SENSORY SYSTEMS: BILATERAL COORDINATION
Good bilateral coordination is important for age appropriate participation in daily living activities and peer play. Bilateral coordination involves our ability to use our extremities both symmetrically and reciprocally, on same side or opposing sides, and to cross the midline. Bilateral coordination is grounded in vestibular processing. The vestibular mechanism is located in our ear. When our head registers movement and gravity it allows us to respond with appropriate body movements, balance, and posture. Activities that support bilateral coordination include jumping, skipping, swimming, riding a bike, jumping rope, and catching a ball. Some fine motor bilateral coordination activities would be knife/fork use, cutting with scissors, tying shoe, and buttoning. If bilateral coordination activities are difficult for your child, try starting with vestibular activities and follow with bilateral coordination activities. Remember, the job of a child is to move and play. Find fun and interesting ways to help them accomplish this.
