Bilateral coordination refers to the ability to use both hands (or both legs) together to complete a functional task. This requires both the sides of the brain and the muscles to work together. Activities such as fine motor, gross motor, and daily living require integrated bilateral coordination to be successful.
Foundations of Bilateral Coordination
The first part required for bilateral coordination is the ability to “cross midline” meaning crossing arms/legs/eyes into the space of the opposite body part to perform functional motor skills. Secondly, body awareness needs to be intact to know where your body is in space internally and not relying on vision. For example, a child can move their arm without looking at it in a specific way or placing your arm into your sleeve of your jacket without looking at it.
Common skills requiring bilateral coordination with developmental milestones
Babies/Toddlers:
- Clapping
- Holding a bottle
- Banging blocks together
- Crawling or climbing up stairs
- Transitions from sitting to belly and belly to sitting
Pre-school/T-k age:
- Buttoning
- Snipping using scissors
- Taking off socks and shoes
- Throwing and catching a ball
- Opening a jar
- Stringing beads
- Putting on shirts and pants
- Drawing or coloring
- Drinking from a water bottle
School –aged:
- Zipping
- Snaps
- Tying shoes
- Playing a musical instrument
- Riding a bike
- Gymnastics
- Swimming
- Participating in physical education
- Skipping
- Reading left to right (or right to left depending on your language)
Fun Activities to try:
- Blowing and popping bubbles
- Peeling stickers
- Climbing play structures and ladders
- Stringing beads
- Dribbling a ball
- Hopscotch
- Tearing paper
- Riding a bike
- Obstacle courses
- Bear walks, crab walks, backward crawling
- Catching and throwing
- Painting
- Yoga
Our Alphabet Yoga cards are a great way to have your kids engage with Yoga and work on their bilateral coordination (not to mention core strength, flexibility, and overall coordination)!