Just For You!: My Shoelaces Are Hard To Tie
Just for you! Series
What’s inside...
A young girl gets help from her big brother while learning to tie her shoelaces. As she struggles with the task, she is determined to give it one more try. The book is designed for children in grades K-1, and includes tips for reading with a parent as well as after-reading activities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the main character feels frustrated when trying to tie their shoelaces?
How do you feel when you try something new and it's hard at first?
What does the main character learn by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time you helped someone, just like in the book? How did it make you feel?
What would you say to a friend who is struggling with something new?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's feelings by sharing your own experiences of learning something new and finding it challenging.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book using open-ended questions.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and patience in learning new skills, drawing parallels to the book's themes.
Use the book’s illustrations to ask your child to describe what they see and think is happening, promoting observation and analytical skills.
Highlight the supportive characters in the story, prompting a discussion about seeking help and teamwork.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story shows the main character struggling but continually trying to tie their shoelaces despite initial failures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying with their tasks, such as learning to ride a bike or solving puzzles, even when it is challenging.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: As the character learns to tie their shoelaces, they gain a sense of self-sufficiency.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take on more self-care tasks such as dressing themselves or brushing their teeth independently.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book illustrates the character experimenting with different methods to successfully tie their shoelaces.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in various situations, like figuring out how to share toys or completing homework assignments.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The character demonstrates patience with themselves as they navigate the learning process.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being patient while learning new skills or when dealing with others.