Knots

Learn a few classic knots with simple, visual challenges. It’s practical, great for fine motor skills, and a lovely way for parents and carers to coach calm, step-by-step problem-solving.

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Materials

• Short lengths of soft rope or cord (30–60 cm)
• Old shoelaces or ribbon
• Metal ring or carabiner (optional)
• Wooden dowel or smooth stick
• Paper or card for simple “knot cards”
• Masking tape
• Marker pen

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Tools

• Scissors (adult use or supervised)
• Hole punch (optional, for cards)

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Steps

1. Set up: Cut a few cords and tape the ends to stop fraying. Draw quick picture cards for 3–5 knots (e.g., overhand, reef/square, figure-eight, clove hitch, bowline).
2. Warm-up loop: Show how to make a simple loop and pull the end through for an overhand knot. Let everyone practise slowly.
   
   Overhand knot instructions (animatedknots.com)
   
3. Join two ropes: Use two colours to teach a reef (square) knot—right over left, then left over right. Tug both ends to check it sits neat and flat.
   
   Square knot instructions (animatedknots.com)
   
4. Stronger stopper: Make a figure-eight knot as a tidier stopper. Compare how it looks and feels versus the overhand.
   
   Figure of eight knot instructions (animatedknots.com)
   
5. Around a stick: Wrap the cord around the dowel for a clove hitch (wrap, cross, tuck). Try lifting the stick gently to test grip.
   
   Clove hitch knot instructions (animatedknots.com)
   
6. Make a loop that won’t slip: Tie a bowline around the ring or a stable object. Use the classic story (“the rabbit comes out of the hole…”) if helpful.
   
   Bow line knot instructions (animatedknots.com)

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Variations

• Shoelace Bootcamp: Practise bows on a spare trainer or cardboard “shoe”.
• Fort Builders: Use clove hitches to secure blanket corners to chair legs (gently, no climbing).
• Knot Sorting Game: Mix real knots and ask, “Which one joins? Which one stops?”
• Nature Tie: On a walk, tie gentle loops to bundle sticks or make a leaf garland (no tight ties on living plants).
• One-Hand Challenge: Older kids try tying an overhand or figure-eight with one hand.
• Rescue the Teddy: Build a safe “hoist” with a bowline loop to lift a soft toy onto a chair.

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Why It’s Great

• Fine motor strength – Twisting and pulling builds finger dexterity for everyday tasks.
• Problem-solving – Following sequences encourages patience and focus.
• Real-world skills – Useful for shoelaces, camping, crafts, and quick fixes at home.
• Confidence boost – Small wins add up as knots “click” into place.
• Together time – Calm, side-by-side coaching nurtures connection.

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Safety Tips

• Supervise closely with cords and keep lengths short (30–60 cm) for practice.
• Never tie anything around a neck or body.
• Avoid tying to moving parts or high places.
• Use soft rope and clear floor space to reduce trip hazards.
• Adults handle scissors and check knots used in play can be untied easily.
• Disassemble knots after the activity.