Bilateral coordination is essential for many everyday movements
Have you noticed your child being a bit clumsy? Maybe dropping things they shouldn’t, tripping over their own feet, or struggling with tasks like tying shoelaces or buttoning a shirt?
These could be signs that your child needs bilateral coordination activities to help both sides of their body communicate and work together.
Bilateral coordination is essential for many everyday movements, from simple tasks like catching a ball to more complex actions such as cutting with scissors.
Let’s explore some simple activities for bilateral coordination to help strengthen your child’s motor skills and coordination. These activities will also boost their ability to perform everyday tasks with greater confidence and control.
Why is bilateral coordination important?
Bilateral coordination is important because it shows us how well both sides of the brain are communicating and working together.
Emerging studies have found that kids who engage in coordinated bilateral aerobic movement have greater activation of the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex across both sides of the brain.
This study in particular shows that integrating bilateral coordination activities into a child’s daily routine (even just for 10 minutes) can also help improve concentration, attention span, and coordination in kids.
It’s important to recognize that children progress through different stages of coordination as their brain and motor skills develop. With time, they will master each stage.
Bilateral coordination is a critical skill that requires regular practice to build confidence and proficiency.
Stages of Bilateral Coordination
Stage 1: Symmetrical Coordination
- Symmetrical bilateral coordination involves using both sides of the body at the same time in the same way.
- Catching a ball with two hands
- Clapping
- Shaking a rattle with both hands
Stage 2: Alternating Coordination
- Alternating bilateral coordination involves using both sides of the body in a rhythmic, alternating pattern.
- Walking
- Running
- Pedaling a bike
- Climbing
Stage 3: Integrating Dominant and Stabilizing Sides
- In this final stage, children develop a clear dominant side for more precise movements while using the other side as a stabilizing support.
- Drawing with the dominant hand and stabilizing paper with the other hand
- Throwing a ball with one hand while standing on the other foot for balance
- Buttoning a shirt
- Cutting paper with scissors
These three stages of bilateral coordination are very important because they reflect the maturation and co-activation of the two hemispheres of the brain.
Integrating the following bilateral coordination activities into your child’s daily routine will also help improve:
- Fine motor development
- Gross motor development
- Visual Perception skills
- Vestibular Processing
- Concentration and attention
Bilateral Coordination Activities for Toddlers
Animal Walks: Have your toddler imitate animal movements, such as crawling like a bear, hopping like a frog, or waddling like a penguin.
Pasta Necklace Making: Provide large pasta pieces for children to thread onto a string, using both hands to create their necklace.
Mirror Movements: Sit facing your toddler and make various hand and arm movements for them to imitate, encouraging them to mirror your actions.
Building Blocks: Encourage toddlers to use both hands to stack and build towers with blocks, promoting fine motor skills and coordination as they manipulate the blocks.
Bilateral Coordination Activities for Preschoolers
Playdough Activities: Rolling, squishing, and cutting playdough with both hands encourages bilateral coordination through manipulation.
Catch and Toss: Use a soft ball or beanbag and have children practice catching and tossing it back and forth.
Exercise Challenges: Incorporate physical challenges like stair climbing or jumping jacks. During these exercises, both sides of the body must work together to build strength and balance.
Hand-Clapping Games: Play traditional hand-clapping games like Pat-a-Cake or Miss Mary Mack. These games require children to use both hands while also practicing midline crossing, an important piece of bilateral coordination.
