Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both sides of the body effectively and efficiently. This skill is crucial for mastering tasks like getting dressed, using cutlery, or riding a bike. Developing bilateral coordination is also essential for establishing handedness and refining fine motor skills.
There are three types:
Symmetrical
Symmetrical bilateral co-ordination involves using both sides of the body at the same time and in the same way. Think catching a ball with both hands or doing star jumps.
Asymmetrical
Asymmetrical bilateral co-ordination is for those tasks where the two sides do different things. One hand stabilises the paper while the other writes; one hand turns the paper while the other cuts with scissors; one hand holds the jar, the other twists the lid.
Reciprocal
Reciprocal bilateral co-ordination is used in those situations where both sides work in an alternating fashion. Pushing the pedals of a bike, for example.
All these skills are prerequisites for confident, mistake-free writing. Our goal is to go from left to right across the page in a controlled manner.
