Bilateral coordination means using both sides of the body together in a coordinated way. Scroll down to learn more about how to support the development of this skill for kids.
Time and time again this summer, we’ve heard parents and therapists asking:
“How can I help kids improve their bilateral coordination?”
Bilateral coordination, using both sides of the body together, is definitely a buzzword in the therapy world. It could be because more and more kids are being diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder
OR….
Maybe it is because we are all coming back out into the world after the pandemic and seeing how the lack of exposure to important skill building opportunities like using the playground and attending PE class is impacting kids!
Red Flags for Bilateral Coordination Difficulties
How can you tell if a child has poor bilateral coordination? Here is a quick look at some of the everyday tasks that may indicate that your child has difficulty with bilateral coordination:
-Difficulty with cutting with scissors
-Difficulty with handwriting
-Having a hard time tying shoes
-Difficulty with dressing skills like pulling up pants or putting on socks and shoes
-Difficulty with clothing fasteners like buttoning, zipping or snapping
-Clumsy movements
-Difficulty catching a ball
-Unable to pedal a bike
-Awkward clapping
3 Types of Bilateral Coordination
Bilateral coordination can be viewed in 3 different ways. The first is symmetrical. Symmetrical movements are using both sides of the body at the same time to accomplish a task. An example would be using a rolling pin with both hands to roll a pancake out of play dough.
Alternating is the second way to look at bilateral coordination. This type is when one side of the body does the movement and then the movement is repeated on the other side of the body. An example of alternating bilateral coordination would be crawling. One side of the body moves forward then the other to accomplish movement across the room.
Finally, there is leading and supporting. This is when both sides of the body are required for a task but each side does something different. For example, when your child colors, he should stabilize the paper with one hand while moving the crayon with the other.
When all of these categories of coordination come together, a child’s movements are smooth and require much less effort!
How to Improve Bilateral Coordination Skills
Improving bilateral coordination takes lots of consistent practice. But, working on this skill can be fun and can be done with playful activities that many kids enjoy on a regular basis at home and at school.
Here are our top 15 ideas for practicing bilateral coordination skills everyday.
Bilateral Coordination Toys
These fun and creative bilateral coordination toys are the perfect way to get kids’ attention and incorporate bilateral skills into everyday play!
Rolling Pin
It takes two hands to use the kitchen staple (and a good dose of core strength, too).Grab your favorite color playdough, some bubble wrap (bonus sensory play) or whip up some sugar cookie dough and play away!
Hand Clapping Games
This childhood game takes zero equipment and can be done anytime, anywhere! We bet there are a few favorites from mom’s past on this list and maybe a few new ones to add to the mix! Check out our free printable hand clapping games!
Grab a Balloon
Play a game of keep it up but the rule is that you must use both hands to touch the balloon at the same time! How may taps can you get in a row? Click here for our other fun balloon games.
Do the Dishes
What kid doesn’t love to play in a pile of soapy bubbles? Put him to work with a washcloth and a few spoons or plastic plates to wash.
Stringing Beads
Stringing beads is such a great way to work on using two hands together. See below for a fun twist on this activity with a pool noodle!
Scissors
Cutting isn’t just for paper! Slow your child down to practice the skill of cutting using both hands by having her hold a piece of playdough rolled into a log. She can then snip off pieces of that log one by one. We like to say we are making pasta!
Pool Noodle Bilateral Coordination Activity
Looking for fun and creative bilateral coordination activities? All you need is a pool noodle and a few other simple supplies!
Sweeping With a Broom
It takes two hands to sweep! Get your little one involved in some clean-up duties by offering up a broom or a small dustpan and brush. We love to play “Unicorn Poop” by scattering some sprinkles in a small area on the floor and having kiddos sweep them up into dustpans.
Wash the Windows
Use some window or dry erase markers to write letters or numbers on a window. Give your child a washcloth or wipe for each hand and have them erase two letters/numbers at the same time as you call them out. This would work for any academic skill (shapes, colors, sight words, etc).
Pillow Fight
Get the whole family in on the action and start an epic pillow fight or try some of these fun pillow games! You must keep both hands on the pillow for optimal swing!
Magazines
Grab some old magazines and have your child tear them up! Make it purposeful and add another bit of bilateral coordination practice by offering up a glue-stick and piece of construction paper for them to make a beautiful collage. If that’s too much work, try crumpling up those torn magazine pages and playing a game of basketball with their homemade balls and a trash can! Find other ways to use magazines to support development here.
Legos
Loved by almost every kid I know, these little blocks are perfect for practicing bilateral coordination.
Laundry
A pile of towels or washcloths has to be folded by someone! Let your kiddo help!
Basket Push
Once that laundry is folded, load up the basket and have her push it around the house using both hands.
Make a Drum
Use some wooden spoons and grab a few empty pots to make a percussion band! Hands drumming a tabletop would work, too!
Climbing
Find a playground and encourage any and all climbing. Up and down the ladders or stairs. Even up the slide!
Want to learn about some of the other fundamental concepts that we use in our pediatric therapy practice? Check out these posts and freebies…
Proximal Stability [FREE Printable]
Tactile Defensiveness [FREE Printable]
Planes of Movement [FREE Printable]
Bilateral Coordination Toys for Kids
