A Step Toward Independence: Learning to Tie Shoelaces Through Play and Hands-On Practice

/ / Blog / November 17, 2025

A Step Toward Independence: Learning to Tie Shoelaces Through Play and Hands-On Practice

Through play to confidence

The classroom of Savremena Primary School was filled with joy, focus and plenty of pride this week, as our students had the opportunity to learn one of the first small but important life skills that lead to greater independence: tying shoelaces.
 The Civic Education class turned into a delightful blend of play, creativity and experiential learning, and the results were just as useful as they were heartwarming.Although it may seem simple, tying shoelaces is a skill that helps children develop important abilities — fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, visual attention, patience and self-confidence. That is exactly why this class was organised so that every student received their own personalised “paper sneaker,” coloured by hand and equipped with real shoelaces threaded through cardboard eyelets.

The children approached the task seriously and enthusiastically — carefully observing each movement, trying out different techniques and practising until the knot looked just right. Each child worked at their own pace, while the teacher patiently demonstrated tips and tricks that make the process easier.This activity is important not only because of its practical value; it also strengthens perseverance and nurtures a sense of achievement, which is a key part of social-emotional development.

Learning Through Play: Every Attempt Is a Success

One of the most beautiful moments of the class came when the children began repeating the motions independently — trying again and again, and even helping classmates who needed extra support. They quickly realised that tying shoelaces is a small challenge, but a challenge that can be mastered through practice and persistence. Some students tied a neat bow for the very first time, while others focused on perfecting the finishing knot or repeating the steps until they felt completely confident. Each child experienced their own “victory moment,” and the classroom was filled with encouragement, laughter and genuine pride. Moments like these perfectly represent the essence of Civic Education at Savremena — learning about oneself, others and the world through real-life situations and the development of skills that support everyday independence.

Savremena’s Approach: Teaching Children for Real Life

Tying shoelaces may seem like a small step, but these small steps lay the foundation for long-term independence. Through classes like this, children learn to trust themselves, persevere when something doesn’t go smoothly and celebrate their own progress.

Savremena Primary School nurtures an approach in which practical skills, emotional development and academic learning complement one another, providing holistic support for every child’s growth. This Civic Education class was another wonderful example of how everyday situations can become meaningful lessons about responsibility, patience and confidence. The children left the classroom happy, proud and—most importantly—equipped with a new life skill that brings them one step closer to independence.
 And their bow-ties? Absolutely perfect. 😊


Violeta Nincetovic author

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