Bilateral integration refers to the ability to use both sides of the body during an activity. Bilateral integration includes the ability to cross midline. Midline is an imaginary line that is drawn through the center of the body from the head to the toe. Without bilateral integration an individual would only be able to use one side of his/her body at a time.
Symmetrical Bilateral Integration occurs when both sides of the body are preforming the same action and mirroring each other.
Activities involving symmetrical bilateral integration:
- Clapping
- Jumping with both feet together
- Jumping jacks
- Catching a ball
- Pop beads
- Zoom Ball
- Jumping rope
- Rolling clay or dough
- Zoob (toy)
Reciprocal Bilateral Integration occurs when one side of the body is performing an action that is opposite from the other and vice versa.
Activities involving reciprocal bilateral integration:
- Crawling
- Walking
- Running
- Climbing a ladder
- Walking on a balance beam
- Swimming
- Juggling
- Skipping
- Wheelbarrow walking
- Crab walks
- Bear walks
Asymmetrical Bilateral Integration occurs when both sides of the body are performing different tasks at the same time in order to complete an activity.
Activities involving asymmetrical bilateral integration:
- Cutting
- Getting dressed (zippers, buttons, snaps, tying shoes)
- Using a ruler
- Throwing a ball
- Lacing boards
- Stringing beads
- Tracing stencils
- Typing
Crossing Midline occurs when an individual reaches across the middle of the body with arms or legs. Crossing midline may also be used to describe the ability to use the eyes to scan across the middle of a page or line. Completing activities that facilitate crossing the midline helps connect the hemispheres in the brain and assists a student in preparing to learn.
Activities involving crossing midline:
- Writing, coloring, drawing, or painting on a large piece of paper or easel
- Playing games such as Simon Says, Hokey Pokey, Follow the Leader, and Pat-a-Cake
- Playing sports such as golf, tennis, and baseball (batting)
- Deal cards to a group of friends sitting at a round table
- Use ribbon sticks or a scarf to make large circular motions or figure eight movements
- Sort small manipulatives into containers placed on the non-dominant side of the body
- Draw a large circle on a piece of paper and require the student to put stickers around the circle using his/her dominant hand only
- Practice turning a large toy steering wheel (can be found in most playgrounds)
- Complete stretching activities. Require the child to stand with his/her feet shoulder width apart. Instruct him/her to use the right hand, bend at the waist, and touch the left foot. Repeat on the other side.
- Complete Cross Crawls. Require the child to stand with his/her feet apart and touch his/her right elbow to the left knee as he/she lifts the left leg. Repeat on the other side.