Parents and caregivers, we’ve all been there. You’re just home from a long day, and your child’s shoes are scattered in the hallway. You wish they’d take them off properly and put them aside. Well, teaching a child the simple act of taking off their shoes can be a breeze if you know the steps to guide them. For a visual demonstration, don’t forget to have your kids watch our Goal Mine class video – it’s the ideal companion to this guide, focusing on step 1.
Table of Contents
| Step Number | Step Name | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unfasten Shoes | For Laced Shoes: Pull the end of the laces outwards. For Velcro and Buckles: Use the pinch-and-pull technique. |
| 2 | Hold the Heel | With the dominant hand, grasp the back of the shoe. Use the other hand to stabilize from the front. |
| 3 | Pull Your Foot Out | Pull the foot upwards while holding the shoe in place. If struggling, check if the shoe is sufficiently unfastened. |
Step 1: Unfasten Shoes
For instance, the world of shoes is vast, from Velcro straps to laces, buckles, and even zippers. This initial step varies, but the principle remains the same.
- For Laced Shoes: Teach your kids to grasp the end of the laces and pull outwards. This act loosens the laces, making it easier to unfasten the shoe.
- For Velcro and Buckles: Let your child practice the pinch-and-pull technique. That is to say, they need to pinch the end and pull away. A bit of resistance is common, but with practice, they’ll master it.
Remember, repetition is key! After that, with time and some supervision, your child will get the hang of it. Meanwhile, for those of you with the Goal Mine class video, it’s an ideal way for kids to see this step in action.
Read more: How to Teach Kids to Put on Socks
Step 2: Hold the Heel
Sounds simple, right? But, holding the heel is crucial for the process. Above all, it’s about control. With their dominant hand, have your child grasp the back of the shoe. However, make sure they’re holding it firmly, but not too tight. This balance ensures they won’t accidentally fling the shoe across the room. In the same vein, encourage your child to use their other hand to stabilize the shoe from the front. To clarify, this two-hand approach provides balance, making the next step a breeze.
Step 3: Pull Your Foot Out
Now comes the triumphant finale. With a firm grip on the shoe, it’s time for the foot to make its exit. Encourage your child to pull their foot upwards while holding the shoe in place. Above all, let them know that it’s okay if they need to wiggle their foot a little. On the other hand, if they’re struggling, it might be worth revisiting step 1 to ensure the shoe is sufficiently unfastened.
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
To sum up, these steps might seem elementary to an adult, but for kids, mastering the art of taking shoes off is a significant accomplishment. It’s not just about the act itself; it’s about fostering independence and confidence. And isn’t that what we all want for our kids?
Lastly, to all the dedicated caregivers and parents, we’re here for you every step of the way. Looking for more step-by-step video lessons on life skills like this? Consider getting Goally’s dedicated Tablet. The embedded video in this blog only scratches the surface, focusing on step #1. With the full tablet experience, your child can unlock a treasure trove of lessons, moving from one skill to the next with confidence.
Goally
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