Shoelace Tying Challenge Proves Popular At Fort Hunt School

FORT HUNT, VA — When students were home in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus was on the new virtual learning format. There wasn't as much of a need to learn the life skill of tying their shoes when their classroom was at home. But when students returned to in-person learning, there was an evident need for students to learn this skill.

In response to this need, the first grade at Stratford Landing Elementary School in Fort Hunt is completing a weekly shoelace challenge. The goal is for all first graders to master tying shoelaces by the end of the school year.

First grade teacher Christine Jarboe had noticed a decline in students' ability to tie shoelaces when in-person school resumed. She noted the skill may not have been a priority for families during the pandemic but it would help children learn to be independent.

"We noticed an overwhelming number of students unable to tie their own laces when they returned to in person schooling this year," said Jarboe via a Fairfax County Public Schools blog post. "In first grade, we would normally see at least half the class able to do this. The concept was completely foreign to them, they didn’t even know how to try."

The shoe tying challenge was introduced by the first grade teachers in January. Each week, students practice shoelace tying at home and can show it to the class when they feel ready. Students can use their own shoes or a model pair of wooden shoes kept in the classroom.

The reward for successfully tying shoelaces? A high five from the teacher and their choice of neon laces.

"It took me two days to learn," said first grader Lizzie Stutts via the FCPS blog. "The hardest part is doing the loops. But I’m glad I did it and I am proud of myself."

When the challenge started, Jarboe only had two students who knew how to tie their shoelaces. Now more and more neon laces are appearing on the shoes of first graders. Some are even trading their slip-on shoes for shoes with laces.