Roll, Reach, Ride: Helping Kids Develop Bilateral Coordination

Genna Nichol
Sep 29
2 min read

Bilateral coordination, the ability to use both sides of the body together, develops significantly in early childhood, laying the groundwork for many other skills including:

Fine motor skills: Essential for tasks like writing, drawing, cutting and using utensils.
Gross motor skills: Needed for activities like running, jumping, and playing sports.
Cognitive development: Improves attention, focus, and problem-solving.
Social skills: Facilitates participation in group activities and play.

Stages of Bilateral Coordination Development

Babies start developing bilateral coordination around 18 to 24 months, and it's usually well-developed by age four. Here is a general developmental guideline:

Early Stages (Infancy):

Babies initially use both hands equally, bringing them to the midline and grasping objects with both hands.

Emerging Hand Preference:

Between 2 and 4 years, children start showing a hand preference, but still use both hands for different tasks.

Established Hand Dominance:

By 4 to 6 years, one hand becomes dominant for fine motor tasks like writing, while the other hand serves as a helper.

Symmetrical, Reciprocal, and Asymmetrical Coordination:

Children progress through these stages, initially coordinating both sides of the body for the same action, then for opposite actions (like crawling), and finally, using a leading and supporting hand.

Activities to Promote Bilateral Coordination Development:

Symmetrical Activities:

Catching a ball: Using two hands to catch a ball helps coordinate both sides of the body.
Blowing and popping bubbles: Reaching with both hands to pop bubbles or playing with balloons enhances coordination.
Clapping: Clapping games help synchronize hand movements.
Rolling with a rolling pin: Using both hands to roll playdough or cookie dough promotes coordinated movement.

Reciprocal Activities:

Crawling and walking: These activities naturally involve alternating movements of the limbs.
Playing on monkey bars: Swinging on monkey bars requires alternating arm and leg movements.

Activities with Supporting Hand:

Cutting with scissors: One hand stabilizes the paper while the other cuts.
Tying shoes: One hand holds the lace while the other ties it.
Using tools: One hand holds the object while the other uses a tool (e.g., a hammer and nail).
Playing instruments: Using two hands to play instruments like drums or piano.

Other Activities:

Puzzles and building blocks: These activities encourage the use of two hands together.
Cooking or baking: Stirring with one hand while holding the bowl with the other is a good exercise.
Riding a bike: Requires coordinated use of legs for pedaling.
Swimming: Improves overall body coordination.

Next time your child is climbing on the playground, pedaling their bike, or proudly cutting out shapes, you’ll know there’s more happening than just play—it’s their brain and body learning to work in sync.