Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion A lesson in tying shoes

My DD just turned 6. She wanted a pair of Converse shoes at the store but they tie, so she learned how to tie right there in the store. She came home and practiced into the night, thanking me for teaching her. She was afraid that she would forget how to do it if she went to bed. She practiced and practiced.

DD now 9, was 5 when I taught her. She got it right away. She didn't practice she didn't worry. It took her a little longer to become and expert.

DD9 has never been challenged in school. DD 6 has been challenged in school.

I can't help thinking that if DD9 had been given the tools to learn, and a challenge in school or out of school, (although I do try) she would understand that to be good at something, you have to practice!

I was so proud when I found my 6 year old practicing, for the sake of being good at it. My 9 year old only likes to learn new things...but doens't see any reason to practice. UGGGH...

Just some random thoughts.

How interesting. My Eldest was, either 6 or just 7 when she got her first shoes with laces, and did also learn to tie them in the shop. She was very proud that she learned it quickly but did no practice other than when she was putting them on each day and so often tied them quite loosely. She's also one that expects to get things first go... Piano is helping with the concept of practice and repetition.

Interesting..I was thinking as I was typing..."well, she did have to practice piano when she took it for a year and a half at 6..." But she would do all her practice in one sitting...Weird..She also tied her shoes loose and would cry because they "weren't right!" LOL....I think I'm going to have a much easier road with DD6..:)

I think many kids don't learn to tie their shoes until they are older, because most shoes for kids have velcro.
Last year, we taught most of the second graders in my cub scout den how to tie their shoes- my son knew, since we taught him when he was younger, but most of the other 7 and 8 year old boys didn't.