For many children (and even adults), learning to tie shoelaces is a significant developmental milestone. It’s more than just a practical skill—it’s a step toward independence, self-confidence, and mastering fine motor coordination. From an occupational therapist’s perspective, teaching shoelace tying - just like any other daily occupation - is about breaking down a seemingly complex task into achievable steps and tailoring the process to suit each individual’s abilities and learning style.
Why Shoelace Tying Matters
Encourages Independence
Tying shoelaces is a task that promotes autonomy. Mastering it allows a person to take ownership of one very common task in their daily routine, boosting self-esteem.
Develops Fine Motor Skills
Shoelace tying involves precise hand movements, bilateral coordination (using both hands together), and finger dexterity. These skills are foundational for other life tasks like writing, buttoning, and using utensils.
Enhances Problem-Solving
Learning to tie shoelaces challenges an individual to follow multi-step instructions, adapt when a mistake is made, and practice patience.
Breaking Down the Task
For an OT, shoelace tying is all about breaking down and adapting the task to make it accessible. Here's how we typically approach it:
Assess Readiness and Baseline Skills
Before teaching, it’s important to consider whether the person has the foundational skills needed. This includes adequate hand strength, fine motor coordination, and the ability to follow multi-step instructions.
Simplify the Process
Break the task into smaller, manageable steps. The "bunny ears" or "loop, swoop, and pull" methods are popular approaches, but the method should match the individual's learning style and motor skills.
Use Visual and Verbal Cues
Demonstrations, rhymes, or step-by-step videos can help children understand and remember the sequence. For example, the rhyme "Cross it tight, make a loop, round and through, pull like a scoop" can provide a memorable guide.
Adapt the Environment and Tools
Coloured Laces: Using two-tone laces can help differentiate between loops and ends. There are specific training laces available, like these ones from Training Ties, however you can even
Larger Laces or Practice Shoes: Start with laces that are thick or shoes that are easier to manipulate. In OT we've been known to use rope before even thinking of using thick laces, and the kids practice tying their leg.
Positioning counts!
Practice off the foot as this reduces the need to maintain sitting balance as well as complete complex hand movements in sequence:
Begin with a shoe in the individual's lap
Practice sitting on the floor with knee bent
Low Stool
Sitting at a regular chair
Being about to squat, or kneel to do it involves the skills being integrated and smooth/fast, as well as stable balance and postural control skills.
Gradual Independence
You might start by guiding the individual's hands to complete only the last step, then the second to last and last step and so on (this is called backwards chaining), then move to verbal prompting, and finally have them complete the task independently. Don't forget to celebrate small successes along the way!
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Fine Motor Weakness
This is definitely something to chat to your OT about! Some individuals may struggle with the dexterity required. Hand-strengthening activities like squeezing putty, threading beads, or practicing with a shoelace board can build the necessary skills.
Frustration and Confidence
Shoelace tying can be frustrating! Encourage a growth mindset by emphasising effort over perfection. Reassure them that practice will make it easier.
Difficulty Sequencing Steps
Visual aids like step-by-step charts or videos can help children understand and remember the sequence. Breaking the task into smaller parts and mastering one step at a time is also helpful.
Alternative Approaches and Tools
For those with significant motor challenges or sensory preferences, shoelace tying may not be the best option right now—and that’s okay! Here are some now very mainstream alternatives:
Elastic Laces: Convert traditional shoes into slip-ons. This is also amazing when individuals can't find pther alternatives that suit their needs (like school shoes).
Velcro Fasteners: A great option for those who aren’t ready for laces.
Zipper Shoes: Provide independence without the fine motor challenge of laces.
Shoelace Tying as a Meaningful Goal
As occupational therapists, we value shoelace tying not only as a life skill but also as an opportunity to build broader competencies. It’s about the individual feeling empowered, achieving a new level of independence, and gaining confidence in their abilities.
A Final Word
Learning to tie shoelaces isn’t just about the laces—it’s about perseverance, growth, and celebrating small wins. For some, it may come quickly, while for others, it takes time and adaptation. No matter the path, every attempt is a step toward independence.
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