PL 4.12Polishing Shoes
The child brushes dirt off a leather shoe, rubs in a small amount of shoe cream, and buffs it to a shine.
Presentation
Search videos (opens YouTube in a new tab)- 1
Invite the child. Put on aprons, carry the tray to a table, and lay the mat.
- 2
Put one hand inside the shoe to hold it. Brush off dry dirt over the mat.
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Open the tin and set the lid upside down on the tray.
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Touch the applicator cloth to the polish once. Rub it on in small circles: toe first, then the sides and heel.
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Close the tin and wait a minute for the polish to dry.
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Buff with the clean cloth in quick strokes until the leather shines.
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Put the cloths in the laundry basket, fold the mat, and return the tray.
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Invite the child to polish the other shoe.
What catches the child’s eye
- Dust flicking off under the stiff brush
- Dull leather turning glossy under the cloth
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Polish both shoes of a pair so they match
- Polish a leather bag or belt
- Clean canvas shoes with a damp brush instead
Control of error
Dull patches show missed areas; polish on the mat or the sole shows too much was used.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Brushes the shoe clean before polishing
- Uses one small dab of polish at a time
- Buffs the whole shoe to an even shine
Guide note
Many shoe polishes contain solvents. Use a cream labeled non-toxic or plain beeswax, work in a ventilated room, and keep the tin on the tray.