Which activity typically shows readiness for a child to begin learning to tie their shoes?

The ability to grasp and manipulate small objects is a key indicator of a child's readiness to learn how to tie their shoes. This skill demonstrates the development of fine motor skills, which are crucial for the intricate movements involved in tying shoelaces. Children need to be able to coordinate their fingers to create the loops and pulls required for tying shoes, and this task demands both dexterity and strength.

While the other activities mentioned, such as running smoothly, hopping on one foot, or recognizing shapes, are important developmental milestones, they are more closely associated with gross motor skills or cognitive development rather than the fine motor skills required for tying shoes. Grasping and manipulating small objects shows that a child has developed the necessary hand-eye coordination and dexterity, paving the way for them to successfully learn and perform the task of tying their shoelaces.