Bilateral Coordination

Parent and Teacher Info

Bilateral Coordination

Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both sides of the body at the same time. There are three different types of BILATERAL COORDINATION movements that we perform on a regular basis. The following describe each on and provide a few examples:

1. Using two limbs (arms and/or legs) doing the same thing at the same time, with equal force

• Rolling Playdough

• Jumping (feet together)

• Pushing a wheelbarrow

• Making snow angels or doing jumping jacks

2. Alternating movements that involve one side, then the other, rhythmically

• Crawling, Walking, and Running, Jumping (feet apart)

• Skipping

• Riding a bike

3. Using both hands at the same time, but they are both doing something different such as one hand doing a complex task while the other hand is stabilizing

• Handwriting- helper hand stabilizes the paper

• Cutting- helper hand stabilizes paper, playdough, grocery bags, junk mail, etc

• Cutting food

• Spreading butter, jam or peanut butter on toast

• Self Care- buttons, snaps, zippers, tying shoes, loading toothpaste on toothbrush (It is highly recommended to increase independence with these self-care activities. Please see the Self Care section with suggestions on how to help your child succeed in this area).

Delays in bilateral coordination may result in decreased independence and/or poor hand-eye coordination. These delays may indicate an overall fine motor and gross motor deficit. Encouraging practice in a fun and engaging way is the key to improving bilateral coordination.

References

https://mamaot.com/functional-skills-kids/