Friday, November 22, 2013

Learning how to tie your shoes

Lately H has been wanting to learn how to tie her shoes, since this will help her earn a feather in school.  Your probably wondering why a feather? In Social Studies she is learning about the first Thanksgiving. As part of their learning, the kids will be earning feathers for their headbands as the Native Americans did. What a clever idea, right? They could earn feathers by knowing their phone number, address, birthday, writing their name correctly using upper and lower case, zipping their coats, etc.

This gave me an opportunity to work on a fun project and homework with H. :) I know there are a couple ways to tie shoes but I was taught the bunny ear method. And this seemed to be the one that was easiest for H as well.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • Card stock/heavy weight paper (Tip: If you don't have card stock then just draw on paper, and paste onto cardboard)
  • Hole puncher
  • Shoe laces or ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Crayon, markers and/or stickers to decorate. (Optional)
Draw sneaker. Cut and punch out holes.
Design your shoe. (Optional)

Add the laces and your child is ready to practice tying his/her shoe!
(Tip: tape shoe onto table so it makes it a little easier to learn at first)

This is how I taught H:
Take the laces and cross them over to make an "X".
Take the one on the top to go through the hole and pull tight.
Now make two bunny ears by looping the laces. 
Make an "X" with the bunny ears.
Then pull the ear on the bottom..."Look the bunny is running to you and into his hole."
Pull the ears tightly. 

Practice makes perfect!
What method were you taught as a child? How do you tie your shoes?
Have a great weekend!
Eva

8 comments:

  1. Clever and fun! Did she get her feather :)?? I have no idea how I learned to tie my shoes but I'm pretty sure I learned at some point ;). I'm still trying to get J to take off his velcro shoes by himself ;).

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    1. Thanks Lisa :) Yes, she earned her feather today as a matter of fact haha! That was the first thing she told me when I picked her up from school.

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  2. That is an awesome idea with the feathers. I love it! I remember trying to tie my shoes in preschool, but I don't remember anyone teaching me. I don't do the bunny ears, I do it the other way.

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    1. I love her teacher she does great things to encourage the kids to learn and love school :)
      Wow you were one smart kid figuring how to tie by yourself! hehe.

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  3. Great job on earning a feather! I love that the school is teaching them life skills! Knowing their numbers and address are all just as important as reading and math.

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    1. Thanks sugarlens! I totally agree. I'm really happy with her school and she has such a great teacher.

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