Shoe Tying Tips

Learning to tie shoes requires fine motor coordination, bilateral hand skills, motor planning, and visual attention. For many children, it can feel like a complicated puzzle! The key is to practice when there is no rush.

Try this at home:

Create a practice shoe

• Use an old sneaker, cardboard shoe template, or a shoe-tying board.

• Let your child practice while the shoe is on the table instead of on their foot. This allows them to clearly see their hands and focus on the steps.

Break it into smaller steps:

1. Cross the laces → "Make an X"

2. Pull tight → "Give it a hug"

3. Make bunny ears

4. Cross the bunny ears

5. Push one bunny ear through the hole

6. Pull tight

Helpful tips:

• Use two different colored laces to make each step easier to see.

• Start with larger, thicker laces that are easier to grasp.

• Practice for just 5 minutes a day instead of waiting until you need to leave the house.

• Sing a song or use a rhyme to help remember the sequence.

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