Teaching Kids to Tie Shoes: Tips from Our OT
Learning to tie shoes is a big milestone for kids, but it can be frustrating without the right strategies. Try this OT recommended strategy by starting with pipe cleaners to practice shoe tying. Pipe cleaners hold their shape, making each step easier to complete. Using two different colors helps children know which lace to move at each stage.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach:
Steps for Shoe Tying
Step 1: Cross the laces (pipe cleaner!)
- Pick up one lace in each hand.
- Make an “X” with the laces.
- Tuck the top lace under the bottom lace and pull tight.
Step 2: Make a bunny ear
- Take one lace and fold it into a loop.
- Hold the loop with your thumb and fingers.
Step 3: Wrap the other lace around
- Take the other lace and wrap it around the bunny ear.
Step 4: Push through the hole
- A small “hole” will open. Push the lace through to create the second bunny ear.
Step 5: Pull both bunny ears
- Grab both loops and pull them out to the sides so the knot tightens.
Additional Tips for Teaching Shoe Tying
1. Use Backward Chaining
- You complete most of the steps, letting your child finish the last step (pulling the bunny ears tight).
- Gradually let them do the last two steps, then three, until they can tie the whole shoe.
- This builds confidence and reduces frustration.
2. Add Visual Cues
- Use two colored laces or add a small bead/knot on one lace to show which lace to move first.
3. Practice Off the Foot
- Start with pipe cleaners, a shoe, or a lacing board on the table.
- This removes the need to bend or balance, letting kids focus on mastering the steps.
Why These Tips Work
Practicing shoe tying with visual cues, backward chaining, and hands-on tools like pipe cleaners builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and confidence. These strategies make learning fun while supporting independence, so kids can tie their shoes without frustration.
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