Two Hands Are Better Than One! Fun Bilateral Coordination Games for 1–6 Year Olds

Hi, I’m Rochelle from Beelieve Paediatric Therapy. We work with children of all abilities to help them grow, learn, and develop the skills they need for everyday life. Our team believes in making therapy fun, family-centred, and goal-driven so that every child can thrive.

Bilateral coordination is a key area of development we often work on. It plays an important role in everything from self-care and school readiness to sports and play. In this blog, I’ll share what bilateral coordination is, why it matters, how you can help your child at home, and when you might want to seek further support.

What is Bilateral Coordination?

Bilateral coordination refers to the ability to use both sides of the body together in a smooth and coordinated way. This skill involves communication between the left and right sides of the brain, which is essential for many everyday activities.

There are three main types of bilateral coordination:

• Symmetrical coordination: Using both sides of the body to do the same thing at the same time, like clapping hands or jumping.

• Alternating coordination: Using one side of the body and then the other in a repeating pattern, like pedalling a bike or crawling.

• Dominant and assisting coordination: One hand or side of the body leads the action while the other supports, such as holding paper with one hand while cutting with the other.

  
  

Why Bilateral Coordination Matters

Bilateral coordination is involved in almost every part of a child’s day. It is essential for:

• Self-care: Getting dressed, using cutlery, brushing teeth, and tying shoelaces.

• School activities: Writing, cutting, turning pages, and carrying objects.

• Play and sports: Throwing and catching a ball, swimming, climbing, and building with blocks.

• Gross and fine motor skills: Developing strong foundational movement skills that support balance, strength, and dexterity.

If bilateral coordination skills are delayed, children may struggle with both learning and play, which can impact confidence and independence.

What to Look Out For – Red Flags

While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs that may suggest your child could benefit from extra support with bilateral coordination. These can include:

• Difficulty using both hands together for tasks like cutting, catching a ball, or building with blocks.

• Frequently switching hands during activities without a clear dominant hand developing after the age of 4-5.

• Avoiding activities that require coordinated movements, such as bike riding or climbing.

• Trouble crossing the midline of the body, such as using the left hand to reach across to the right side.

• Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated compared to peers.

• Difficulty with self-care skills that require both hands, like buttoning clothes or brushing teeth.

If you notice several of these signs, an occupational therapy assessment can help identify any underlying challenges and create a plan to build these skills.

Fun Activities to Improve Bilateral Coordination

The best way to support your child is through play-based, engaging activities that use both sides of the body. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Animal walks: Get down on the floor and try crab walking, bear walking, or frog jumps. These encourage children to coordinate arms and legs while building strength.

2. Threading and lacing: Using large beads or lacing cards encourages one hand to hold steady while the other threads, building dominant-assisting coordination.

3. Rolling and catching games: Sit facing your child and roll a ball back and forth. Progress to gentle underarm throws, then catching with two hands.

4. Baking together: Activities like stirring batter, rolling dough, and pouring ingredients require both sides of the body to work together.

5. Pillow obstacle course: Create a course with cushions, tunnels, and things to climb over or under. This builds alternating coordination and balance.

6. Clapping games: Songs and clapping patterns help develop symmetrical coordination and rhythm.

7. Craft activities: Cutting shapes, gluing, and colouring encourage the use of a dominant and supporting hand.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

At Beelieve Paediatric Therapy, we take a fun, goal-directed approach to building bilateral coordination skills. Our sessions are tailored to your child’s interests, so they stay engaged while working on important motor skills.

We may use obstacle courses, movement games, arts and crafts, sports-based activities, or everyday tasks like baking and dressing to help your child learn to coordinate both sides of the body. We also work closely with families, providing home activity suggestions to keep progress going between sessions.

Bilateral coordination skills are a foundation for so many parts of life, from learning in the classroom to playing at the park. Supporting these skills early can set children up for success, confidence, and independence.

If you have concerns about your child’s coordination or would like guidance on helping them at home, our team at Beelieve Paediatric Therapy is here to help. Contact us to find out more about how we can support your child’s development in a fun and family-centred way.

Keep buzzing along, you’re doing amazing things for your child.

Rochelle 🐝