PL T2.03Taking Off Socks, Shoes, and Hat
The adult loosens each item and the toddler finishes taking it off: pulling a sock from the toe, a shoe from the heel, a hat from the head.
Safety
- Check that no clothing item or shoe part (bead, button, bow) fits the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.) or is loose.
Presentation
- 1
Sit on the floor beside the child at the bench. Say: 'We are going to take off your shoes.'
- 2
Open the shoe's fastening and loosen it. Hold the heel of the shoe and say: 'Pull.' Wait for the child to pull the shoe off their foot.
- 3
Push the sock down to the child's heel. Show them the toe of the sock and say: 'Pull here.' The sock sliding off the toe is the point of interest.
- 4
Wait while the child pulls. If they cannot, pull it partway and let them finish.
- 5
Invite the child to put the shoes and socks in the basket.
- 6
For a hat: say 'Hat off,' lift the back edge a little, and wait for the child to pull it off the top of their head.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- The child opens the hook-and-loop fastening themselves
- The child pushes the sock down to the heel themselves
- The child takes off pull-on pants while sitting
- The child takes off their shoes on arrival without being asked
Control of error
A sock pulled at the ankle stretches and stays on; pulling at the toe brings it off.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Pulls off socks from the toe
- Takes off open shoes and hat without help
- Puts the items in their basket or cubby
Guide note
Toddlers take clothes off long before they can put them on; this is expected and is the first step of dressing.