Old Shoe?

Presentation:  Shoe Lacing

Want to buy THIS toy?
Save the $10 and just use ANY old shoe with laces instead!
It doesn't get simpler than this, or free-er?

The "TOY" version.

Goal
Practical life skill of shoe lacing
Hand-eye coordination

Set Up
One old shoe or any kind, with laces.

Presentation
1)  Place a shoe on the table.
2)  Pull one lace up to the tip, slowly.
3)  Thread through the first open eyelet.
4)  Cross over to the other side.
5)  Thread through the opposite open eyelet.
6)  Pull other lace up to the tip and repeat.

We made this video clip @ 30months old.  It was still challenging for him to figure out the criss-cross idea, but he got the "feed the lace through the eyelet" idea fast.  I am seen correcting the cross overs, which is an indication of showing this a bit too early for him at the time.  (Less speaking & correcting is better.)  We are planning to revisit this one now that he's over 3 years old.  The Melissa & Doug Toy Shoes has larger holes and the shoe is "stiff" (wood) and makes it easier to lace.  But I'm all about using actual "life props" to learn practical life skills.  He uses glassware and china, he can use a real shoe to learn lacing.  So, grab a shoe and try this!
They seriously love it.