Shannon, what you describe is very similar to the technique called scaffolding. By providing a formal and tangible structure for your students of all intelligence levels to follow, you provide them a roadmap of sorts to reach their educational goals. Great use of mental imagery as well in that by allowing them to focus on something as simple as how many ways to tie a shoe lace, they can mind trip of sorts about how other concepts can be handled in multiple ways. Greatly appreciate you sharing and demonstrating the success you are having being so progressive in your teaching techniques. Regards, James