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How to Teach Your Children to Tie Their Shoes in Three Minutes

The "Bunny Ears" Method: A Quick and Fun Way to Teach Shoe-Tying

By Natanya Bertin, Publisher Macaroni KID New City - Nyack July 22, 2024

Teaching your child to tie their shoes can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be quick and enjoyable. Using a simple and effective method, you can have your child tying their shoes in just three minutes. This method is designed to make the process easy and fun for both of you. Here's a simple and effective method to have your child tying their shoes in just three minutes.


Step 1: Set Up a Comfortable Learning Environment

Before the lesson begins, make sure you have a quiet, distraction-free environment. Sit side-by-side with your child so they can clearly see your hands and mimic your movements. Choose a pair of shoes with thick, easy-to-manipulate laces.


Step 2: Start with the Basics

Begin by explaining the parts of the shoe and the laces. Show your child how to hold each lace with their thumb and forefinger. Practice this grip a few times until they feel comfortable.


Step 3: The "Bunny Ears" Method

1. Make the Ears: 

    - Have your child hold a lace in each hand. 

    - Create two loops, one with each lace, and refer to these loops as "bunny ears."

2. Cross the Ears: 

    - Cross the bunny ears over each other, just like crossing their arms.

3. Tuck One Ear: 

    - Guide one bunny ear under the other, just like how a bunny might hop under a fence.

    4. Pull Tight: 

    - Pull both bunny ears out to the sides to tighten the knot.


Step 4: Practice Together

Go through the steps slowly, allowing your child to follow along with you. Repeat the process a few times, gradually increasing the speed until they feel confident.


Step 5: Encourage and Celebrate

Praise your child for their effort and progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and encourage them to keep practicing.


Quick Tips for Success

- Patience is Key: Every child learns at their own pace. If they don’t get it right away, take a break and try again later.

- Use Different Colored Laces: This can make it easier for your child to differentiate between the two laces.

- Create a Fun Story: Turn the process into a fun story or song to make it more engaging.


With a little patience and encouragement, your child will be tying their shoes with ease in no time. Happy tying!






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