Using Smiley Faces to Teach Kids Left from Right

This post might include affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small commission, without any additional cost to you. I only endorse products that I truly believe can be beneficial for you and your family! Your support is essential in sustaining and enhancing all things Wing it with Whit. Thank you so much!

Shop this Post

What we used for this activity

As a mom, you know the struggle of teaching your kids to put their shoes on the correct feet! While sticker halves can be a fun way to help, they often dry out and fall off, leaving you back at square one. Here’s a simple, effective, and long-lasting hack: draw smiley faces on the insides of your kids’ shoes! This method is not only durable but also adds a touch of fun to their daily routine.

Why This Hack Works

Drawing a smiley face on the inside of each shoe is a visual cue that helps children easily distinguish between left and right! When the shoes are placed side by side correctly, the smiley face is complete. This simple trick makes getting dressed an enjoyable game and encourages independence.

How to Implement the Smiley Face Hack

1. Gather Supplies: All you need is a permanent marker. Choose a bright color that stands out against the shoe’s insole.
2. Clean the Shoe Insides: Make sure the inside of the shoes are clean and dry. This ensures the marker will adhere well and last longer.
3. Draw the Smiley Faces:
   • Take the left shoe and draw a smiley face on the inner side of the shoe’s insole.
   • Take the right shoe and draw another smiley face on the corresponding inner side.
     (You can also draw a half smiley face on each side instead so when you put the shoes together the smiley face is complete!)
4. Reinforce the Hack: Show your child how the smiley face should look when the shoes are correctly positioned. Practice this a few times together.

Benefits of the Smiley Face Hack

1. Durability: Unlike stickers, the permanent marker won’t fall off or dry out. The smiley face will last until the shoes are outgrown or replaced.
2. Easy to Understand: A smiley face is a universally recognizable symbol, making it easy for young children to grasp the concept.
3. Encourages Independence: This hack helps children learn to put on their shoes correctly by themselves, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
4. Fun and Engaging: The playful nature of a smiley face turns the task of putting on shoes into an enjoyable activity!

Additional Tips

• Reapply as Needed: If the marker starts to fade over time, simply redraw the smiley face.
• Use Different Colors: For added fun, use different colored markers for different pairs of shoes.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child each time they successfully match the smiley face, reinforcing their efforts and boosting their confidence.

Conclusion

The smiley face hack is a simple, effective, and lasting solution to help your child learn to put their shoes on the correct feet. By turning a daily task into a fun and engaging activity, you’re not only teaching them an important skill but also fostering their independence and confidence!

Have you tried this hack or have other tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!