My son Max, didn't learn how to tie his own shoes till he was almost 9 or so. Renee did a little better, I think she was 6 or 7. I showed them how. I helped them over and over again. I had a book, with practise laces and a video. But they just couldn't seem to "get" it. The problem? Once they started getting frustrated and angry, I couldn't help them anymore. I had to walk away.
I asked other parents, my sister-in-law had taught all 3 of hers at the time. She told me their K-4 teacher spent the first month of school on it. The teacher insisted it was worth it. The kids that knew got a chance to teach the kids that didn't. This also saved her from an entire year of tying shoes. I have to agree, so much important than learning to color in the lines. Renee finally "learned" from those very same cousins.
My husband tried also. Since he tied differently then me, it confused both kids even more. Other adults, kids, total strangers helped Max tie his shoes at one point or another. They would also try to explain. No-go. It wasn't from his lack of trying either.
I gave up! I bought him slip-ons, velcro tabs, zippers, even wire laces that you just twisted together.
I could never remember the little mantra about the rabbit and the hole. I had never heard that till I was much older. I was 4 or 5 and was informed that I wouldn't be allowed to go to school till I learned. I so wanted to learn. I was the youngest. I dreamed about going to school. My dad explained it and showed me, then I got to try. I don't know how long it took me. It seemed like hours and hours at the time. He hit me until I got it right. I did finally "get" it in just one sunny afternoon.
My son finally "got" it. It took him years. Thanks to a wonderful sitter named Ian and Max, himself. I wasn't in any hurry..and it was one of the proudest moments of both our lives. "MOM, MOM... look, look.. I DID it. I DID it all by myself!" It was hugs, kisses and tears for me. "I knew you could, baby I knew you could."
There is all sorts of ways to learn things...easy, hard, painful, fast, slow. What and how are you teaching? What have you learned today? What is your level? Where do you want it to be?
Thanks for reading..TTYAL.
I asked other parents, my sister-in-law had taught all 3 of hers at the time. She told me their K-4 teacher spent the first month of school on it. The teacher insisted it was worth it. The kids that knew got a chance to teach the kids that didn't. This also saved her from an entire year of tying shoes. I have to agree, so much important than learning to color in the lines. Renee finally "learned" from those very same cousins.
My husband tried also. Since he tied differently then me, it confused both kids even more. Other adults, kids, total strangers helped Max tie his shoes at one point or another. They would also try to explain. No-go. It wasn't from his lack of trying either.
I gave up! I bought him slip-ons, velcro tabs, zippers, even wire laces that you just twisted together.
I could never remember the little mantra about the rabbit and the hole. I had never heard that till I was much older. I was 4 or 5 and was informed that I wouldn't be allowed to go to school till I learned. I so wanted to learn. I was the youngest. I dreamed about going to school. My dad explained it and showed me, then I got to try. I don't know how long it took me. It seemed like hours and hours at the time. He hit me until I got it right. I did finally "get" it in just one sunny afternoon.
My son finally "got" it. It took him years. Thanks to a wonderful sitter named Ian and Max, himself. I wasn't in any hurry..and it was one of the proudest moments of both our lives. "MOM, MOM... look, look.. I DID it. I DID it all by myself!" It was hugs, kisses and tears for me. "I knew you could, baby I knew you could."
There is all sorts of ways to learn things...easy, hard, painful, fast, slow. What and how are you teaching? What have you learned today? What is your level? Where do you want it to be?
Thanks for reading..TTYAL.
