)
* For a visual learning, a printable step-by-step, like this one at Therapy Street for Kids, might be helpful.
* But my best advice? Wait until they're ready. When they've had enough of Velcro, when all their friends are doing it, when the day is right, they'll get it.
Can your kids tie their own shoes? I'd love to hear what worked for you - did you actively teach them or did it sort of just...happen? :)
* Practicing with a jump rope makes it much easier to see what you're doing!
* Some suggest using pipe cleaners in place of shoe laces to practice, because they're not as floppy as regular laces. Kay didn't like this method but it sounds like a great idea! (Just remember to fold over the pointed ends!)
* For a visual learning, a printable step-by-step, like this one at Therapy Street for Kids, might be helpful.
* But my best advice? Wait until they're ready. When they've had enough of Velcro, when all their friends are doing it, when the day is right, they'll get it.
Can your kids tie their own shoes? I'd love to hear what worked for you - did you actively teach them or did it sort of just...happen? :)
