For something that "seems" like it should be simple, teaching knots often feels more like it's Rocket Science. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

There were lots of great ideas already posted here. One thing that I have learned in teaching Cubs, Webelos, and Boy Scouts is that you can't teach very many knots in one session. They need to repeat the same knot, many many times. They need to be able to tie it with their eyes closed. (They'll be setting up a tent in the dark sometime and realize why.)

Ok, so how do you do that? (Short attention spans, boredom, etc.) What I do is make sure that I have lots of "props" that can be used to illustrate the many different ways to use a particular knot. Think of all the ways you could use a bowline, and let the boys (or your adults in training) try to use the new knot they have "mastered" in different situations.

What we called it was "Knot of the Week". Each troop meeting for about 2 months had a new knot featured in a short session. You can make it competitive also, if you have a group that likes a little challenge. You can have a series of knot challenges, and score the patrol on time and accuracy.

In the end, try to make it fun. Please don't try to teach them ten knots in a single session, it usually ends in frustration, and they come away not able to tie any of them well.

Best of luck!