Dressing Frame: Bow Tying

The bow-tying frame isolates the bow-tying skill, allowing focused practice before applying it to shoes and clothing.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Self
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Master bow-tying on a frame
• Develop complex bilateral movements
• Build persistence

Materials

• Montessori bow-tying dressing frame

Instructions

1. Untie all bows from top to bottom. 2. Open fabric. 3. Close fabric, aligning ribbon pairs. 4. Cross ribbons right over left. 5. Tuck and pull tight. 6. Make first loop. 7. Wrap second ribbon around. 8. Push through to make second loop. 9. Pull even.

Educator tip

Many children find this the most challenging dressing frame. Use colored ribbons and consistent verbal cues: 'Cross, tuck, loop, wrap, push, pull.'

Assessment

Child ties and unties all bows on the frame independently.

More from Practical Life

• Applying and Removing Bandages
• Dusting Shelves
• Washing a Window
• Polishing Metal Objects
• Scrubbing Vegetables
• Making a Bed
• Cleaning Up a Spill
• Recycling and Waste Sorting