As the Summer season is peaking, Autumn and school may be far from your mind. While we love to know you're relaxing in the sun, we beg you not to make the mistake of waiting 'til the last minute to prepare your child for school. One subject we're especially interested in: shoe tying (of course!).

While nearly no elementary schools teach your child to tie their shoes anymore, some districts are now requiring that children must learn to tie those laces before they start school. Kindergarten Handbooks and school district materials now often state that a child must be able to "dress without assistance", which requires the skills to button buttons, snap snaps, zip zippers, and tie shoes.

States like Wisconsin now carry Kindergarten Screening Programs in which children are required to meet a minimum of requirements, most of which involve fine-motor skills. If you're worried your future Kindergartner won't be ready in time, have no fear! One, Two, Tie My Shoe can improve your child's fine-motor skills and teach him or her to tie their shoes in minutes. Order the kit for your child and watch them learn!

In addition, as an aid to our valued moms, dads, and kiddos, check this Kindergarten Readiness list below to be sure you're geared up for the wild adventure of Kindergarten.

Kindergarten readiness skills expected of a 5 year old:

• Speaks clearly in complete sentences of 5-8 words.
• Communicates ideas and personal needs.
• Ask questions in complete sentences.
• Is able to listen to directions.
• Is able to use concept and labeling words; e.g. in between, next to, middle, shorter, longer, less, more, empty, full, big, smaller, etc...
• Follows 3-step directions in order.

Example:
1. Brush your teeth
2. Wash your face
3. Comb your hair

• Has acquired responsibility skills; e.g. puts away shoes, hangs coat (hooks help), puts away toys.
• Completely dresses independently.
• Has a firm grip on a pencil or crayon.
• Can print his/her name starting with a capital letter, followed by lower case.
• Identifies letters in their name out of order.