Shoe Tying for Kids: Easy Ways to Boost Confidence and Motivation

As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t actually teach students how to tie their shoes in the classroom. With so many academic and developmental skills to cover during the day, there simply isn’t enough time to dedicate to one-on-one shoe tying practice. But when students do come to school knowing how to tie their own shoes, it makes a huge difference—not only for me as the teacher but for the child’s growing independence and confidence.

That’s why I do everything I can to encourage and celebrate shoe tying milestones in my classroom. Even if I’m not the one teaching the skill directly, I want students and families to know that it’s a big deal—and that we’re proud of their hard work!

Why Shoe Tying Matters

Shoe tying is more than just a fine motor skill; it’s a real confidence booster for young learners. When a child learns how to tie their own shoes, they feel capable, independent, and proud. That sense of self-confidence often spills over into other areas of learning, like writing, solving math problems, or reading new words.

From a practical standpoint, students who can tie their shoes reduce daily interruptions for teachers and staff. We’ve all been there—double-knotting shoelaces for the fifth time during recess or PE. When more students can manage this task on their own, it helps the day run more smoothly and supports their personal growth.

A Fun Way to Celebrate Shoe Tying Success

One easy and effective way I support shoe tying at school is by celebrating when a student masters the skill. I use a simple printable display board that says “I Can Tie My Shoes!” with a spot to proudly place each student’s name. You can print little shoes or badges, write their names on them, and stick them on the board whenever a student shows you their shoe tying success.

It becomes a big moment in the classroom, and the other students cheer them on. This kind of positive reinforcement encourages other children to go home and want to learn so they can get their name on the board too.

After I cut out the shoes, I hole punched the little circles where the laces go.  For the “laces” I used inexpensive twine that I found at the Dollar Tree.  You can either have the students lace it and tie it themselves, or do it for them.

If you don’t want to display this information publicly, you can just send the shoe home with them as a certificate of their accomplishment. 

This door is always a big motivator for the students and the parents who often come in and take a picture of their student’s shoe once they have reached shoe-tyer status!

Supporting Shoe Tying at Home

Even though shoe tying practice mostly happens at home, there are still things you can do as a teacher to support and encourage families:

1. Send a Friendly Note Home

A quick note to families explaining that you’re celebrating shoe tying success in the classroom can go a long way. Let them know you aren’t teaching the skill at school but want to recognize students who are working on it. Encourage them to practice at home and celebrate their child’s efforts, even if they’re not perfect yet.

2. Provide Helpful Resources

If families seek guidance, consider recommending YouTube videos, books, or visual step-by-step guides. Some great resources include the “bunny ears” method or songs that help students remember the steps. You could even share a list of suggested methods with your weekly newsletter.

3. Create a Shoe Tying Center or Station

If you have a little bit of extra classroom time or an early finisher station, consider adding a practice shoe—like a cardboard cutout with real shoelaces or a store-bought shoe tying board. The center can start with lacing practice at the beginning of the year. Students can use their free time to practice independently, and it keeps the skill on their minds.

4. Offer a Certificate or Reward

In addition to the name-on-the-board recognition, you might give students a small certificate that they can take home. Something like “Official Shoe Tying Expert!” goes a long way in boosting motivation and making the milestone feel official.

Final Thoughts

Shoe tying might seem like a small skill in the grand scheme of early education, but it’s one that builds fine motor strength, patience, independence, and confidence—all things we value in our young learners.

By encouraging and celebrating shoe tying in the classroom (even if we’re not the ones teaching it), we’re reinforcing that effort and persistence pay off. Whether it’s through a simple wall display, a take-home note, or just a few words of praise, you can support this important milestone in a way that motivates your students to succeed.

If you would like a copy of this resource for your students when they are learning to tie their shoes, just click on the link below. If you’d like more fine motor resources, check out my website!

Looking for additional fine motor practice for your students? Check out the resources below: