Lacing Frame: Metal Grommets with Cord Threading Practice
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
Part of the Dressing Frames collection, this Montessori Lacing Frame features a red and black plaid fabric panel mounted on a natural wooden frame, with metal grommets and black lacing cord for practicing the essential life skill of lacing shoes and boots. Part of the Practical Life dressing frames series, this material helps children develop the fine motor control, concentration, and sequential movements needed for independent dressing while building confidence in caring for themselves.
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.”
The Lacing Frame embodies Maria Montessori's principle of 'Help me to do it myself' by isolating the complex skill of lacing into manageable, repetitive practice.
- Bilateral hand coordination and crossing the midline
- Pincer grip refinement and finger strength development
- Visual tracking and hand-eye coordination
- Sequential memory and logical ordering of steps
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This material respects the child's natural drive toward independence during the sensitive period for order and movement (ages 2.5-4.5). By providing real, adult-like materials in child-sized proportions, we honor the child's dignity and desire to master authentic life skills. The frame's design allows for concentrated practice without the frustration of managing an actual shoe, following Montessori's principle of isolating difficulty. Through this purposeful work, children develop not only physical dexterity but also the patience, persistence, and sequential thinking essential for all learning.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the frame on a table at the child's working height. Ensure the laces are completely unlaced, with each end equal in length. Sit to the child's right if you are right-handed (left if left-handed).
- 1
Hold both lace ends and pull them taut to show they are equal length
Use slow, deliberate movements to help the child absorb the sequence - 2
Cross the right lace over the left, creating an X shape
Pause at each step to allow visual processing - 3
Tuck the right lace under and through, pulling both ends to create the base knot
Emphasize the pulling motion with both hands simultaneously - 4
Form a loop with the right lace, holding it with thumb and index finger
Show the 'bunny ear' shape clearly before proceeding - 5
Wrap the left lace around the loop
Move slowly around the loop, maintaining its shape - 6
Push the left lace through the opening to create the second loop
Point out the small opening before pushing through - 7
Pull both loops simultaneously to tighten
Demonstrate equal pressure on both loops - 8
To unlace, pull one lace end completely through
Show how the bow disappears when pulled
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
AMI approved
To the association standard
Lacing Frame: Metal Grommets with Cord Threading Practice
