Replacing the normal shoelace of a shoe with colored laces is a fun way to familiarize kids with the general movements of making a knot. During instruction, many young people get confused with using their "left" or "right" hand to complete each step, but using colored lacing eliminates this problem. Remove the single long shoelace from the shoe and replace with two different colored laces. Direct kids through the steps to tying as normal, but refer to each lace according to its color. Allowing kids to choose the colors of their laces is also a good way to grab their attention and inspire some excitement.
Comparing the act of tying to making "bunny ears" is the preferred method of learning for many children. Explain to kids that the first step is to make the the bunny's head; to accomplish this kids cross one lace over the other to make an "X" and then pull one of the laces tightly through the bottom. Next, kids must make the actual ears. Teach them to make the two loops and then to secure the ears by making another "X" and sliding one ear under the other. Once they pull tightly, the "ears" stay by themselves and the tying process is complete.
Designing and creating an oversized shoe to practice tying is a larger investment of time, but the action of customizing the shoe creates attachment and a sense of pride for children. Cut out a shoe shape from a cardboard box and encourage kids to decorate with pens, pencils, glitter and other art supplies. Poke holes in the shoe for laces and insert colored shoelaces that the child selects. Use any teaching method and encourage the child to practice with you and by themselves.
Rhymes, poems and stories are also kid-friendly methods that make learning to tie easier and more enjoyable. "The Tree and the Squirrel" is one example that has become somewhat of an institution. First, the child must make "tree roots" by creating the initial knot. Then the child must create a "tree" by turning one of the laces into a loop. After that, the child threads the other lace over the "tree" and under and up to form a final loop. Explain this final action as "the squirrel going around the tree."