Tying shoes is a skill often acquired as a child around the age of 6 or 7. Many children learn this skill before entering Kindergarten or at least by the first grade, although many children are not forced to learn to tie their own shoes until third grade or later and can avoid the situation by wearing shoes that do not require tying. The following is a visual guide to help learn or to help you teach someone to tie their shoes. As simple as it may be, learning takes a great deal of practice to get it right.

Tying Your Shoes

Step 1: After the shoe is laced properly, put the shoe on and pull the laces tightly until the shoe is firmly on the foot.

Step 2: With the laces held firmly, cross the laces.

Step 3: Take the top lace and pull it through the hole created by the crossed laces and the top of the shoe.

Step 4: Pull the laces tight.

Step 5: Create a loop with the left lace (a.k.a. a Bunny Ear) close to the top of the shoe.

Step 6: While holding the bunny ear in your left hand, circle it with the right lace.

Step 7: Take the right lace you just circled and place it through the tiny opening made by the same lace.

NOTE: Use your index finger to “point” the lace through the opening.

Step 8: Grasp the lace with your left hand to create another bunny ear.

Step 9: Use your right hand to hold onto the first bunny ear and your left hand to hold onto the second bunny ear and simultaneously pull down and slightly out on both ears to tighten.

To teach children to tie their shoes verbally talk to them about the steps you are taking as you tie their shoes. Begin with, “First I pull the laces tight, then I cross them. I make a bunny ear and circle around and point the way through. Then I hold both ears and pull tight.” If you do this each time you put on their shoes then eventually they will learn the steps. Once they know the steps then it will be necessary for them to practice, practice, practice.

Have fun and soon your child won’t be asking you to tie shoes anymore!