Learning to Put on Shoes

Your Child Will Learn

How to get shoes on my feet

Here’s What to Do

1. Help me practice with your shoes first. It’s easier for me to get big shoes on my feet.
2. Before I try to put the shoes on, loosen any laces and pull the tongue out so I can put my foot in easily. Slip-on shoes may be easier than shoes with laces. 
3. Help me try two different ways to put on shoes:
   • Place my shoes on the floor and let me work my foot into the shoe
   • Bring my foot over my other knee and bring my shoe to my foot
4. After I learn to put the shoes on my feet, I’ll still need help with laces and other fasteners, and how to tell which shoe is right and left.

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Kiss my feet or tickle my toes.

ENGAGE

• Place the shoes in front of me: left shoe in front of left foot, and right shoe in front of right foot.
• “Sebastian, can you put your shoes on all by yourself? Try wiggling your foot into the shoe on the floor.”

ENCOURAGE

• Offer only as much assistance as I need. I may surprise you with how much I can do myself!
• Remember: it may be quicker for you to put on my shoes, but I’ll feel proud of my independence. It’s worth the extra time to help me learn.

REFLECT

• How can you offer me just enough help with putting on shoes, but not too much help?

Not Quite Ready

Help me learn to take off my own shoes.

Ready for More

Help me learn to pull pants down and pull pants up (with your help).

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will be able to get shoes on their feet (but will still need your help with laces and other fasteners).

Time to Complete

10 minutes

Materials Needed

Your child’s shoes (slip-on shoes may be easier)