Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Learn the steps of shoe tying through hands-on practice using oversized cardboard training shoes and two-colored laces.

Items Needed:

• Cardboard shoe cutouts with punched lace holes
• Two-colored shoelaces made by tying two different colored laces together
• (Optional) The youth’s own lace-up tennis shoes

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Create the cardboard shoes. (5–15 min)
   • Cut sturdy cardboard into basic shoe footprints.
   • Make them roughly the size of an adult shoe so they are large enough for kindergarteners to easily hold and manipulate.
   • Create one cardboard shoe per youth.
2. Punch the holes for the laces. (5–10 min)
   • Use a hole punch or scissors to create 4 to 6 holes in two parallel rows down the center of each cardboard shoe to mimic eyelets.
3. Prepare the two-colored laces. (5–10 min).
   • Create visual aids by taking two differently colored shoelaces (or thick yarn/paracord) and cutting them in half. Tie or tightly tape one half of color A to one half of color B.
   • Alternatively, take a standard white shoelace and use a permanent marker to color one half of it completely black, red, or blue. Text the marker as some brands will bleed ink when in use, even after drying.
4. Pre-Thread the Practice Boards (10–15 min).
   • Lace the two-colored laces through the holes on the cardboard shoes before the meeting begins.
   • Ensure the point where the two colors meet is hidden at the bottom eyelets, leaving one distinct color on the left side and a different distinct color on the right side for the youth to tie.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–35 min):

1. Shoe tying demonstration. (3–5 min)
   • Demonstrate the foundational overhand knot using the two-colored laces on a large training board  
   • Show how to cross the two different colors to make an “X” shape.
   • Tuck one color under the “X” and pull both ends tight to form the base.
2. Make the first loop together. (5–10 min)
   • Guide the group through making the first loop or “bunny ear” with one specific color.
   • Hold the loop tightly at the base so it does not unravel.
   • Wrap the second color around the base of the loop to create a small tunnel.
3. Practice the second loop. (5–10 min).
   • Guide them to push the remaining lace through the tunnel to form the second loop and complete the bow. Pull both loops outward at the same time to secure the knot.
   • Provide one-on-one assistance as they practice the motion repeatedly on their boards.
4. Celebrate and review (5–10 min).
   • Review the completed steps and celebrate everyone’s progress. Give praise for patience and focus during the practice session.
   • (Optional) Let them attempt the steps on their own shoes if they are wearing laces.

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