Practical Life: Tying Frame

Learning to tie a shoelace is one of the most exciting milestones for a child (and a parent, too!) but it takes time to learn, requiring much practice before perfection. In Montessori classrooms, we use a bow-tying frame, which involves the replication of a lot of precise steps but, as a tool, has shown itself a successful way to teach and learn the skill of fastening a lace.

Have a look at the below tutorial by My Montessori Works – it is long and slightly tedious but essential to understanding the precision of the method:

Before the child has a go at tying the bows using the frame, the lesson is first presented by a Montessori directress who will untie and retie all of the bows – one step at a time. Each movement is slow, purposeful and almost lyrical, which the child will mimic in turn. If, perhaps, it seems a bit much for the child; the directress and child can try again but this time; one bow at a time, in a ‘demonstrate’ and then ‘practice’ routine. And if the child gets frustrated, simply put the activity away to resume on another day,

You’ll have noticed from the tutorial that this lesson, like most other practical life activities, is presented without words. The directress shows rather than tells, which enables the child to concentrate on one thing – observing, which will help when putting the activity into practice.

If you’d like further information about this tutorial, feel free to contact us  at info@standrewsmontessori.com. We’re happy to answer any questions.