Tear-Free Shoe-Tying Lessons

This time last week, Pamela could not tie her shoes. We have relied upon the goodness of velcro, slip-on shoes, and crocs. I cannot even remember the last attempt we made in teaching this milestone. It's been that long ago. Now, don't start talking about Momheimers--you know when the gray matter in your brain leaks into your hair . . .

Here is a review for those of you who have been lulled into avoiding my blog due to my hibernation last month. Keep in mind we NEVER practiced tying shoes outside of the short lessons described here.

Thursday, January 14, Day One
Pamela tied a shoe with specially colored laces sitting on the table during a ten-minute lesson in which she modeled my actions, step by step.

Friday, January 15, Day Two
Pamela tied a shoe with specially colored laces sitting on the table during a two- minute lesson in which she modeled my actions, step by step.

Weekend, January 16-17
We had nothing to do with tying shoes. Instead, Saturday night, we watched the daughters of Major-General Stanley take off their shoes--and other things--at a production of The Pirates of Penzance in Charlotte, NC. We came home on Sunday and were too exhausted to lift a finger.

Monday, January 18, Day Three
Pamela advanced to tying a shoe with plain white laces by following my lead.

Today
We reviewed tying shoes by guide. First, we sat on the floor, put a shoe with colored laces in our lap, and tied it just as before. Then, we put Pamela's untied shoes on her feet and tied them: she modeled my actions, step by step. Finally, Pamela tied her shoe with only a little bit of scaffolding to help her get back on track when she strayed. Here is the video to prove it: