Help young crafters become more independent with this shoe lace tying craft. For little ones just learning to tie, this cardboard shoe box with laces through the lid can be a fun experience.

Looking for more great craft ideas for kids? Check out also our complete listing of great Back-to-School crafts and other activities for fun ideas to do with the kids.

What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. Have the child put his or her shoe in the middle of the construction paper and trace its outline.
2. Cut it out around the outline. Fold the shoe in half (you should have a right and left side, not a toe and a heel.) Use the hole punch to punch holes approximately where they would be on the
   child's shoe. (If you would like a decorated, more permanent practice "shoe," now is the time to carefully cover the box top and add any decorations the child likes. You could also let the child
   personalize it with drawings, stickers, or his or her name. Once you do the next step, you can cover the project with clear Con-Tact paper to protect your work.)
3. Unfold the outline and glue it to the shoe box top and use the pencil to poke holes through the cardboard (using the holes you
   already punched as a guide.)
4. Take the marker to color half the length (on both sides of the lace) of the shoe lace. (This will help when the child is ready to try his or her hand at tying.)
5. Lace the shoe and demonstrate (often, I'm sure) the way to tie shoes.
6. The child will probably feel more comfortable practicing alone after you show them how! Tying shoes is a milestone in a child's life be sure to appreciate their efforts. (And think of all the free time you'll have now...)