How to Teach Kids to Tie Their Shoes — The Enjoyable and Stress-Free Approach

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all wear Velcro shoes forever? They’re super convenient and eliminate the hassle of laces. However, laced shoes are a part of life, and learning to tie them is an essential skill for kids. It’s not just about footwear; it also involves coordination. Teaching children this skill can be challenging, especially if they become easily frustrated. But don’t worry—there are fun ways to make learning enjoyable! You can even turn it into a game.

Often, kids struggle with the sequence of steps involved in tying shoes. For parents, it can be equally confusing to teach this skill since we’ve performed it countless times, and the order of operations is etched in our memory. But if you’re feeling uncertain about how to guide your child through this important milestone, you’re in good company. Here are some engaging methods to make the process enjoyable.

How Do You Teach Kids to Tie Shoelaces (For Beginners)?

While there’s a widely accepted method for tying shoelaces, many kids start with the “bunny ears” technique. Celebrate every small achievement during the learning process, as kids are eager to show they’re growing up.

For some children, learning to tie shoes can be particularly challenging. Everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t hesitate to try different approaches. One effective trick is to practice with a shoe at eye level, as bending down can be tough for little ones. Start by crossing the laces, then looping them and pulling them tight. On the next attempt, leave a small loop in the middle instead of tightening the laces completely. Have each lace go through the loop from the opposite side, then pull tight.

This may not be the traditional method, but it’s a practical way for kids to practice with laces. Another option is the “bunny ears” method: after the initial tie, create loops with each lace, cross them, and pull them through. This technique is often easier for kids to grasp. Pro tip: adding a fun character to the process can make it even more enjoyable, as kids have vivid imaginations.

When Should Kids Learn to Tie Shoes?

Children are generally ready to learn this skill around age five when their coordination has improved. If you plan to start teaching them at this age, consider using thicker shoelaces, which are easier for little hands to manipulate.

Younger kids may also find it helpful to practice on a shoebox. By cutting small holes for laces, they’ll have a broader surface to work with. The more they practice on the box, the more confident they’ll become when it’s time to tie real shoes.

What Songs Help Kids Learn to Tie Shoelaces?

Songs play a significant role in education, providing rhythm and motivation for learning new skills. If you’re teaching the “bunny ears” method, try using a rhyme like: “Bunny ears, bunny ears jumped into the hole,” as you guide them through the steps. You can finish with, “popped out of the other side, beautiful and bold.”

Another resource is Little Baby Bum’s spin-off, LBB Kids, which has a catchy song about tying shoes.

What Are Some Shoe-Tying Tricks?

Shoe-tying can be daunting for some kids, but here are a few tricks to ease the process:

Add dots to the laces to indicate where to hold them, guiding your child towards the perfect knot.
Use a clothespin to secure the laces and loops until they become more comfortable.
Choose shoes with thicker laces, as they’re easier to grip and make secure knots.
If your child is left-handed, sit across from them while teaching to make the process easier.
Use two different colored laces, helping them associate movements with each lace and reducing confusion.

Fun Poems and Songs for Tying Shoes

Educational rhymes and songs are fantastic tools for teaching kids how to tie their shoes. Here are a couple of fun options:

Bunny Poem #1
Bunny ears, Bunny ears, playing by a tree.
Criss-crossed the tree, trying to catch me.
Bunny ears, Bunny ears, jumped into the hole,
Popped out the other side beautiful and bold.

Bunny Poem #2
Over, under, around and through,
Meet Mr. Bunny Rabbit, pull and through.

Teepee Tying
Build a teepee, come inside,
Close it tight so we can hide,
Over the mountain and around we go,
Here’s my arrow and here’s my bow!

Summary

Teaching kids to tie their shoes can be a rewarding experience when approached with patience and creativity. Using fun methods, songs, and encouraging practices can make this essential skill easier and more enjoyable for both you and your child. Remember, every small step is a milestone on the journey to independence!

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