Shoe tying is a skill that is ready to be introduced between the ages of 4 1/2 and 6. It can often be a difficult task for many school aged children but there are a few things you can do to make it easier! 

Though it can seem like a rather simple task, it requires a multitude of skills to complete. From an occupational therapy perspective, we like to address hand strength, dexterity and even cognitive skills like being able to sequence steps and complete them in order. It is important to assist in the development of these skills to build readiness and set your child up for success with the task. To build on the skills needed to accomplish shoe tying, Playdoh or putty is often recommended to build strength alongside any task that promotes dexterity (manipulating in hand, using superior pincer grasp etc) or any activity that challenges you to use your hands in a skilled manor. As an example, this could be locating small items in the putty and hiding them, playing games with small game pieces, practice with lacing cards or making bracelets/necklaces, dressing with different sized buttons, twisting/intertwining rope or string. All of these things will assist and encourage your child’s ability to generalize the skills they have learned and developed to learn this new task. Once you see that they are ready to start practicing, it is important to note that not everyone can use the same method for completion. A method that you utilized to learn may not work for your child and that is okay! There are many different modified methods that can be introduced to help their success and encourage their mastery! 

Here are a few of the methods we try to use: 

The first: One loop method 

1. Start by making a cross or X with your laces 

2. Take the top lace under the cross/X and through the hole

3. Make a loop in one lace (one bunny ear)

4. Take your other lace around the loop you have made, push some through the hole at the bottom to make your second loop

5. Pull both loops tight

The second: Two loop method 

1. Start by making a cross or X with your laces

2. Take the top lace under the cross/X and through the hole

3. Cross the loops 

4. Move the top loop under and through the hole 

5. Pull both loops tight

The third: Push and tie (PAT) method 

1. Start by making a cross or X with your laces 

2. Take the top lace under the cross and through the hole

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 so that you have a loose knot 

4. Take the end of one lace and pass it through the knot when it came out 

5. Repeat this with the other lace 

6. Pull both laces so that you have 2 bow loops 

7. Pull both loops tight 

In addition, it may be helpful to use 2 different colored laces or memory ties. Memory ties are special laces that hold their place once they are positioned, this makes it much easier to practice with as they hold their shape. 

Here are some additional resources:

https://www.theottoolbox.com/shoe-tying/

https://www.theottoolbox.com/shoe-tying-tips-and-tools-for-kids/

https://www.tools4lifeot.com/2018/09/ot-tips-and-tricks-for-teaching-kids-to-tie-their-shoelaces/

https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/5-fun-fine-motor-activities-for-shoe-tying.html

If you have any further questions about additional modified methods or other ways to help your child master this skill, please reach out to your child’s occupational therapist! If you have not yet started occupational therapy at PMC and would like to have your child evaluated, please call 301-739-5437!

Happy tying!

A big SHOUT OUT to Ms. Olivia F. for sharing this important information with us!