Tying Shoe Laces

Shoelaces are best learned one step at a time.

Suggested strategies

In preparation it may be helpful to play some games that help children to learn some of the skills used. Here are some ideas to try:

• Ripping paper and card – to increase hand strength needed when tightening the lace
• Paper weaving, sewing games – can help you understand how the lace goes behind and is posted through
• Tying bows with ribbon, as this is less likely to slip
• Dressing toys such as dolls and teddies give good practice opportunities
• Threading beads onto a string
• Obstacle courses – practising concepts of under, over, around and through. Try copying these in a sequence

General principles

Lace a shoe using two different coloured laces, it’s easier for them to what goes where.

• Sit them in a comfortable, balanced position, with their back against something for support
• Always practice using thicker “fluffier” laces as opposed to thin elastic type laces that you may find in some shoes. The thinner laces tend to come undone much more quickly.
• It is easier to practice laces if the shoe is on their lap initially rather than on the foot. Once your child has got some idea about the task, it is easier for your child to see what they are doing if they are seated with their foot (and shoe) on a small stool or chair in front of them.
• Shoe templates can be purchased from Early Learning shops and are useful for practice purposes.