As a child’s dominance begins to emerge, you will notice several other types of developmental stages that eventually prepare a child for writing, reading, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and reasoning. Bilateral integration is one of these important developmental stages that goes along with establishing dominance. These stages are often referred to as bilateral milestones and each one aids in creating a stronger foundation for learning.
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How Bilateral Skills Support the Learning Journey
Bilateral integration ensures that both hemispheres of the brain communicate and coordinate smoothly. This translates into:
Strong dominant hand: Crucial for writing, manipulating objects, and everyday tasks.
- Effortless midline crossing:Moving comfortably across their body midline, essential for reading, writing, and visual tracking.
- Smooth coordination:From hopping on one foot to using scissors, bilateral skills support fine and gross motor development.
- Symmetrical Bilateral Integration (Mirroring Movements) Moving both sides of the body in the same way at the same time -Clapping hands, patting knees, crawling on hands and knees (both hands and knees moving together).
- Reciprocal Bilateral Integration (Opposite Movements) Performing opposite movements with each side of the body- Walking, swimming, riding a bike (one leg pushes down, the other pulls up).
- Asymmetrical Bilateral Integration: Using each side of the body for different tasks related to the same activity such as pouring juice and holding a cup (one hand pours, the other hand holds the cup.
- Crossing the Midline
